[Hiring] VP, S&S Contracting @Crum & Forster

Role Description

The VP of Contracting is responsible for leading and overseeing the Owners Interest book, assisting with key underwriting referrals and mentoring and training underwriters. This role provides strategic direction and operational leadership across all underwriting functions, ensuring the effective execution of the company’s underwriting vision. The VP will drive process optimization, quality assurance, and operational efficiency, partnering closely with Operations, Underwriting, and Claims leadership to deliver superior business outcomes.

The VP will be accountable for developing and implementing best-in-class underwriting processes, managing internal resources, and ensuring that all underwriting activities meet business turnaround requirements, regulatory standards, and quality benchmarks. This role will also be responsible for establishing a long-term vision for underwriting operations, building a roadmap to prioritize opportunities, allocate resources, and execute on strategic initiatives.

The VP of Contracting Operations reports to the Head of Contracting and collaborates with teammates in contracting Underwriting, Claims, Legal, Actuarial, and Financial Operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of contracting underwriting operations, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to drive efficiency, accuracy, and quality in underwriting processes.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to measure the effectiveness, accuracy, and timeliness of underwriting teams.
• Use business feedback and data-driven insights to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for process errors or inefficiencies.
• Track and report on team performance, productivity, and work volume statistics.
• Oversee the development and execution of training programs, quality reviews, and audit processes to ensure high standards of underwriting quality.
• Foster strong relationships with internal business partners, including Underwriting, Operations, and Claims, to ensure service excellence and continuous feedback.
• Partner with key stakeholders to identify and implement process improvements and innovation opportunities.
• Review and manage underwriting operations budgets and financials to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies across all underwriting activities.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of work experience in insurance, with significant experience in underwriting construction.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional insurance designation preferred.
• Proven experience scaling underwriting operations and onboarding new personnel and work types.
• Strong technical skills and understanding of insurance workflows, with the ability to leverage technology to improve processes.
• Demonstrated ability to set strategic direction, drive change, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills for engaging with diverse audiences.
• Strong background implementing AI into underwriting to improve efficiency and outcomes.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proactive, hands-on leader with a collaborative approach and a “roll up your sleeves” mindset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Visio, PowerPoint, Teams, Jira/Confluence, SharePoint, and related applications.
• Willingness to adapt schedule and approach to drive maximum impact in the role.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Company car provided.
• Generous 401K employer match.
• Employee Stock Purchase plan with employer matching.
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Excellent benefits that go beyond health, dental & vision. Our Wellness programs focus on your family’s complete wellness, including your physical and mental wellbeing.
• A core C&F principle is that you manage your career. To support your development, we have a wealth of ways for you to keep learning, including tuition reimbursement, industry related certifications and professional training available to you.
• A dynamic, ambitious, fun and exciting work environment.
• A spirit of social responsibility, matching donation program, volunteer opportunities, and an employee driven corporate giving.