Job Summary

Oversees all underwriting operations of the branch/office and any remotely located individual(s) that reports into that office/branch. Incumbent is a key contributor in marketing the Company and its products and in Agency management. 

Essential Functions

• Positions Zenith as the expert in Workers’ Compensation.
• Works with Branch Manager to set strategic underwriting direction.
• Hold management meetings to discuss vision and goals.
• Achieves planned results through decisions and actions based on professional methods, business principles, and practical experience.
• Creates an environment within the branch offices that supports teamwork, growth and innovation.
• Uses operational audits and yearly compliance audits to gauge performance of branch and individuals.
• Will recommend or make decisions regarding existing or new programs that have a significant impact on operations and carry potential consequences if unsuccessful.
• Schedules and conducts all employee meetings to discuss operational issues and direction.
• Works with management from other disciplines and other offices to solve problems.
• Provides the branch sponsorship when needed.
• Removes obstacles, promotes and supports organizational change.
• Will interview technical job candidates before they are hired to make sure they possess appropriate qualifications and experience.
• Provides feedback to branch management staff.
• Provides on-going performance feedback to direct reports.
• Facilitates staff development and cross-department synergy.
• Works with manager(s)/supervisor(s) on performance improvement plans or personnel issues.
• Conducts annual performance reviews for direct reports and contributes to reviews for downstream staff as needed.
• Supports local training and establishes training protocols for the office.
• Anticipate and recognize problems (including across organizational boundaries) and effectively solve such problems.
• Define, measure and increase productivity and reporting outcomes.
• Motivate and influence others to achieve quality results.
• Act as a role model for ethical behavior.
• Works productively and harmoniously with others on a consistent basis.
• Responds positively to direction and criticism of performance.
• Consistently maintains professional and appropriate demeanor.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of training/experience required.

Experience Qualifications

• 7+ years progressively responsible related work experience required.
• Prior branch-level underwriting management experience preferred.
• Prior staff supervisory/leadership experience required.

Skills and Abilities

• Expert level understanding of Zenith’s underwriting philosophy and standard industry procedure.
• Knowledge of workers’ compensation policy rules.
• Prior staff leadership experience required.
• Work experience demonstrating ability to champion change.
• Ability to create and present a clear focused message to all constituents.
• Comfortable in front of groups and able to handle questions/controversy.
• Expert listener and problem-solver.
• Highly skilled in building business information, disseminating it, and sharing with senior management.
• Expert in workers' compensation underwriting.
• Expert level understanding of the core business, strategies, and practices required to successfully run the office.
• Strong oral and written communications skills used to explain, teach, and document.
• Strong reading and math skills.
• PC literacy required.
• Data analysis skill to determine appropriate workloads and strategies for peak periods.
• Strong presentation and listening skills.
• Strong in data analysis.
• Driver License in good standing.

The expected salary range for this position is $130,000 to $175,000.  Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law.  Qualifications may warrant placement in a different job level.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Zenith Insurance Company.