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Madison Mutual Insurance Company has been around for over 100 years because it's an excellent place to work and grow professionally. Come join us!
The Director of Insurance Operations – Property Products leads the operational planning, execution, and oversight of the Homeowners (HO), Dwelling Fire (DP), and Farmowners (FO) lines of business. This role manages the underwriting, claims, and product management functions to ensure profitability and operational efficiency. The Director drives performance management, continuous improvement initiatives, and process optimization across departments to meet business goals. The Director collaborates closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to align efforts, foster cross-functional coordination, and execute the company’s strategic objectives. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong leadership capabilities, focusing on tactical decision-making, professional development, and driving operational excellence through collaboration and innovation.
· Education. Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or a related field (or comparable business experience).
· Experience
o At least 10 years of experience in property and casualty (P&C) insurance, with a focus on property lines of business.
o Proven track record of leading cross-functional teams in underwriting, claims, and/or product management.
o Demonstrated experience with profit and loss(P&L) management and achieving profitability targets in a competitive market is preferred. (Candidates with strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive business results may be considered for this role with the opportunity to grow into the required experience.)
o Proven experience in developing and executing operational strategies that drive efficiency, enhance customer satisfaction, and achieve business objectives across specific lines of business. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in the implementation of these strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
· Skills
o Strong leadership and people management skills, with high emotional intelligence, enabling the ability to inspire, motivate, and connect with teams to foster a collaborative, high-performance culture.
o Excellent communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills, coupled with strong emotional intelligence, allowing the Director to effectively engage and build trust with both internal and external stakeholders.
o Strategic thinker, with a proven ability to translate business goals into actionable operational plans and lead their execution across multiple functional areas. Skilled in balancing high-level strategy with tactical decision-making to drive performance, efficiency, and alignment with organizational objectives.
o In-depth knowledge of underwriting principles, claims management, and/or product development in the HO, DP, and FO insurance space.
o Proficient in data analysis and performance management, with a strong understanding of objectives, key results (OKRs) and key performance indicators (KPIs).
o Familiarity with industry regulations and compliance standards affecting the HO, DP, and FO lines.
· Certifications. The CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter), AIC (Associate in Claims), or similar professional designation is preferred.
CORE COMPETENCIES
· Leadership and team building
· Operational planning and execution
· Financial acumen and P&L management
· Operational efficiency
· Stakeholder collaboration
· Problem-solving and critical thinking
· Data-driven decision making
· Customer-centric mindset
· Industry knowledge and best practices
· P&L Accountability
o Oversee the P&L for the HO, DP, and FO lines of business, ensuring that profitability targets are met or exceeded.
o Monitor and analyze financial performance across the HO, DP, and FO lines of business, making data-driven adjustments to operational strategies and tactics to optimize profitability and achieve financial targets.
o Drive the P&L for assigned lines of business, driving profitability through effective pricing, underwriting decisions, and claims management while ensuring financial targets, loss ratios, and operational performance are consistently met.
· Operational Efficiency and Strategy Execution
o Lead efforts to improve operational efficiency across underwriting, claims, and product management functions.
o Collaborate with senior leadership to implement the company’s strategic goals and ensure they are executed effectively within the HO, DP, and FO lines.
o Monitor operational and tactical workflows, identify opportunities for process optimization, and implement solutions that enhance the customer experience and reduce operational costs.
· Underwriting Oversight
o Ensure underwriting guidelines and processes align with company goals, risk appetite, and market conditions.
o Lead the operational execution and optimization of underwriting practices for the HO, DP, and FO lines of business, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and risk management frameworks.
o Provide direction on underwriting guidelines, pricing models, and risk assessment processes, driving profitability and sustainable growth while managing risk exposure.
o Collaborate with senior leadership to refine operational targets and performance metrics and continuously monitor and adjust underwriting performance in response to market conditions and business objectives.
· Claims Oversight
o Lead and support the claims team to drive efficient claims handling and improve customer satisfaction.
o Ensure that claims processes align with the company’s overall strategy and adhere to industry best practices.
o Optimize claims workflows for speed, consistency, and fairness,
o Work with the claims team to identify trends and recommend actions to mitigate claims frequency and severity, improving overall profitability.
· Product Management Oversight
o Lead product development and management initiatives for HO, DP, and FO lines, ensuring that products meet market needs and are competitive.
o Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Sales, Actuarial, Information Technolgy, etc.) to refine product offerings, enhance product performance, and drive customer satisfaction.
o Analyze market trends, customer feedback, and competitor products to inform product strategy and enhancements.
o Lead the development and optimization of products by leveraging data analytics and market insights to inform decision-making.
· Leadership & Collaboration
o Lead and mentor a team of professionals across underwriting, claims, and product management functions, fostering a collaborative, results-driven, and positive work environment.
o Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., IT, marketing, actuarial, legal) and external stakeholders (e.g., brokers, agents, vendors) to drive operational success.
o Provide coaching and development opportunities for team members, supporting their growth and performance within the company.
· Performance Management & Reporting
o Establish performance metrics for underwriting, claims, and product management functions, and ensure regular tracking, reporting, and adjustments as needed to achieve goals.
o Prepare and present regular performance reports to senior leadership, detailing operational performance, financial results, and strategic initiatives.
· Compliance and Risk Management
o Ensure all operations within the HO, DP, and FO lines comply with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
o Identify and mitigate risks associated with underwriting, claims, and product management, working closely with the enterprise risk management function to address potential exposures.
WHY JOIN US?
At Madison Mutual Insurance Company, we value a strong, collaborative leadership approach, and we empower our leaders to drive change and innovation within our business. If you're passionate about creating a positive impact and taking on a dynamic leadership role that influences the growth and success of our HO, DP, and FO lines of business, we invite you to apply.
The Metro East region of St. Louis, including Edwardsville, Illinois, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience, making it an ideal place to live and work. With affordable housing, excellent schools, and abundant parks, Edwardsville provides an outstanding quality of life, all while being just a short driveaway from the cultural, dining, and entertainment options in downtown St. Louis. The region’s central location also makes it a perfect hub for travel, with easy access to major highways and proximity to St. Louis Lambert International Airport, which offers direct flights to destinations across the country. Whether you're visiting family and friends or exploring new opportunities, the Metro East’s strategic location ensures that nearly all parts of the continental United States are within reach. For those looking to balance a fulfilling career with a comfortable lifestyle, the Metro East region is the perfect place to call home.
Salary Range: $100K -$140K. Relocation available. Location: St. Louis Metro East region
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