MMG INSURANCE COMPANY

Job Description

Job Title: Underwriter– Senior

Department: Personal Lines Underwriting

Reports To: VP of Personal Lines/Operations Supervisor

FLSA Status: Exempt

SUMMARY

The primary responsibilities of this role include overseeing a team of underwriters based in the home office. The chosen candidate will play a crucial role in the Personal Lines Leadership Team, demonstrating engagement and the ability to adapt to the evolving marketplace. Key duties include mentoring an underwriting team, conducting file audits and providing feedback to direct reports, preparing/analyzing and delivering updates on State specific financials and over all territory results, reviewing large losses and preparing a summary to provide to the executive team, facilitating monthly check-ins with direct reports, and preparing and delivering annual performance evaluations and all other functions of employee development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists Personal Lines Underwriting Management and Technical Specialist in overseeing the assignment of work and decision making to underwriting staff.
• Preparation and analysis of Personal Lines underwriting file audits.
• Preparation and analysis of various reporting functions including territorial and/or state specific status updates to Personal Lines Management.
• Assists in the planning and implementation of various Personal Lines department training activities.
• Monitors territory performance and reports on metrics.
• Applies extensive Personal Lines product knowledge including, but not limited to, Company Personal Lines underwriting guidelines and policy forms, Insurance Services Office's manuals and forms as well as knowledge of and familiarity with rating processes for all Company Personal Lines product offerings.
• Provides Personal Lines underwriting guidance and expertise to team members on Personal Lines underwriting decisions including those involving large values and seeks Management approval, as necessary.
• Performs the above-described job duties by examining such Personal Lines documents as application forms, inspection reports, insurance maps, claims' files, and medical reports to determine degree of risk from such factors as applicant financial standing, age, occupation, accident experience, and value and condition of property.
• Reviews and generates large loss report summaries for Management.
• Creates/modifies documentation of processes/procedures.
• Addresses/handles issues stemming from daily workflow transactions and provides appropriate escalation, when needed.
• Directly involved in the day-to-day oversight of assigned underwriting territory as it relates to profitability and growth.
• Monitors Personal Lines Claims Reports to Underwriting (CRU), collaborating with Casualty and Property Claims Departments and Underwriting Management, on decision-making. Includes collaborating with Personal Lines underwriters to create action plans to resolve issues noted in CRU reporting.
• Researches and responds to complaints received from agents, insureds, claimants, and the insurance department of the states in which the Company does business and seeks Management approval/review as necessary.
• Serves as a representative on various MMG operational committees, as directed.
• Assists in the coordination of major book of Personal Lines business initiatives including, but not limited to, line of business or agency re-underwrites.
• Develops new Personal Lines business development strategies for new territories and Agencies.
• Reviews and researches Personal Lines coverage issues, as directed.
• Accepts, rejects, and modifies complex/high-valued Personal Lines new business risks, as assigned.
• Communicates with marketing representatives, agency personnel, other insurance or inspection companies, or other entities as may be necessary, to obtain further information, quote rates, or explain Company Personal Lines underwriting policies, using available resources including, but not limited to, the PC network/Company computer system, the telephone, the facsimile machine, and e-mail.
• Develops and maintains positive Company/Agency relations which may include agency travel and visitation, and attendance at various conventions/meetings. (May include overnight stays.)
• Travels as required to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the employee's position and to fulfill educational requirements. (May include overnight stays.)
• Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES

Responsible for the work and actions of other employees. 

Responsible for maintaining a positive environment along with monitoring and ensuring team conduct and productivity. 

Responsible for coaching, resolving issues and serving as a link between subordinates and middle / upper management.

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of related experience and or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings. Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Able to read and to interpret written information.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem-solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

COMPUTER SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Office Productivity software such as Spreadsheet, Word Processing, Communications software, and Underwriting-related software.

Excels in technological skills to assist employees as needed with items such as; spreadsheets, electronic presentations, and databases. Assists with technology needs such as workstation set-up, trouble shooting, equipment replacement, etc. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

The Company may expect the employee to acquire, within a reasonable period of time as established by the Company, the Chartered Property/Casualty Underwriter designation, sponsored by the American Institute for Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters; or the Certificate in General Insurance (INS Series); and/or the Associate in Underwriting (AU) designation; and/or the Associate in Personal Insurance (API), sponsored by the Insurance Institute of America. The Company may expect the employee to take other courses it deems appropriate to the employee's job duties.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates leadership by exhibiting confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.
• Possesses above-average telephone skills.
• Possesses above-average interpersonal and relationship skills.
• Demonstrates good negotiating skills.
• Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments.
• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Demonstrates the ability to consistently maintain a positive attitude.
• Works cooperatively and productively with employees.
• Is self-motivated with strong organizational skills.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Possesses a valid driver's license.

Able to travel 20-25% of the time

Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit.

Demonstrates an aptitude consistent with securing information, analyzing it, and making above-average decisions affecting the position's area of responsibility as well as the overall operation of the department.

Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.