Contract Surety Manager

Berkley Surety is a highly professional, service-oriented surety underwriting management company, providing a full spectrum of bonds for contract, environmental, and commercial surety accounts through multiple distribution channels in both the United States and Canada. We write on behalf of W. R. Berkley Corporation member company Berkley Insurance Company, which has an A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior). We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our agents and highly value the insight and expertise our agency partners bring to the table, which helps us provide timely and predictable surety solutions.

Company URL: www.berkleysurety.com 

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

The Manager – Contract is responsible for managing, producing, and underwriting new and renewal business from assigned agents and brokers in the primary line of business. This role focuses on achieving budgeted financial results through new business acquisition, retention, effective price management, and active participation in planning and expense management while developing strong agency relationships.

• Manage, produce, and underwrite new and renewal business from assigned agents and brokers in the primary line of business.
• Achieve budgeted financial results including premium volume, loss ratio, premium collections, and expense management (including commissions) through new business acquisition, retention, and effective price management.
• Execute personal and branch objectives and strategies to produce budgeted results and actively participate in the planning and expense management process.
• Interact and collaborate with Line of Business colleagues and internal/external business associates to support business objectives.
• Independently underwrite, assess, and manage an assigned portfolio of accounts in particular line(s) of business, including both performance and non-performance bonds.
• Develop and leverage agency and client relationships through a high level of visibility with agents, brokers, and clients.
• Plan and execute regular travel to develop and enhance new and existing producer and account relationships, including visiting accounts, preparing and sharing meeting agendas, obtaining follow-up documentation, and submitting timely detailed submission memos for appropriate credit approval.
• Communicate the mission and objectives of the Company in account meetings with confidence, clear communication, good listening skills, professionalism, and empathy to be a trusted adviser and valued partner.
• Maintain and manage workflow and communications with agency representatives in the assigned territory, meeting all company standards and expectations.
• Communicate acceptance or rejection of new and existing accounts while working to establish and enhance the Company’s brand.
• Ensure accurate underwriting documentation and information in account management systems, adhere to documentation standards, and maintain the accuracy and integrity of account files.
• Participate in the premium budget and expense process for the profit center.
• Keep management apprised of issues of importance to the Branch and the Company.
• Assist in or be directly responsible for the development, mentoring, coaching, or supervision of Executive Underwriters, Senior Underwriters, Underwriters, Associate Underwriters, or Underwriting Trainees, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to read, analyze, discuss, and interpret financial statements, bond forms, contract documents, and government regulations and reach appropriate risk assessment conclusions.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear and effective reports and business correspondence so that others clearly understand the content and intent.
• Ability to provide well-developed recommendations in support of new and existing accounts and client bond needs.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Proficiency with automation tools provided by Berkley Surety Group (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes, underwriting systems).
• Ability to organize and effectively handle medium to complex volumes of information.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Self-motivation and an outgoing orientation with a strong customer focus.

Education Requirement

• Minimum 4-year degree or related industry experience.
• Business, Finance, or Accounting majors preferred, but not required.
• 10+ years of surety industry or related experience required.
• Banking or credit analysis background is a plus.