VP, Underwriting Operations

Why Paragon?In 2014, Paragon was incepted in a Starbucks coffee shop with a simple strategy - build the MGA that we would want to work for. Years later, Paragon is one of the fastest growing MGAs in the country. Our secret? A dedication to diversity and agility. We realized from the start that a commitment to thinking, acting, and rewarding "different" would resonate within the industry. It is hard to argue with results, and the results are clear. Our diverse team of talent is reshaping an industry that has weathered "boring" and is long overdue on "different." Whether it comes by offering better pay, benefits or growth opportunities, we will continue to aggressively invest in talent to drive our business forward. Change is here, come be a part of it with us.

Formed as a broadly diversified MGA, Paragon supports retail agents and insurance carriers, and reinsurers with our strong underwriting talent, broad capabilities, sophisticated operations, and varied business interests. Our goal: To help our partners do business better. And we do.

The Vice President Underwriting Operations will work a hybrid schedule from our Avon, CT office (OR remotely).

As a strategic partner, leadership will be instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous improvement meeting the established service standards to support business capability. The Underwriting Operations leader will be responsible and accountable for monitoring and identifying gaps in service levels and improvement opportunities by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and providing and implementing solutions. This position oversees the Compliance and Regulatory initiatives necessary to conduct our business and includes oversight of Premium Audit requirements set forth within our program or line of business guidelines. Ensuring Underwriting Operations supports the growth of the business, doing the right thing for customers and colleagues, and ensuring actions and behaviors drive a positive customer experience is also critical.

The VP, Underwriting Operations leader ensures business processes are effective and delivers outstanding operational support to all program managers, carrier partners, agents, compliance regulators and Insureds. This role partners with business leaders, IT teams, and external partners to lead strategic initiatives to enhance Paragon's competitive edge and profitable growth.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lead development of operational metrics and procedures to enhance quality and productivity.
• Conduct business process analysis, identifying areas for improvement and recommending solutions to streamline operations and enhance customer experience
• Manage Operations outsource Vendors, Compliance and Premium Audit Vendors.
• Seek continual feedback to ensure effectiveness of the solutions.
• Define and drive key performance indicators ensuring alignment with business outcomes.
• Demonstrate strong people leadership skills, act with courage and challenge the status quo, embrace change and model how working cross-functionally and collaboratively to influence desired outcomes is critical
• Partner with business stakeholders (Technology, Finance, UW, Compliance) to successfully launch new programs.
• Manage audit process for business unit.
• Ensures business unit is operating within established underwriting processes, procedures, etc.
• Oversee department budget and manage expenses to plan to include vendor support.
• Act as a power user of our online policy management platforms to deliver creative solutions and new operational procedures
• Provide compliance advice, oversight of operational rules and regulations for Compliance team.
• Experience protecting and working with confidential information
• Draft responses to reinsurance audits, DOI complaints, or Market conduct exams
• Manage a team of 3-5 Directors and Managers who manage approximately 40 internal staff along with 43 outsourced vendor FTE.

Skills and Abilities

• Outcome driven, highly motivated self-starter who possesses integrity and a strong work ethic
• Engage with all levels of leadership to solve problems
• Clearly and amicably communicate with internal and external team
• Research and support carrier filings via online tools.
• Assist in development of internal and external materials
• Great attention to details, critical thinking and analytical skills
• Proficiency with Excel, Business Intelligence Tools, PowerPoint and Word
• Ability to multitask and manage your time productively
• Ability to use Data Analytics to monitor various operational SLAs and other KPI.
• 10+ years of managing Property Casualty Insurance underwriting operations with strong working knowledge of Compliance and Regulatory components of writing P&C business; solid understanding of both admitted and non-admitted business. Working knowledge of Premium Audit. Strong technical and policy issuance software experience required.
• College Degree and/or higher education
• AIS, AINS, or other designations a plus.

The base salary offered for the successful candidate will be based on compensable factors such as job-relevant education, job-relevant experience, training, licensure, demonstrated competencies, geographic location, and other factors. Discretionary incentive compensation may be awarded. Jencap also offers a range of benefits and programs, based on eligibility, which currently include but are not limited to; comprehensive health care coverage, a 401k plan, and tuition reimbursement. Jencap is an emerging and rapidly growing leader in the industry and as such, we approach talent acquisition as an opportunity to identify the best talent. Therefore, the level of the role and compensation may vary depending upon the best available candidate.

Ready to have your voice heard, your talents properly utilized and to become a valued part of a rapidly growing organization? You're in the right place.

Paragon is a dynamic, bold, and tenacious company. Join us as we continue to chart new paths, open doors and grow together.

Paragon is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or familial status, disability status, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to fostering a work community where every colleague feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard, as we believe that that creating an environment where every employee feels included and empowered, helps us to deliver the best outcome to our clients.