Casualty Underwriter Sales Team Lead (AVP Eligible)
- Employer
- W.R. Berkley
- Location
- Glen Allen, Virginia
- Salary
- Not Specified
- Posted
- Nov 11, 2024
- Closes
- Jan 10, 2025
- Ref
- 2024-11013#GIJ-WRBerkley.4
- Category
- Sales, Underwriting
- Job Type
- Not Specified
- Career Level
- Not Specified
- Workplace
- In-Office
At Verus Specialty Insurance, a proud member of the esteemed W.R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB), we stand as a leading Excess and Surplus Lines provider delivering comprehensive solutions across the United States. Backed by the formidable strength of a Fortune 500 titan and operating with the agility of a nimble startup, we blend the best of both worlds to foster innovation and excellence in everything we do.
Our nationwide operations are supported by a robust network of select wholesale producers, ensuring that our reach and capabilities are always close at hand. We are driven by a forward-thinking leadership that champions a dynamic culture where questioning the norm is not just welcomed but expected. This ethos empowers our team to consistently surpass customer expectations and drive the industry forward.
At Verus, we are more than just a company; we are a community that thrives on collaboration, growth, and taking ownership of our actions. We are constantly on the lookout for exceptional talent who are eager to contribute, innovate, and grow with us. If you are passionate about making a mark in the insurance industry and align with our vision, we eagerly await your application. Join us and be a part of a team where your contributions are valued, and your potential fully realized!
The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Responsibilities
Are you a dynamic sales underwriter with a passion for driving growth and building strong relationships? Join our team as a Casualty Underwriting Sales Team Leader and take charge of our external broker-facing efforts. In this pivotal role, you will lead our underwriting sales team to success by focusing on targeted new business risks, nurturing relationships with Tier 1 and Developmental Brokers, and ensuring our team meets and exceeds sales goals. This is your opportunity to make a significant impact within our E&S company, where your sales expertise and underwriting authority will help shape our future.
Why Join Us?
- Impact: Your work will directly influence our growth and success, making this a high-impact role within the organization.
- Innovation: Be part of a company that values innovation and creativity in driving business results.
- Collaboration: Work closely with a team of driven professionals who are passionate about achieving excellence in the E&S market.
- Growth Opportunities: We offer ample opportunities for professional growth and development as you help shape our sales strategy.
AVP Eligibility: Depending on the candidate's level of experience and demonstrated ability to impact the role strategically, this position may be eligible for an AVP title either at the time of hire or as a future advancement opportunity.
Sales Leadership:
- Sales Team Management: Overall responsibility for leading a high-performing casualty underwriting team with 4-5 direct reports, including a group of new and renewal underwriters and underwriting trainee(s). You'll spearhead the underwriting sales team by setting and executing strategies to meet and exceed new business targets.
- Broker Relationship Management: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with Tier 1 and Developmental Brokers to drive targeted new business. Serve as the key point person for new business acquisition and important renewals.
- Sales Goal Management: Oversee the aggregation and achievement of sales goals for the team, ensuring alignment with broade
Industry/Practice/Knowledge:
- Business Acumen: Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the business, marketplace, and company objectives. Aligns sales and marketing efforts with the overall company strategy.
- Market Intelligence: Stay informed about market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities for growth and adjust sales strategies accordingly.
- Benchmarking: Continuously benchmarks sales strategies and policies against market trends, ensuring our approach remains competitive.
- Networking: Actively engages with industry peers and external resources to exchange ideas and gather insights that can be applied to drive sales.
Client Management:
- Client Relationship Building: Demonstrates advanced selling skills by influencing decision-makers and leading effective client teams.
- Advanced Negotiation: Negotiates coverage and pricing issues at a high level, ensuring client satisfaction while maintaining company profitability.
- Feedback Loop: Solicits feedback from clients to continuously improve service and resolve any issues that arise.
Product Skills:
- Customized Solutions: Identifies and tailors services to meet specific client needs, integrating coverage, service, and regulatory considerations.
- Product Innovation: Works closely with underwriting teams to identify new coverage needs and recommend enhancements that fill market gaps.
Book Management/Pricing Skills:
- Strategic Pricing: Collaborates with underwriters to develop pricing strategies that ensure profitable growth across the book of business.
- Profitability Oversight: Monitors sales performance and initiates corrective actions to sustain profit margins, aligning with overall company financial goals.
Risk Selection:
- Risk Assessment: Assesses potential risks and opportunities in the market, advocating for adjustments to underwriting standards when necessary.
- Exposure Analysis: Works with the team to identify and prioritize critical exposures, ensuring that the sales strategy supports underwriting objectives.
- Underwriting Authority: Exercise underwriting judgment to make decisions that align with both broker needs and company objectives, ensuring a balance between profitability and market competitiveness.
People Management:
- Team Performance: Sets clear performance expectations for the sales team (group of underwriters – new and renewal, underwriting trainees and assistants), monitoring progress and providing guidance to achieve sales goals.
- Staff Development: Coaches and mentors team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Proven experience as a sales underwriter with a strong focus on building and maintaining broker relationships in the E&S market, particularly in casualty lines.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and coach a sales team, driving results in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with exceptional negotiation abilities and a positive attitude.
- College degree and/or equivalent work experience, with demonstrated involvement in insurance industry education.
- Highly resourceful and analytical, with a strong ability to execute tasks through to resolution.
- Detail-oriented, with the initiative to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
- Strong customer service orientation, with a focus on delivering exceptional service.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
- High sense of urgency, with the ability to identify and resolve issues promptly.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel, and various project management tools.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 40% of the time.
#LI-FL1 #LI-HYBRID
Additional Company Details We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting firms.The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees.
The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment. Sponsorship Details Sponsorship not Offered for this Role