AVP, North American Insurance Operations - Middle Market Accounts at Allied World in Farmington, Connecticut

Job Summary:

We are seeking a strong candidate to oversee middle market business within the North American Insurance Operations Team.  This leader will be the key driver of analysis and recommendations for process optimization, identification of use cases for automation, planning and execution phases and achievement of goals to support middle market business.  They will utilize their experience of supporting large volume, low touch business to assist in the creation of long-term strategies to drive sustainable competitive service advantages. This manager will assist in introducing changes in operational processes and organizational behaviors that have a positive impact on bottom line results and adherence to all operational and regulatory requirements. The position requires solid analytical, interpersonal and people leadership skills with a strong interest in utilization and introduction of new technology solutions and workflows that effectively support various market segments. Looking for someone with self-initiative and a passion for continual operational improvement. Join a dynamic team that is leading operational efficiency efforts to provide best in class service. 

Job Duties:

• Contribute to embedding a continuous improvement culture within NA Insurance Operations.


• Contribute to the continuous improvement of team approaches, models, and knowledge by sharing information, building standards, and capturing lessons learned.


• Provide process assessment and improvement services by identifying impediments to effective and efficient operation performance to improve overall operational performance through redesigned workflows, staffing allocations, roles and responsibilities, productive behaviors, and effective use of technology that have a positive impact on bottom line results and the customer's experience.

• Motivate, lead, and manage the performance process for staff members, including the delivery of feedback, and creating/disseminating goals and reviews in a timely manner.


• Work in conjunction with direct managers to develop and increase the knowledge and performance of staff members, achieve results and inspire a shared vision of NA Insurance Operation priorities, fostering an atmosphere where proactiveness, responsibility and ownership are cultivated and rewarded. 


• Conduct AW Connect Conversations with agreement to meaningful, measurable, and goals supporting development of supervisors and managers.


• Manage and disseminate service standards and metrics. Analyze and interpret metric data to ensure adherence with the standards.  Raise any issues, risks, concerns or other findings to the appropriate levels and assist in the development of processes and procedures that will eliminate key risks identified.


• Organize and support audits of our underwriting process.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required.


• 5 to 10 years insurance and leadership experience with direct management of staff required.


• Understanding of insurance policies, terminology, and processing procedures for Property & Casualty and Specialty Lines of insurance, admitted and surplus lines.


• Excellent leadership, interpersonal and consultative skills, highly collaborative with demonstrated ability to build strong relationships.


• Strong communication and presentation skills both written and verbal with demonstrated solid negotiation and influencing skills.


• Develop and execute strategies to create and maintain a dynamic and positive work environment & culture that enables staff to develop personally and technically.


• Adaptable to change management – recognize opportunities to endorse enhancements that support evolution of North America Underwriting Operations goals and growth.


• Demonstrated ability to synthesize, assess and analyze information to surface process improvement opportunities and recommendations.


• Business process engineering/analysis and digital and automation technology implementations in insurance, financial services, or management consulting preferred.


• Solid organization, analytic and critical thinking skills.


• Highly resourceful with outstanding problem-solving skills.


• Proficient at using Microsoft desktop tools and other technologies

(Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Internet Explorer).