Managing Director, Excess & Surplus Lines

Location: Remote (candidates in WI or IL preferred)

QuestPro is partnering with a specialty insurance carrier to identify a Managing Director, Excess & Surplus Lines to join their leadership team. This role will play a critical part in shaping business strategy, driving profitable growth, strengthening broker relationships, and developing talent while helping guide the future direction of the organization's E&S division.

Basic Purpose

The Managing Director, Excess & Surplus Lines is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, profitability, and growth of the company's E&S book of business. This role provides leadership for underwriting operations, portfolio management, product strategy, broker distribution relationships, and organizational development to achieve business objectives and long-term profitability.

Working closely with executive leadership, the Managing Director will develop and execute strategies that support profitable growth, enhance underwriting performance, strengthen market presence, and position the organization for continued success within the specialty insurance marketplace. This leader is responsible for building and developing a high-performing underwriting organization while fostering a culture of technical excellence, accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

On any given day, you'll:

• Provide leadership and management oversight of staff to effectively write and retain profitable business aligned with division objectives, within established authority.
• Assist underwriting personnel at all levels to analyze and evaluate risk, recognizing exposures to make sound underwriting decisions on risk acceptability, coverage alternatives, risk management recommendations, and pricing — and/or perform these duties on larger or more complex risks.
• Review and evaluate products, filings, and pricing needs. Make recommendations for enhancements and changes as appropriate.
• Establish priorities and adjust workloads to meet completion dates. Respond in a timely manner to work and questions.
• Develop opportunities for information flow.
• Build strong working relationships with producers.
• Maintain and continue to develop technical knowledge and expertise.
• Continue to develop leadership skills through internal and external publications, seminars, and conferences. Share knowledge gained with peers.
• Contribute to the management team by discussing issues, developing efficiencies, and identifying and helping resolve conflicts.

Supervisor/manager responsibilities may include:

• Staffing needs, including interviewing and onboarding new employees.
• Training and development, as well as coaching and motivation for staff.
• Performance management, goal setting, employee engagement, and salary administration.
• Workforce management, including unit equipment, software, and space needs; approving time off and overtime usage; and budget recommendations.
• Participating in or leading assigned projects and special research projects as necessary.

Here's what we're looking for:

• Ten or more years in leadership roles within underwriting, product development, product management, claims, risk management, distribution management, or related functions, with a proven record of favorable accomplishments.
• Significant knowledge of the property and casualty industry required; knowledge of surplus and specialty lines preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with business strategy, tactical application, and leading and mentoring employees.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; comparable industry experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, with a high school diploma or equivalent required.
• CPCU, ASLI, ARM, or equivalent designations preferred, or evidence of continuing and progressive education in the insurance industry.

Necessary Knowledge and Abilities:

• Solid technical knowledge of commercial insurance forms, rates, and rules.
• Understanding of the state and federal regulatory environment.
• Advanced leadership skills, with a proven track record of motivating and developing employees; skilled in building relationships, sound judgment, decision-making, and influencing others.
• Ability to understand the big picture and goals of the company, and to drive business unit results that contribute to overall organizational success.
• Above-average communication skills.
• Negotiation, facilitation, and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to learn the client organization's lines of insurance, procedures, processes, and product lifecycle management.
• Ability to promote a team environment of creative innovation.
• Ability to support the organization's position with insurance regulators.