VP - Field Operations

The VP - Field Operations is a strategic and dynamic leader responsible for developing and executing market strategies to drive profitability and growth across multiple business units. This role requires a high degree of collaboration with the Chief Underwriting Officer and the VP - Sales and Distribution leader in building strategic operational plans to achieve key objectives and desired financial results. The VP-Field Operations leads the team of Regional Vice Presidents in executing Middle Market and Construction underwriting and distribution management strategies to achieve profitability and growth objectives. This role is also highly engaged with our agency partners at the national and local levels in driving results for all business units. Responsibilities: Strategy development and execution: Build and execute strategic operational plans in partnership with the Chief Underwriting Officer, VP-Sales and Distribution, and Construction and Middle Market business unit leaders to achieve the company’s strategic plan, ensuring collaboration and alignment across all regions. Collaborate with line of business leaders, industry segment leaders, risk control, claims, actuarial, finance, Business Enablement and other enterprise leaders to execute underwriting and distribution strategies and ensure efficient use of resources. Collaborate with the Distribution Management team to engage with agency partners at the national and local level to drive growth and support the ongoing management of UFG’s compensation and incentive plans. Management and leadership: Lead a team of Regional Vice Presidents to execute profitability and growth initiatives to achieve the company’s strategic plan. Build and drive a high level of underwriting expertise, sales acumen and agency engagement across the underwriting organization. Manage regional staffing dynamics, building high functioning teams of AVP branch leaders, underwriting managers, senior production underwriters, production underwriters and underwriting associates. Collaborate closely with underwriting support, billing and premium audit to deliver exceptional service to agents and policy holders. Collaborate with the agency services team that executes agency appointments, codes, administers profit sharing and incentives, delivers agency training and provides field sales support. Lead and direct staff in area of responsibility with an emphasis on talent management and succession planning in accordance with the company’s strategic direction. Qualifications: Education, Designations, and Certifications: Bachelors degree required, preferably in a related field. MBA or additional continuing education preferred. CIC/CPCU designation preferred. Experience: 10+ years in an executive field leadership role with 5+ years of management experience preferred. Experience across the commercial landscape, preferably with large multi-national companies, with a working knowledge of enabling and supporting functions. Knowledge, skills & abilities: Dynamic and collaborative leadership and development skills to build an inclusive culture and sustain high engagement. Deep current or prior experience as owner of P&L, with demonstrated expertise in driving both top and bottom-line results. Excellent contextual, interpersonal and relationship management skills and the ability to interact effectively with multiple internal and external stakeholders at all levels of seniority. Advanced presentation, verbal and written communication skills, strong analytical and problem-solving skills and strong project management experience (planning, organizing, executing and following-through). Demonstrated leadership success with teams and peers including collaboration, persuasion, vision, emotional intelligence, and talent development. Demonstrated success cultivating and maintaining business relationships with key customers to support departmental goals and objectives. Ability to think strategically with supporting analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to deal with ambiguity. Excellent organizational skills and ability to function in a fast paced, highly visible, and changing environment. Must have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. Working Conditions: General Office Environment Up to 40% travel, which may be driving or flying. Travel requirements include visits to home office, distribution partners, policy holders, marketing events, etc. Regular work duties may require work outside of regular business hours Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Additional tasks and requirements may be assigned, as necessitated by business need. UFG retains the right to modify the description of this job at any time.