AVP, CIS Manager - Chicago, Illinois

We are looking for a strategic and dynamic leader to partner with branch and distribution management to profitably grow the Chicago CIS book of business. 

Responsibilities: 

Responsible for growth and fostering of internal and external relationships of the CIS book. Directly accountable for 8 Underwriters.  Top Industry Practices within the CIS portfolio include Manufacturing, Professional Services, Other Services, Wholesale Trade, and Food.  Production responsibilities for Chicago distribution and regional impact associated with the RUC.     This Manager is responsible for hiring, retention, performance management, compensation and technical training and coaching and development of underwriting staff.  

The Manager is also responsible for advancing the sales and marketing expertise of the CIS team.  Specific responsibilities include:

P&L - Accountability (premium, profitability, growth, retention, and expense plans/results) for CIS business credited to Chicago.  Accountable for the RUC business credited outside of Chicago across the regional branches. Portfolio Management/LOB - Direct profit and loss responsibility for field business; coordination, agency management, and production responsibility across CIS product portfolio. Coordination and collaboration with the P&C Underwriting Center Underwriting Strategy Execution - Manages execution of new middle market underwriting and renewal underwriting strategy.  Technical UW/Referral Resource - In collaboration with Product and TUMs, serves as technical resource for referrals and underwriting authority for select teams based on technical background.  Point of contact for branch risks which fall outside of field authority; coordinate efforts with Home Office/Product and Segment leaders.   Quality Assurance - Monitors underwriting quality through quarterly self-audits, referral interactions, and Corporate Underwriting audits. Marketplace Focus - Develop opportunities particular to the marketplace and provide customized insurance solutions through local resources.  Marketing Strategy and Execution - Works closely with Field Operations on development and execution of marketing strategy and coordinates marketing and production activities within the Chicago branch for the CIS portfolio of CI business. Business Development - Directs business development activities and provides guidance for implementing sales and/or product launches. Producer Management: Primary responsibility for managing regional/local producer plant; responsible for cohesive and consistent agency management strategies across assigned distribution. Facilitates product education/appetite; serves as point person for key local producer relationships. Budget and Expense Administration - Oversees business and budget planning for all business produced within the Chicago & CIS P&C portfolio. Ensures effective expense administration. Staff Development and Staff Administration (including Performance Management and Compensation) for the underwriting team – Accountable for new hire onboarding, training and developing, succession planning, culture of inclusion, coaching and mentoring and retention of staff.  Ensure effective deployment of staff for the CIS team. Oversee workflows, staffing resources, and appropriate application of technology to ensure efficient, cost-effective field operation.  Collaborate with HR on performance management and compensation process.

Qualifications and Competencies:

Minimum 5-7 years P&C underwriting experience with previous leadership experienceUnderstanding of middle market Property & Casualty products and appetiteStrong understanding of field distribution plant (broker, regional, independent agents)Demonstrated people management skillsStrong technical/underwriting leadership skills to manage a team of multiline commercial underwritersAdvanced marketing and sales skillsBuilds strategic relationshipsDrives customer focusDemonstrates agilityDrives executionExerts operational decision makingExhibits skillful communication