Sr Territory Manager, Business Development - Contract Surety (National Bond Center)

Nationwide

Full-time - Senior

Remote

Insurance Carriers and Related Activities

About the position

As a Senior Territory Manager in Business Development for Contract Surety at Nationwide, you will play a pivotal role in managing and underwriting a significant portfolio of surety business across the largest territories. This position is fully remote, with a preference for candidates based in Virginia, Tennessee, or West Virginia. Your primary responsibility will be to act as the main relationship manager for select agencies or brokers, driving profit and premium to meet financial goals through the development, negotiation, and execution of comprehensive business plans. You will leverage your critical thinking and communication skills to analyze complex accounts, ensuring that all underwriting decisions align with company guidelines and profitability objectives. In this role, you will monitor market conditions, perform in-depth analyses of risks, and develop strategic territory and account decisions. You will be responsible for achieving production, profitability, and service objectives, utilizing your expertise to accept, reject, or modify new surety business. Your ability to manage workflow and the intricacies of underwriting will be essential, as you will coordinate efforts with the surety team to maximize profit and pipeline management. Additionally, you will proactively identify opportunities for cross-selling and collaborate with various lines of business to enhance Nationwide's overall presence in the market. Your role will also involve effective communication with agencies to establish Nationwide as the provider of choice for all enterprise products, particularly surety. You will conduct agency visits to develop new accounts, service existing ones, and enhance relationships. As a subject matter expert, you will provide training and support to ensure the success of assigned agencies, while also mentoring new territory managers. This position requires a strong drive for results, the ability to manage a heavy workload, and a commitment to Nationwide's values of diversity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary relationship manager for the largest territories of surety business.
• Market, manage, and underwrite a new and renewal surety book through direct contact with select agencies or brokers.
• Drive profit and premium to meet financial goals through the development and execution of business plans.
• Lead and influence agencies by creating sales strategies and implementing sales processes that drive new sales and customer retention.
• Collaborate with all lines of business to support and increase Nationwide's overall presence.
• Independently underwrite accounts based on authority level and underwriting appetite.
• Monitor market conditions and research necessary factors to win accounts.
• Perform analysis of complex accounts to make strategic territory and account decisions.
• Achieve production, profitability, and service objectives within delegated authority levels.
• Manage workflow and intricacies of underwriting complex assigned work.
• Drive agency business planning to deliver detailed performance plans and maximize profit.
• Market company's products and services to drive agency and company results.
• Consult with agents and internal partners to provide underwriting recommendations and develop business solutions.
• Communicate effectively with agencies to establish Nationwide as the provider of choice for all enterprise products.
• Complete agency visits to develop new accounts and enhance agency relationships.
• Lead delivery of appropriate customer service levels and ensure proper handling of escalated requests.
• Identify and communicate training needs and opportunities for assigned agencies.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in business or a related field preferred.
• Pursuit of technical insurance coursework such as AFSB is highly desirable.
• Ten years of progressively responsible surety underwriting experience preferred.
• Expertise in markets consistent with underwriting appetite and product portfolio preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of surety value proposition and ability to communicate to bond producers and principals.
• Working knowledge of state laws and regulations required.
• Expert level of knowledge of surety underwriting and familiarity with surety forms and territory requirements.
• Strong knowledge of effective sales, marketing, and agency relationship management techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal and sales skills with the ability to build and maintain cooperative partnerships.
• Demonstrated decision-making ability in day-to-day operations with competing priorities.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in developing and executing business plans in a remote environment.
• Familiarity with technology tools used in underwriting and agency management.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Life insurance and short/long term disability coverage.
• Paid time off with a minimum of 18 days per year, pro-rated quarterly based on hire date.
• Nine paid holidays and additional paid time off for special occasions.
• 401(k) with company match and a company-paid pension plan.
• Business casual attire and flexible work arrangements.