Underwriting Manager - Contract Surety

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As the Surety Underwriting Manager you will be responsible to develop a new office to be located in either Louisville, KY or Cincinnati, OH. The office will be responsible for development of contract surety business in the states of KY, OH, and IN.  The underwriting manager will play a critical role in the production and underwriting of contract surety account business, hiring, management, and training of an underwriting and administrative support staff.

Key Accountabilities/Deliverables:

• Organically grow a branch contract surety office meeting defined premium goals, loss and expense goals, and profit goals.

• Develop and manage distribution channels, including brokers, agents, and partnerships to expand market reach and drive sales growth.

• Build and develop a high-performing team of surety professionals, providing leadership, mentorship, and support to drive employee engagement, productivity, and retention.

• Champion a customer-centric approach to deliver exceptional service, satisfaction, and value propositions that will differentiate our contract surety team in the marketplace.

• Review and evaluate surety bond applications/submissions to determine risk levels and underwriting terms.

• Analyze financial statements, work-in-process reports, credit reports, and other relevant underwriting documents to assess the financial quality and character of principals and indemnitors for the establishment of surety credit. 

• Determine appropriate single and aggregate bond amounts, terms, and conditions based on risk analysis and industry standards.

• Collaborate with brokers, agents, and principals to gather necessary information required for proper analysis of bond risks.

• Keep current on industry trends, regulations, underwriting practices, and competitors.

• Keep abreast of obligee requirements and statutory changes.

• Other projects and tasks as assigned.

Technical Knowledge and Understanding:

• Strong technical contract surety underwriting expertise and financial analysis expertise.

• 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.

• Proficiency in underwriting software and tools.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, for building relationships and managing stakeholder expectations.

• Time management and prioritization skills.

• Ability to multi-task and collaborate effectively with others in a high-performance team environment.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field.

• 7+ years in surety underwriting or related field.

• The ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Strong customer service with a professional attitude and approach.

• Demonstrate significant contribution to underwriting profit.

• Experience in delivering presentations to internal and external audiences.

• Experience with employee development, mentoring, coaching and performance management skills.

• Ability to travel as needed, and with short notice.

#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