Underwriting Consulting Director (Large Construction)

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CNA seeks to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees that helps them — and their family members — achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals.

For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, check out our Candidate Guide.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

CNA’s Construction team is dedicated to being a responsive and flexible partner that understands the inherent risks of the construction world and has the discipline, insight, and expertise to navigate the evolving exposures that come with it.

We know business insurance works better when it is custom built for the task at hand. So, we provide a wide array of industry-specific coverages and smart, informed solutions that are carefully tailored to our client’s unique construction needs—from large, global accounts to mid-size contractors.

CNA has an excellent opportunity for an experienced senior level underwriter to manage and grow a National Accounts Construction book of Loss Sensitive business. This Underwriting, Consulting Director will focus on the commercial construction industry class (commercial contracting and general contractors) for our Large National Accounts Loss Sensitive business.

This remote position may be located throughout the United States with preference to larger metropolitan cities with proximity to airports as travel will be included in this role.
 
Position Summary

The Underwriting Consulting Director is responsible for using technical, sales and analytical skills to provide insurance solutions that help CNA’s customers manage risk. You will have a thorough understanding of CNA’s strategies and appetites and will use internal and external data to make appropriate individual and portfolio risk decisions.

The Consulting Director is responsible for the profitable growth of an assigned book of Commercial Construction business, utilizing underwriting policies and guidelines, rating manual rules and insurance laws and regulations. The open position is national in scope and reports into the VP of Large and Complex Construction.

As determined by CNA and depending on the applicant’s experience and/or qualifications, candidates may be hired into one of two Underwriter positions: Underwriting Consultant or Underwriting Consulting Director. Typically, 7-10+ years of related experience. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Underwriting Expertise

• Reviews applications and financial requirements to determine acceptability of risk in accordance with CNA’s guidelines and standards.

• Understands pricing components and rating methodology as well as use of the predictive modeling tools; prices risk based on financial and competitive analysis.

• Understands alternative risk finance options (large deductibles, retrospective rating and single parent captives) and legal agreements supporting these programs.

• Uses all appropriate underwriting tools (e.g., Loss Rating Models, BPMT, Merlin, etc.), disciplines and knowledge of strategies to ensure underwriting guidelines are followed.

• Demonstrates technical underwriting skills through strategic, thorough account reviews and file documentation.

• Prepares or analyzes information on adverse underwriting decisions, rate appeals, underwriting requirements, status and declinations in order to drive results within the assigned territory.

• Adheres to CAT guidelines and underwriting discipline to minimize exposure and appropriately price.

• Keeps current on state/territory issues, regulations, and trends for both insurance and construction risks.

2. Portfolio Management

• Manages assigned portfolio to achieve gross written premium, profitability, rate, retention, product mix, new business and portfolio management goals.

• Prioritizes time and resources to effectively manage and optimize producer performance.

• Operates with an Enterprise perspective to identify cross sell opportunities and create growth within other lines of business and customer segments.

• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of CNA’s products and appetite while clearly communicating CNA’s position at the point of sale.

3. Sales & Distribution Management

• Builds/maintains rigorous sales practices using all CNA systems including SalesForce.com and other sales tools and disciplines.

• Develops producer relationships to build pipeline, agency intelligence, and drives performance to meet and exceed results.

• Develops and implements distributor specific plans, monitors performance, and adjusts plan to ensure a substantial pipeline for future profitable growth.

• Drives effective account relationship management and customer activities to build trust, facilitate negotiation and secure commitment with the customer.

• Active in Construction Industry through association or committee involvement

• Proactively identifies cross-sell opportunities and partners with other underwriters to deliver comprehensive insurance solutions for the customer.

Driven by our commitment to our customers, CNA’s winning behaviors (externally focused, accountable, collaborative, innovative, and continuously learning) distinguish us from our competitors. CNA employees exemplify these behaviors in all responsibilities and interactions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of underwriting processes, coverages, and tools to gather and evaluate information in order to reach appropriate decisions on renewals and new business.

• Ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels of external and/or internal business partners within scope of responsibility, team and/or matrix environment.

• Ability to uncover customer needs, position specific solutions, handle objections and close deals.

• Ability to exercise judgment, negotiate and make sound business decisions effectively based on level of authority.

• Strong ability to identify, analyze and solve problems as well as the ability to learn rapidly, adapt quickly to change, exercise influence, and manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects.

Education and Experience

1.Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Professional designations preferred.

2. Typically, a minimum of eight years commercial underwriting experience with proven track record of results within the construction vertical.

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CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact leaveadministration@cna.com.