Underwriting Director - Small Business

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JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Small Business Underwriting Director leads and directs a portfolio underwriting team and is accountable for business results through overall management, profitability, and business development of a book of business targeted for growth. In conjunction with senior management, works within established limits of authority. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

1.    Directs the work activities and has full management responsibility for the performance and development of assigned staff in accordance with corporate strategic direction.

2.    Coaches, leads and develops underwriters and directs the development of underwriting and production-focused training and activities.

3.    Participates with senior management and across teams in the development and implementation of underwriting policy, marketing and business strategy.

4.    Develops and implements operating plans for enhancing the business and meeting strategic objectives.  Responsible for the execution of the Small Business plan for their assigned territory.  

5.    Reviews and directs the application of underwriting policy and pricing for all risks within an assigned book of business.

6.    Exemplifies excellence in underwriting principles, documentation practices, team training opportunities and coaching/mentoring activities.  Completes underwriting file reviews timely and in compliance with established guidelines.

7.    Acts as a change agent for Small Business and the CNA enterprise when new technologies are launched, new strategic initiatives are instituted, emerging tools are established, and existing technologies, strategies and tools are modified.

8.    Develops and maintains highly effective agency/broker relationships to ensure positive and profitable outcomes.  Highly engaged in external facing marketing activities along with the Sales and Distribution team.

9.    Reports business progress to senior management

10.    Stays current on market and emerging trends

May perform additional duties as assigned.
 

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
1. Ability to effectively lead, coach and develop an underwriting group 
2. Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. Ability to effectively interact with all levels of CNA's internal and external business partners. 
3. Senior level technical and business management acumen, underwriting skill and knowledge of insurance and underwriting principles, practices, and procedures.  
4. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and teams 
5. Ability to deal with ambiguous situations and issues
6. Creativity in resolving unique and challenging business problems  
7. Ability to achieve results by taking a proactive long-term view of business goals and objectives  
8. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software

Education & Experience
1. MBA or its equivalent in experience
2. Typically, a minimum of ten years of underwriting experience with a proven track record of results
3. Professional designations preferred

In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $97,000 to $189,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals.  For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.

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.