Underwriting Manager

Company Details

Berkley Southwest offers commercial property and casualty products and services through independent agents in Arizona, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. We maintain a strong local presence in each of our markets, keeping underwriting and support close to the customer.

Now more than ever, financial strength is critical to a successful, long term insurance relationship. Berkley Southwest is a member company of W. R. Berkley Corporation , a Fortune 500 company, whose insurance company subsidiaries are rated A (Superior) by A.M. Best.

This position will be based in one of our offices:

Irving, TX

Little Rock, AR

San Antonio, TX

Phoenix, AZ

We offer a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in the office; and 1 day remote where it makes sense to do so. ,

The company is an equal opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

As a Manager, Underwriting, you’ll serve as a leader responsible for guiding and developing a team of underwriters to achieve business objectives within the assigned territory. This role is accountable for driving underwriting excellence, ensuring adherence to regulatory and company standards, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

The Manager actively monitors portfolio performance, maintains strong agency relationships, and implements effective processes to optimize production, quality, and service outcomes. Through hands-on leadership, talent development, and operational oversight, the Manager plays a critical role in supporting the company’s profitability, growth, and reputation in the marketplace.

What You Can Expect

• Culture of innovation, teamwork, supportive colleagues, and leaders willing to invest in talent.
• Internal mobility opportunities.
• Visibility to senior leaders and partnership with cross functional teams.
• Opportunity to impact change.
• Benefits – competitive compensation, paid time off, comprehensive wellness benefits and programs, employer funded health savings account, profit sharing, 401k, paid parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance and professional continuing education.
  
  

We'll Count On You To

• Provide effective leadership and guidance to the underwriting team, fostering a culture of underwriting excellence, accountability, and continuous professional development.
• Oversee and conduct regular performance reviews, establish clear goals, and monitor production metrics to ensure underwriting quality and achievement of business objectives.
• Actively track and report on key performance indicators for the portfolio, including pipeline activity, quoting volume, new business generation, overall book composition, business mix, retention rates, loss performance, and rate attainment.
• Maintain a hands-on approach to daily underwriting activities, ensuring all tasks are completed in compliance with regulatory requirements, production targets, quality standards, and service expectations.
• Develop individualized development plans for team members, supporting career growth and skill enhancement through coaching, mentoring, and targeted training initiatives.
• Lead talent management activities, including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, assigning and directing work, evaluating performance, and addressing employee concerns in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Cultivate and maintain strong agency relationships through regular travel within the assigned territory, representing the company with professionalism and integrity.
• Collaborate with the underwriting team to develop, document, and continuously improve standard operating procedures, identifying inefficiencies and implementing innovative solutions to optimize workflow and results.
• Design, deliver, and update training programs on underwriting topics and procedures to ensure team proficiency and compliance with evolving standards.
• Assume responsibility for the onboarding and comprehensive training of new hires within the underwriting function, ensuring a smooth transition and rapid integration into the team.
• Review and analyze management reports to verify achievement of production, quality, and service standards, implementing corrective actions or process improvements as needed.
• Conduct periodic quality audits to ensure proper file documentation and adherence to compliance requirements, proactively addressing any gaps or deficiencies.
• May be responsible for managing underwriting of new and renewal accounts for a designated territory, with a focus on key agency relationships and profitable portfolio growth.
• Participate in the evaluation and testing of underwriting systems, including policy processing, online submission platforms, imaging, and workflow tools, contributing to system enhancements and operational efficiency.
• Lead or contribute to special projects and initiatives as assigned, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to organizational success.
  
  

Qualifications

What you need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in insurance or related field and/or six 6 years commercial lines underwriting experience required with demonstrated expertise in multi-line products including rating, coverage, processing, and underwriting preferred. Prior leadership experience preferred
• Strong ability to communicate complex underwriting concepts through visual, verbal, and written instruction, supporting team development and knowledge transfer.
• Demonstrated discretion and independent judgment in decision-making, utilizing available data and sound logic to address diverse underwriting scenarios.
• Effective presentation skills, with the ability to convey information clearly in one-on-one and small group settings to colleagues, agents, and customers.
• Professional and approachable demeanor in all business interactions, fostering positive relationships with team members, agency partners, and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in researching, analyzing, and interpreting documentation, procedure manuals, and rating tools to support team performance and resolve issues.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and consistently meet established deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to comprehend and convey instructions, correspondence, and memos effectively.
• Advanced proficiency in PC software applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as proprietary company systems and digital underwriting platforms.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and the consistent demonstration of WRBC Leadership Core Competencies and Innovation Behaviors.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to commercial lines underwriting.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate the WRBC Leadership Core Competencies and Innovation Behaviors.
  
  

Additional Company Details

We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies or firms.

The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees.

The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.

Sponsorship Details

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role