AVP, Underwriting - Property

Argo Group, through its operating subsidiaries, offers high-quality Commercial Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance products and services tailored to the needs of businesses and public entities. Argo Property offers primary and excess capacity up to $50 million. Our experienced underwriting team is dedicated to providing effective solutions to our customers. We hire the best people, so we can deliver the best solutions.

We are looking for a highly capable AVP Underwriting - Property to join our team and work from any of our US offices or remotely. The AVP Underwriting will play a key role working with the SVP of Underwriting for a specific line of business helping coordinate the department's corporate activities associated with growing a profitable book of business. The AVP Underwriting is responsible for assisting the SVP Underwriting in the effective management of staff, processes, agent relationships and underwriting results.

• Underwrite new and renewal property business coming from appointed wholesale Surplus Lines Brokers.
• Establish and communicate underwriting profit goals and other measurements including loss ratio, new business development, policy count, account retention, etc.
• Analyze individual risks and book of business results to manage and control underwriting exposure and pricing strategy consistent with company objectives.
• Provide leadership and advice to division staff in regard to underwriting risks.
• Assist with Portfolio Management and Aggregate Management to ensure that Catastrophe writings do not exceed the risk tolerance of the Company.
• Partner with the SVP of Underwriting to develop strategies and actions to resolve adverse trends or deviations from established underwriting standards identified through producer and account review audits.
• Conduct Development Reviews and engage direct reports in developmental and skill building opportunities.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection process to ensure the organization has the necessary talent to accomplish business goals.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships within and outside Argo Group to develop and drive new business opportunities. Work with internal and external business units to develop joint business plans, value propositions and cross-marketing programs.
• Represent the company at networking functions and other industry-related events that present and promote departmental initiatives to other external constituencies as appropriate.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships within and outside Argo Group to develop and drive new business opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal and external business units to develop joint business plans, value propositions and cross-marketing programs.
• Act as a role model demonstrating belief in, and commitment to, the aspiration values of Argo Group, continuing to build and lead a value-based organization committed to long-term success.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university and at least 10 years of industry experience.
• Experience with large layered and shared property placements.
• Experience handling catastrophe-exposed accounts (high hazard wind, high hazard earthquake, etc.) with an understanding of catastrophe modeling and pricing.
• Proven leadership capabilities with a sound influence in dealing with challenging situations.
• Demonstrates strong ability to partner with finance, actuarial, IT and marketing resources.
• Demonstrates significant contribution to underwriting profit.
• Independent decision maker - takes full responsibility for making decisions and consequences associated with decisions.
• Recognized as a leader within the organization that provides advice and guidance to others.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the E & S external market and contributes to the development of business strategy.
• Have established relationships with external clients and professional network.
• Continually seeks opportunities for niche products and potential agent opportunities.
• Effective oral and written communication, including influence and negotiation skills.
• Experience in delivering presentations to all internal and external audiences.
• Proven employee development, mentoring, coaching and performance management skills.
• Proficient in the use of computer programs, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• The entrepreneurial spirit
• Doing the right thing
• Collaborating
• Respecting each other

• An attractive Total Rewards package that includes:
  • Base pay and profit sharing.
  • Comprehensive benefits designed to protect and enhance your life and your dependents' lives by way of health and wellness plans, life insurance, a matching 401(k) Plan, generous PTO, Paid Caregiver Leave, Paid Parental Leave (up to 12 weeks) and an opportunity to become a shareholder at a 15% discount.
  • Argo Academy, a digital and instructor-led platform that helps us focus on continuous learning - which is why Training magazine named us as one of the Training Top 125 Companies.
  • Opportunities to support your local community though various outreach programs or by matching your gift to charitable causes by 150%.
  • A lucrative Employee Referral program that resulted in 30% of all new hires last year.
• Flexible Work Arrangements that include Compressed Hours, Flextime, Job-Sharing, Part-Time and Remote or Home Working, Sabbatical Leave and Summer Hours.

• We have a very flat organizational structure, enabling our employees have more interaction with our senior management team, especially when it relates to reviewing large losses.
• We believe in building an inclusive and diverse team, and we strive to make our office a welcoming space for everyone. We encourage talented people from all backgrounds to apply.