AVP, Commercial Lines Underwriter - Arizona

Harrison Gray Search has partnered with a premier firm providing commercial property and casualty insurance products and services through independent agents across several states. Our client's strong local presence ensures that underwriting and support remain close to their customers. This position is located in Scottsdale, AZ. The Role:As an AVP of Commercial Lines Underwriting, you'll provide leadership, guidance, and support to the entire underwriting team to ensure that company production and profitability goals are achieved. You can expect:A culture that promotes innovation, collaboration, and supportive colleagues, with leaders committed to developing talent.Opportunities for internal mobility.Exposure to senior leadership and collaboration with cross-functional teams.A chance to drive meaningful change.Comprehensive benefits, including competitive compensation, paid time off, wellness programs, employer-funded health savings account, profit sharing, 401k, paid parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities.Key Responsibilities:Leadership Responsibilities:You'll be responsible for guiding departmental and individual staff goals, tracking outcomes, recognizing achievements, and providing coaching to help reach financial objectives. You will offer direction and training to the commercial underwriting team and sales personnel to grow both profitable business volumes and submissions. Responsibilities include recruiting, developing, and retaining employees, overseeing their tasks, appraising performance, and mentoring them to resolve any challenges. Additionally, you'll support underwriting difficult, complex accounts, address issues beyond the authority of underwriting staff, and create development plans for team members.Agency Partnerships:Maintain and foster positive relationships with agencies, traveling within the designated territory to promote profitable growth. You'll evaluate and manage producer performance and relationships, ensuring that both company and agency goals are aligned and met.Collaboration Efforts:Partner with Underwriting and Actuarial teams during product line and pricing reviews. Assist in developing, implementing, and adhering to underwriting authority guidelines. You'll also assess the impact of significant losses and recommend adjustments to underwriting guidelines when necessary.Process Improvement:Work alongside the commercial underwriting team and peer managers to optimize workflow processes, ensuring production, profitability, and service standards are achieved.Quality Assurance:Conduct quality assessments to verify that files are properly documented and that compliance standards are maintained. You'll monitor underwriting policies and submissions to ensure they meet established objectives and take corrective action when necessary.Continuous Learning:Stay informed about the regulatory environment, both at the state and federal levels, and remain committed to ongoing education within the insurance industry. You will be expected to pursue continuing education through industry-sponsored and company-sponsored courses.Data Utilization:Analyze and interpret data to manage profit, loss, growth, rate, and retention results for the assigned territory.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in insurance or related field10+ years of commercial lines management and/or marketing experience or equivalent industry experienceExperience in Property and Casualty insurance, covering lines such as Property, General Liability, Automobile, Worker's Compensation, and Umbrella.CPCU designation preferred.Previous experience leading or managing a team or book of business to achieve profitable growth is preferred.Proven ability to think strategically and implement strategies through effective tactics.Ideal candidate should have extensive underwriting knowledge in Property and Casualty insurance and the capability to lead effectively through periods of growth and change.Demonstrates alignment with and practice of the firm's core values.Our client offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package.