Job Description

At Argo Group, you can be part of an organization where we are small enough to be agile and big enough to make a difference.  You can make a direct impact while working in a high-performing, innovative and inclusive team.

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO) is a global multiline underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty market. We help power the businesses that drive the world economy, offering a comprehensive line of high-quality products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims-handling needs of our clients.  We foster an inclusive culture that embraces diversity and design thinking, relies on innovation and agility, promotes collaborative service delivery, frequent, integrated communication, and authentic recognition of excellence.   View the latest Investor Presentation to learn more about Argo.   

The Southeast AVP Inland Marine Underwriting takes an active role in partnering with the SVP of the Inland Marine business unit to develop and implement underwriting strategy that identifies profitable market opportunities, new product development, positive agent relationships, operational requirements and financial assessments.  The AVP Underwriting will serve as the key referral resource for less experienced Underwriters in the Southeast region.  This role can be remote within the Southeast or aligned to an Argo office within that region.

Responsibilities include:

·         Underwrite new and renewal property business coming from appointed wholesale Surplus Lines Brokers or designated Retailers.

·         Establish and communicate underwriting profit goals and other measurements including loss ratio, new business development, policy count, account retention, etc.

·         Analyze individual risks and book of business results to manage and control underwriting exposure and pricing strategy consistent with company objectives.

·         Provide leadership and advice to division staff in regard to underwriting risks.

·         Assist with Portfolio Management and Aggregate Management to ensure that Catastrophe writings do not exceed the risk tolerance of the Company.

·         Partner with the SVP of Underwriting to develop strategies and actions to resolve adverse trends or deviations from established underwriting standards identified through producer and account review audits.

·         Conduct Development Reviews and engage direct reports in developmental and skill building opportunities.

·         Participate in the recruitment and selection process to ensure the organization has the necessary talent to accomplish business goals.

·         Cultivate and maintain relationships within and outside Argo Group to develop and drive new business opportunities. Work with internal and external business units to develop joint business plans, value propositions and cross-marketing programs.

·         Represent the company at networking functions and other industry-related events that present and promote departmental initiatives to other external constituencies as appropriate.

·         Cultivate and maintain relationships within and outside Argo Group to develop and drive new business opportunities.

·         Collaborate with internal and external business units to develop joint business plans, value propositions and cross-marketing programs.

·         Act as a role model demonstrating belief in, and commitment to, the aspiration values of Argo Group, continuing to build and lead a value-based organization committed to long-term success.

·         Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

This position requires a high-energy, forward-thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards and an appropriate professional image.  Additional qualifications and knowledge with include but are not limited to:

·         Bachelor's degree and 7 + years industry experience.

·         Experience with inland marine lines such as construction, transportation and equipment lines.

·         Experience handling catastrophe-exposed accounts (high hazard wind, high hazard earthquake, etc.) with an understanding of catastrophe modeling and pricing.

·         Proven leadership capabilities with a sound influence in dealing with challenging situations. 

·         Demonstrates strong ability to partner with finance, actuarial, IT and marketing resources. 

·         Demonstrates significant contribution to underwriting profit.

·         Independent decision maker – takes full responsibility for making decisions and consequences associated with decisions.

·         Recognized as a leader within the organization that provides advice and guidance to others.

·         Demonstrates knowledge of the Inland Marine external market and contributes to the development of business strategy.

·         Have established relationships with external clients and professional network.

·         Continually seeks opportunities for niche products and potential agent opportunities.

·         Effective oral and written communication, including influence and negotiation skills.

·         Experience in delivering presentations to all internal and external audiences.

·         Proven employee development, mentoring, coaching and performance management skills.

·         Proficient in the use of computer programs, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

PLEASE NOTE:  At this time, Argo Group will not sponsor an applicant for employment authorization for this position.

If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Argo Group, please contact our Benefits Department at 210-321-8400. 

To all recruitment agencies:  Unless you have been requested to work on this position, or other positions with Argo Group, please do not forward any resumes to Argo Group employees.   Argo Group is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. 

How We Work - Our Employee Values

Employees at Argo thrive together as a responsible, profitable specialty insurer where all stakeholders share in our success.  

We are committed to:

The entrepreneurial spirit

Doing the right thing

Collaborating

Respecting each other

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin or citizenship (including language use restrictions), denial of family and medical care leave, disability (mental and physical) , including HIV and AIDS, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), race, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex (including pregnancy, child birth, breastfeeding, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or other status protected by laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. 

Our Benefits

Developing our employees professionally and personally strengthens our organization.
Argo Group offers an attractive Total Rewards package that includes:

A culture that recognizes performance and empowers employees to excel, offering competitive compensation and merit driven profit sharing.

Flexible workplace policies that support employee well-being include compressed hours, flex-time, job-sharing, remote work, sabbatical leave, holiday and summer hours.

Comprehensive health, wellness, and financial planning options that employees can tailor to meet their personal and family needs.   In addition to traditional health and wellness plans, benefits include retirement savings, matching 401K (US-based employees), generous paid time off (PTO), paid caregiver and parental leave, employee assistance program (EAP), an employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) offering a 15% discount, and an array of voluntary benefits.  

Argo Academy, a digital and instructor-led platform that offers continuous learning and professional development – Training magazine lists Argo among the Training "Top 125" Companies.   Argo encourages career mobility and continuing education to pursue and maintain professional and industry designations, in addition to traditional university and higher education programs.

An inclusive culture that develops and sponsors diverse teams, encourages cross-functional engagement and collaboration, builds community through employee resource groups (ERGs), and provides an environment that welcomes ongoing dialogue, creative innovation, professional and personal development.

Active community outreach and volunteer programs in addition to matching charitable gifts by 100%.

A generous Employee Referral program that has resulted in 25% of all new hires this year.