Underwriting Manager-Specialty

At EMC, we’re all about working together to make an impact. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to grow, contribute, and gain experience that matters. We strive to be caring leaders, close partners, and responsive experts—always supporting each other to do our best work. Join us, and let’s improve lives together. **Position is eligible for candidates who reside in either NE, WY, UT, CO, SD, AZ, NM, MT, WA, OR, ID, or NV.** Essential Functions: Manages assigned Specialty underwriting team and enforces the Specialty Unit guidelines and procedures. Demonstrates extensive expertise in territorial underwriting nuances, encompassing a thorough understanding of legal frameworks, regulatory landscapes, and region-specific challenges. Proactively assesses the impact of evolving legislation and market dynamics to ensure strategic and compliant decision-making within diverse territorial contexts. Models smart and effective underwriting practices for individual accounts, all lines of business, and different classes within the Specialty Unit. Implements strategies to address challenges to profit and drive that message throughout the underwriting unit. Monitors progress of underwriters’ assigned agents and guides underwriters and agents in achieving annual goals while driving them to match price to quality across the book of business. Seeks feedback from agents and takes action to improve their experience and grow profitable books of business. Engages with regional offices and collaborates with assigned underwriters to oversee existing agency relationships while cultivating new partnerships that drive profitability and restore underperforming or low-growth relationships. Conducts meetings and educational sessions with agents to enhance their understanding of EMC products, underwriting criteria, systems, and services, fostering the generation of high-quality new business opportunities. Partners with sales and marketing to deliver exceptional customer experiences, enhance underwriting responsiveness, and position EMC as the preferred insurer. Oversees and monitors the workload and performance of assigned underwriting team. Develops team expertise and works with UW leadership in succession planning, including identifying talent and implementing development plans for critical positions. Collaborates with team members to establish performance goals and monitors status. Conducts reviews and provides coaching. Interviews, hires, and recommends salary adjustments for team members. Identifies training needs and works with UW & Program leadership to provide training for team and encourages continuing education and ongoing quality improvement. Supports diversity and inclusion initiatives. Fosters an innovative culture, including supporting new ideas and providing guidance on potential changes. In collaboration with Business Unit, Regional Middle Market leadership, and Finance leadership, develops, monitors, and maintains the budget for assigned region. Establishes and oversees budgetary goals and controls, ensuring underwriting strategies align with business objectives. Analyzes past financial data to predict future expenses and identifies areas for cost reduction. Monitors team to ensure that underwriters operate within set guidelines, authority limits, rate goals, and branch service directives while matching price to quality across the book of business. Performs audits on new business and renewals for compliance and quality. Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree, preferably in insurance or business administration or equivalent relevant experience Ten years of commercial lines underwriting experience Experience in specialty segment classes (transportation, petroleum marketers, dealerships, telecommunications, amusement/recreation) preferred CPCU designation or other underwriting-related designation(s) preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Excellent knowledge of countrywide underwriting techniques, terminology, policies, and forms, along with underwriting risk analysis Excellent underwriting judgment and decision-making skills Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office and social media Strong ability to work on multiple projects while meeting deadlines. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively before groups Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate team Ability to effectively communicate products, procedures, business planning and system information Exceptional customer service skills Travel required; a valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle report per company standards will be required if driving. The hiring salary range for this position will vary based on geographic location, falling within either of the following: $112,276 - $161,326 or $124,084 - $177,469 A hiring range represents a subset of the full salary range. The actual salary will depend on several factors, including relevant education, skills, and experience of an applicant, geographic location, and business needs. For information relating to the benefits EMC Team Members receive as part of a comprehensive rewards package, please visit www.emcins.com/careers . Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination due to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, active military status, citizenship status, marital status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. All of our locations are tobacco free including in company vehicles.