AVP, Underwriter Middle Market Retail (United States)

Company Overview: Ategrity Specialty Insurance Company specializes in property and casualty insurance, with a strong emphasis on the excess and surplus (“E&S”) lines market, partnering with brokers and wholesale agents throughout the U.S. to provide insurance solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Our aim is to establish ourselves as the premier E&S carrier, leveraging robust technical underwriting, intelligent operational efficiencies, sound risk management, and intensive specialization to excel in the marketplace. We are firmly on track to achieve this success.

Ategrity is a proactive organization, driven by data obsession, and guided by a culture of innovation. Our team is comprised of individuals who take action with unwavering determination and conviction to establish our “right to win” in the SME space. Ategrity’s underwriting strategy focused on becoming a leader in specific segments of E&S through efficient operationalization of technical underwriting practices and a strong value proposition.

Background: In 2021, Ategrity planted a flag firmly in the ground, declaring our unwavering dedication to serving SMEs and our presence has been established. Our Small Business division focuses on Contract Binding for small businesses, while our Middle Market practice serves medium-sized businesses. Middle Market forms the heart of the US economy and is where businesses thrive, innovate and drive progress. However, this segment remains largely underserved, creating untapped potential to truly comprehend the middle market segments’ unique challenges and tailor our offering accordingly. Currently, we specialize in three key segments of the casualty market: 1). Construction , 2). Residential Real Estate , 3). Hospitality , and 4). Retail . Thriving in the middle market necessitates embracing innovation and positioning ourselves at the forefront of the industry. The retail industry, includes convenience stores, grocery stores, specialty stores, and new venture retail that finds its way to the E&S market.

Role : As a leader within our Middle Market Casualty practice, you will join us on our journey with clarity and determination to reshape the middle market insurance landscape. Ategrity’s underwriting methodology is characterized by deep specialization, a concentrated risk appetite, and the delivery of exceptional service. This role will be instrumental in shaping our underwriting strategies and refining our value proposition for target markets within the middle market space. Your mission is to deploy technical underwriting best practices and drive continuous improvement by leveraging both formal and informal organizational structures. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute significantly to Ategrity's growing success and make a lasting impact on the business.

This role will report to the Deputy Chief Underwriting Officer (DCUO), Casualty and is hybrid. There will be approximately 25% travel for this position.

Responsibilities

• Grow and lead the Middle Market Retail team.
• Analyze and underwrite middle market, and specialist business, ensuring the delivery of exceptional services to our partners.
• Ensure the continued profitability, growth, and operational efficiencies of our chosen middle market segments by assessing risk tolerance, market appetite, and emerging risk/underwriting issues through continuous analysis of the portfolio.
• Achieve all profit, quality, growth, diversification, and operational objectives.
• Actively prepare for and engage in strategic planning and quarterly business reviews (QBRs).
• Guide the implementation of underwriting strategies to identify profitable market opportunities for both current and new products.
• Provide recommendations and growth targets by industry class, and geography.

Team Leadership

• Collaborate and offer mentorship, coaching, and guidance to team members, fostering a culture of continuous growth and excellence. Set expectations, foster transparent communication, lead by example (no task is beneath you), show accountability for your actions, and build trust.
• Recognize the interplay of high accountability and high trust is vital for our success and to foster a positive work environment.
• Recruit, train, motivate, and lead new team members, with a preference for individuals that are highly motivated and capable of thriving in an extremely fast-paced, remote work environment, particularly those candidates that can excel in intense and production-oriented setting.
• Oversee underwriter productivity to ensure team members consistently meet and surpass productivity metrics and goals.
• Foster an environment that promotes intellectual curiosity and diverse perspectives.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to underwriters, including setting clear expectations, regular performance reviews, and constructive feedback for maintaining accountability.
• Set measurable goals, monitor progress, and address issues promptly to ensure that every team member can perform to the best of their abilities.
• Work with DCUO to designate technical specialists for each of our industry verticals.

Deliver Results

• Achieve our ambitious growth goals by taking responsibility for both your own business goals and those of your team members.
• Build a diversified portfolio aiming for a high renewal rate of 85% or better.

Technical Underwriting

• Collaborate with DCUO to coordinate technical underwriting operations, focusing on the development and maintenance of underwriting models that prioritize efficiency and speed, without compromising on accurate, data-driven evaluations.
• Ensure that underwriting decisions are made with utmost precision and accuracy, in compliance with our proprietary rate plans and firm guidelines.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate results to maintain proactive, systematic, and effective underwriting standards that are scalable.
• Stay abreast of industry trends in our chosen middle market segments – pay attention to competitors, but obsess over our industry verticals.
• Work alongside the DCUO to conduct market research and competitor analysis.
• Create underwriting guidelines that serve as comprehensive “how-to” guides for the team.

Distribution and Service

• Collaborate with our Head of Distribution to enhance and expand our distribution network, reaching new markets and partners.
• Paying meticulous attention to details at every touchpoint to maintain a high level of underwriting rigor, while avoiding inefficiency and not overburdening our partners.
• Work with DCUO to develop and transition “auto-renewal” process to Service Delivery team.

Qualifications/Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of advanced working knowledge in E&S casualty products, insurance concepts, underwriting processes and procedures, and relevant laws and regulations.
• Experience in P&C insurance, preferably in leadership role at an E&S carrier - CPCU, AU or CIC, continuing insurance education desired.
• Core underwriting skills and advanced knowledge in at least two of our core classes; 1). Construction, 2). Hospitality (hotels, motels, restaurants), 3). Real Estate and 4.) Retail are essential.
• Working knowledge of concepts and principles related to strategic business planning and implementation.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to build rapport and teamwork, resolve conflicts, motivate staff/teams, and guide them through various initiatives.
• Experience with establishing, growing, and maintaining startup companies and/or business units preferred.
• Ability to develop and execute plans, providing strategic direction to the development and achievement of division goals.
• B.A./B.S. degree from an accredited college or university.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Results-oriented mindset

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment with opportunities for career growth and advancement

Ategrity Specialty Insurance Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.