Manager, Underwriting

Penn National Insurance is seeking a Manager, Underwriting as an in-house underwriting expert who manages the underwriting staff, interacts with the Commercial Lines Territory Managers regarding underwriting decisions, and assists in the underwriting of complex business.  

The position is responsible for achieving production and profitability of the branch, and the performance and development of underwriting personnel.  Also serves as the liaison between the branch and Home Office regarding underwriting issues in each of the various lines of business.  This position is based in Harrisburg, PA and is a hybrid role.

• Coaching & Influencing
• Conflict Management
• Facilitating Change
• Strategic Planning
• Ability to Grow & Adapt
• Embraces Data Analytics

• →The Manager, Underwriting manages and is responsible for hiring, with concurrence of the Regional Vice President, developing and directing the branch’s underwriting staff to include establishing expectations and objectives, monitoring performance issues and instituting corrective action as necessary.
• →Leading and managing Commercial Lines Underwriting staff towards the achievement of branch profit and production objectives (including renewal pricing objectives).
• →Develop, direct and coach assigned staff, to include establishing performance objectives and clear success criteria, as well as monitoring performance outcomes and addressing issues appropriately.
• →Lead by example in communicating with staff. Encourage open dialogue in staff meetings and 1:1 discussions.
• →Plans underwriting development activities for the branch underwriting staff, to include providing training and coaching, as necessary.
• →This position is granted the highest levels of Branch underwriting authority and utilizes that authority as an extension of Home Office underwriting in the branch referral process.
• →Reviews and evaluates large loss reports, confers with the branch’s Territory Managers and underwriting staff, and recommends the appropriate actions to be taken on accounts, as necessary.
• →Communicates any needed business changes to include what is changing, why the need, anticipated benefits; emphasizes the impact of change on performance expectations and individual, team, and organizational results.
• →Completes the book of business analysis to identify opportunities for improvement, including performance of new and existing products, target classes, etc. 
• →The Manager, Underwriting has a working knowledge of all automated systems used in underwriting and is responsible for ensuring that the branch’s underwriting staff is utilizing such automation in all applicable underwriting activities.
• →Serves as the branch’s primary liaison with the Home Office Commercial Product Managers regarding complex underwriting issues. 
• →Responsible for providing guidance and input to the branch’s underwriting staff to resolve agent and policyholder issues/concerns.  The incumbent coordinates the implementation of programs/changes involving underwriting issues.
• →Identifies and elevates service issues to the Service Coordinator for their office.
• →Directs and coordinates the Line of Business reviews and rate review analysis for the branch.
• →This position ensures that the branch’s underwriting staff and Commercial Territory Managers underwrite risks in accordance with the guidelines set by Penn National Insurance.  The Manager, Underwriting is responsible for the branch’s underwriting quality program in order to ensure a consistently profitable book of business.
• →The incumbent oversees underwriting initiatives within the branch, both those directed by Home Office as well as those developed within the branch.
• →Coordinates the purchase of all facultative reinsurance, which is in excess of the underwriters’ authority levels.

• →Accompanies each of the branch’s Territory Managers on agent visits as directed by the RVP.  The incumbent also travels independently to visit agents as necessary.
• →Performs other duties as may be assigned by the President, Partners Mutual Insurance; Regional Vice President and/ or Home Office Underwriting staff.

• Direct reports include Small Business Commercial Lines Underwriter and Middle Market Commercial Lines Underwriter.
• Oversees underwriting process where TM or SR TM underwrites business
• The underwriting staff report to the Manager, Underwriting position
• Direct contact with all levels of personnel in the assigned branch and supporting claims service office
• Direct contact with all levels of personnel in the Home Office underwriting, claims, and other departments;
• Direct contact with agents, vendors, re-insurance representatives, etc.

Education

• Bachelor's degree required
• Continuing education in insurance related courses with CPCU or equivalent industry designations strongly preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years' experience in multi-line commercial lines underwriting
• Previous supervisory experience preferred

Technical/Professional Knowledge

• Must have an in-depth knowledge and an exceptional level of expertise in all aspects of Commercial Lines underwriting functions, including current industry developments/trends, regulatory issues applicable to the operating territory, and the standards, guidelines and reinsurance programs
• Exceptional knowledge of company underwriting standards and philosophy
• Exceptional knowledge of all commercial lines insurance coverages
• Excellent research, analytical and decision-making skills
• Excellent customer-service skills
• Effective negotiation skills
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Good math aptitude
• Basic training skills
• Good PC skills, with an emphasis on Microsoft Office Suite

JOB REQUIREMENTS (as required by ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act)

• This position is primarily a sedentary position that requires occasional standing and walking throughout the office environment.
• Must be able to perform computer-based tasks and access digital information necessary for job duties, including through the use of assistive technologies.
• Must be able to complete computer-based tasks and utilize office equipment as needed to perform essential job functions.
• Must be able to access and enter information accurately using automated systems.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with internal and external clients using telephone, electronic, or other communication systems. 
• Must be able to present information to individuals and groups.
• Must be able to interpret and apply concepts that may or may not be based upon established guidelines.
• Must be able to maintain acceptable attendance and adhere to scheduled work hours.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to travel, with overnight stays required.