AVP, Middle Market Strategy and Business Execution Lead

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JOB DESCRIPTION:
Job Description Summary
Officer position responsible for organizing and driving the execution of strategic and operational business initiatives for CNA's Middle Market business unit. This role serves as an advisor and counsel to the Head of Middle Market and the Middle Market Executive Leadership team to prioritize initiatives, oversee program management and act as a liaison between key stakeholders.
In addition to aligning executive stakeholders to support the strategic direction of the business unit, they will be responsible to ensure leaders and teams are held accountable to translate plans into desired action. This role will ensure plans are defined and aligned, facilitating collaboration and monitoring progress with data-driven analysis and reporting.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills are required to influence at various levels across stakeholder groups. Proven executive presentation and communication skills are required to command the attention and respect of the audience and to inform, align and guide them at the appropriate level of detail.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:
1. Partners with Middle Market executive leadership to shape the business unit strategy and strategic and operational initiatives.
2. Manages the portfolio of Middle Market strategic and operational initiatives. The specific role on each project varies based on needs, i.e., Lead, Guide, or Track.
3. Ensures implementation of underwriting strategies and best practices with substantial impact on the short-term success and long-term viability of Middle Market.
4. Ensures the achievement of continued profitability, growth and/or operational efficiencies for Middle Market through assessment of risk tolerance, market appetite and emerging risk issues.
5. Acts as a liaison, when necessary, with the Global Property and Global Casualty Underwriting Teams.
6. Monitors the market landscape, keeping a pulse on key trends impacting the Middle Market segment including competitor/distributor actions, loss trends, macroeconomic changes, etc. Translates key trends into actionable insights for Middle Market Leadership.
7. Advances a data-driven culture within Middle Market, translating data into actionable insights. Maintains direct connectivity with the Portfolio Management and Finance teams.
8. Engages directly with the enterprise Strategy & Transformation Office (STO) to ensure connectivity and alignment between global CNA strategies and Middle Market.
9. Collaborates with the Middle Market leadership team and stakeholders to develop executive-level presentations to create consistent CNA Middle Market brand recognition and visibility.
10. Leads the development of critical materials for Middle Market Leadership Team meetings and other ad hoc leadership meetings throughout the year.
11. Collaborates with business partners in Legal, Risk Control, Actuarial, Claim, Operations and Compliance to drive projects and address issues and opportunities across the business unit.
12. Acts as the liaison with Information Technology to ensure systems and applications meet the demands of Middle Market.
13. May engage external stakeholders, including brokers and customers, where necessary to advance critical initiatives.
May perform additional duties as assigned.
Reporting Relationship
Typically VP and above
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
1. In-depth technical knowledge of underwriting theories and practices within the commercial insurance field, including key players, products and services.
2. Ability to effectively communicate, both written and verbal, and collaborate with leaders, stakeholders and peers.
3. Ability to effectively navigate matrixed organizational structures.
4. Leadership and management skills, demonstrating ethical behaviors, integrity, professionalism and diverse thinking.
5. Experience in external and/or internal strategy & operational consulting roles within commercial insurance
6. Excellent organizational skills including the ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple projects and initiatives, as well as anticipate business needs.
7. High degree of comfort moving at a fast-pace while balancing multiple priorities with urgency and agility.
8. Critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical abilities gained through working experience on large scale strategic initiatives.
9. Ability to lead and make decisions during times of uncertainty and ambiguity.
10. Ability to drive results by identifying, and resolving problems within scope of responsibility.
11. Ability to be a change agent and adapt skills and competencies to dynamic industries continually changing and/or modifying business models.
12. Expert competency in Excel and PowerPoint with the ability to translate complex analyses into clear storylines with the highest degree of professionalism and quality.
13. Knowledge of SQL, Microsoft Power BI, Looker, and other data analytics tools.
Education & Experience
1. Bachelor's degree required, MBA or advanced degree strongly preferred.
2. Typically a minimum of 10 years related work experience with five years management experience.
3. Five to seven years in a combination of advisory, consulting and/or industry roles preferred
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