Commercial Surety Assistant Vice President

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The Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Commercial Surety is responsible for driving profitable growth through strategic agency relationships, market development, and team leadership. With growth, the AVP will build a team of underwriters, ensuring consistent execution of underwriting standards, risk assessment, and service excellence. By combining deep industry expertise with proactive marketing strategies, the AVP will position the organization as a preferred surety partner in the region, while cultivating a high-performing team aligned with corporate goals.

Key Accountabilities/Deliverables:

• Develop, supervise and guide a team of underwriters and support staff

• Demonstrate strong surety bond product knowledge and ability to work with surety account management systems to document for complex commercial surety accounts.

• Responsible for developing and managing a book of business, meeting/exceeding profitability objectives as set forth by leadership. This includes building and growing strategic relationships as well as identifying new opportunities for business within the region

• Entrepreneurial skills with the ability to develop and execute a strategic business plan in order to expand the surety portfolio and maintain P/L responsibility for the region

• Ensure adherence to underwriting guidelines, regulatory guidelines, and company policies

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key business partners to support business growth and retention

• Collaborate with agents, brokers, and internal stakeholders to address underwriting inquiries and resolve issues

• Implement underwriting best practices and process improvements to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency

• Conduct quality assurance reviews to maintain underwriting accuracy and consistency 

Technical Knowledge and Understanding:

• Strong technical underwriting expertise, including knowledge of surety principles, financial risk assessment, and bond forms.

• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess complex risks and provide solutions

• Leadership and team management abilities, with a focus on coaching, development, and performance management

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for building relationships and managing stakeholder expectations

• Proficiency in underwriting software systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe.

• Quantitative analysis skills

• Ability to present and negotiate complex agreements with brokers

• Effective time management and organizational skills

• Ability to work independently and perform quality work within deadlines

• Willingness to travel up to 40%

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field is required

• Advanced degree or professional certifications (e.g. AFSB, CPCU, etc.) is preferred

• Proven experience (typically 10+ years) in underwriting roles within the surety industry

• At least 5 years in a supervisory or managerial position is preferred

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

#LI-Hybrid

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At Core Specialty, you will receive a competitive salary and opportunities for professional development and advancement. We offer medical, dental, vision, and life insurances; short and long-term disability; a Company-match of 100% of a 6% contribution 401(k) plan; an Employee Assistance Plan; Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, Health Reimbursement Account, and a wellness program