Manager, Strategy and Operations
AF Group

Fundamental Underwriters provides specialty insurance solutions for businesses with complex needs that are not typically written through standard markets. Fundamental currently specializes in commercial trucking, general liability and excess casualty and will continue to build additional capabilities in industry segments where market demand exists. We deliver individual underwriting solutions, consultative loss control programs and rapid claims resolutions to our policy holders.

SUMMARY:
This position focuses on executing strategic initiatives for the Fundamental Underwriters department ensuring operational processes are properly aligned with the strategic goals of the Specialty Lines Division and the enterprise. This role also supervises the various operational functions of Fundamental Underwriters with direct oversight of support staff including business operations and underwriting assistants. This role will oversee a quality improvement process throughout the operations that will develop metrics and best practices with a feedback process to improve outcomes over time. This role will work collaboratively with other specialty lines operational leaders. Understands multiple perspectives of corporate business and operational issues and their impact to the Company. Responsible for managing work that involves coordinating day-to-day office operations, surplus lines reporting requirements, underwriting support, communications and timelines. Manages various corporate projects as directed by the Specialty Lines division leaders.

RESPONSIBLITIES/TASKS:

• Manage the day to day operations and activities of the administrative and underwriting support staff. Responsible for creating optimized workflows and documenting process as well as auditing performance. Sets priorities and evaluates performance to ensure the best utilization of talent, staff and facilities to maximize efficient performance.
• Work with Fundamental leadership to direct strategic planning activities for the business unit that are aligned with the Specialty Lines Division and the overall enterprise.
• Work with vendors and appropriate areas of AF Group on contracts and vendor relationships
• Document and foster the development of new insurance products/industry segments for the enterprise. Assist leadership with business planning, seeking and documenting research, identifying capabilities needs and market opportunity for continued expansion of Fundamental Underwriters.
• Assist in the development of strategy communications highlighting the business unit's strategic plans, status and related materials needed for executive and Board of Director level presentations.
• Analyze business issues, identify root causes and recommend solutions to achieve key results.
• Assist the vice president and other leaders of the department by activities such as pulling reports, analyzing information, developing materials and communications, and recommending appropriate actions.
• Represent Fundamental Underwriters and its interests in the Enterprise. Build and foster collaborative relationships with other departments within the enterprise to stay informed and abreast of new initiatives and services of the enterprise.
• In conjunction with Corporate Communications lead communication efforts including Fundamental Underwriters strategy communications, employee communications and highlighting strategy plans, status and related materials.
• Oversight in developing department goals, objectives, processes, procedures, and systems. Identify areas for improvement, synergy opportunities and increased alignment with Enterprise.
• Participate in cross-department resource estimates, allocations and prioritization of business initiatives.
• Lead the quality improvement process. Create and implement improvement opportunities uncovered through metrics and feedback.
• Help lead the semi-annual departmental budget process, identify cost savings, monitor budget and identify budget discrepancies. Research budget issues and make appropriate recommendations.
• Coordinate and research special projects and assignments.
• Consult with executive sponsors and project leads on the status of initiatives in progress.
• Lead, make significant contributions, and/or provide leadership to strategic initiatives to ensure expectations are met and/or intentions are fulfilled.

This position description identifies the responsibilities and tasks typically associated with the performance of the position. Other relevant essential functions may be required.

DIRECTION EXERCISED:
Directly supervises exempt and non-exempt staff in accordance with company policies and applicable Federal and State Laws. Responsibilities include but are not limited to effectively interviewing, hiring, terminating, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and counseling employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; supporting and encouraging the engagement process.

EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:
Bachelor's Degree in insurance, business, information services or related field required. Masters degree preferred. Combination of relevant education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Continuous learning, as defined by the Company's learning philosophy, is required. Certification or progress toward certification is highly preferred and encouraged.

EXPERIENCE:
Seven years of progressively more responsible relevant experience which provide the necessary skills, knowledge and abilities. Three years of leadership experience. Management experience required. Experience in multiline insurance with demonstrated technical knowledge preferred, including experience as a strategic business partner to executive management, active involvement in strategic and operational planning; operational and capital budgeting; staff management, organizational development and performance improvement.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES (SKA) REQUIRED:

• Strong leadership and team building skills necessary to effectively manage staff and interact with all levels of management.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills and senior level skills in managing ambiguous and time sensitive situations and issues.
• Strong strategic planning, program development and project management skills. Ability to think ahead and plan over a 3 to 5-year span.
• Ability to negotiate and establish a personal rapport with opposing parties, and to resolve conflicts in a professional manner.
• Considerable knowledge of the insurance industry and competitive environment.
• Ability to negotiate while establishing and maintaining effective working and customer relationships.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with executives, managers, employees and customers.
• Ability to analyze, interpret and apply relevant business data to achieve key results.
• Ability to work collaboratively and empower others to ensure business success.
• Ability to effectively present information, including budgetary and cost information, and respond to questions as appropriate.
• Ability to establish workflows, manages multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a virtual office and onsite office setting with no unusual hazards. Travel is required.

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum education, experience, skills, knowledge and ability levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description.

Pay Range - Actual compensation decision relies on the consideration of internal equity, candidate's skills and professional experience, geographic location, market, and other potential factors. It is not standard practice for an offer to be at or near the top of the range, and therefore a reasonable estimate for this role is between $102,400 and $171,500*.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity is valued and we will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. Candidates for the position stated above are hired on an \"at will\" basis. Nothing herein is intended to create a contract.

*Pay Range increases by 10% to reflect markets with greater cost of living (i.e. NY, IL, CA, CT, MD, NJ, MA).

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