Virginia Farm Bureau is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Farm Underwriting Manager to lead our Farm Underwriting team. In this role, you will combine deep underwriting expertise with a strong understanding of Virginia agriculture to guide risk selection, growth strategy, and portfolio performance. As a trusted leader, you will partner closely with sales management and internal teams to support our mission of protecting farmers, rural communities, and the future of agriculture across the Commonwealth.
Location:
This position is based out of our beautiful West Creek Office located in Goochland.
Hybrid work schedule offered, 3 home-based workdays and 2 in office workdays after a training period in office. No relocation offered.
Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
POSITION SUMMARY: Manage the activities of the Farm Underwriting staff to meet company profitability and growth goals. Develop and execute profitable growth and retention strategies and assist in coordinating product development and marketing initiatives
PRIMARY DUTIES
- Manage and coordinate workload/workflow to achieve optimal efficiencies and meet service standards.
- Establish underwriting guidelines to facilitate appropriate risk selection in conjunction with profitable growth and retention strategies
- Assist staff with underwriting decisions and risk selection.
- Manage personnel: Interview, hire, counsel, conduct performance appraisals for staff and address issues while partnering with HR on employee relations, performance and termination issues
- Conduct underwriting quality audits utilizing findings for individual and team training.
- Train and develop staff and new agents including the development of training materials and the delivery of training and key communications on product features and profitable growth opportunities.
- Work closely with Sales management and underwriters to ensure effective communication, compliance with company procedures and attainment of company profit and growth goals.
- Oversee agent/agency visitation program for staff focusing on new and unprofitable agents and agencies
- In collaboration with other departments, conduct analysis of competitors’ products, features, coverage, pricing and other information to identify enhancement and marketing opportunities that support profitable growth and retention objectives
- Regularly engage with Sales leadership, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation departments, agricultural commodity groups and key agricultural industry service organizations
- Keep abreast of emerging agriculture risks and product needs
- Assist with technology-based solutions for department and company
- Assist in preparing budgets, goals, and objectives.
- Serve as department representative on corporate teams and committees as needed.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
- Accept, reject, cancel, or alter policies of insurance
- Communicate via phone, email, Webex and face to face with employees, agents and customers
- Maintain a high degree of expertise in all written lines to assist agents and customers.
- Communicate procedural information, revisions, and other underwriting matters to staff and agency force.
- All other duties assigned by Vice President
MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL/EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- Minimum 7 years underwriting experience or equivalent VAFB Property & Casualty experience
MINIMUM SKILL QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent decision-making ability
- High level of initiative and motivation
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong team orientation
- Proven management/leadership ability
- Excellent organizational skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of insurance laws and regulations
- Proven negotiation ability
- Strong presentation skills
- Ability to identify and implement workflow improvements
- Comfortable with internet research and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Ability to travel Virginia approximately 10% of the time
At VA Farm Bureau, we provide an exceptional benefits package, including ongoing job development and support in all roles, paid training and continuing education reimbursement, medical and dental insurance available on your first day, generous employee 401K contribution, excellent Paid Time off (PTO) plan and more!
Virginia Farm Bureau Companies provide equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, age, disability, orientation or veteran statu
