Surety Process and Operations Leader

Westfield is rated "A" (Excellent) for financial strength by A.M. Best, and we have had an "A" or higher rating for the past 75 years. A Best’s Financial Strength Rating is an independent opinion of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. To learn more about our Best rating, read the Best's Review article, "Standing the Test of Time" (PDF).

The Surety Process and Operations Leader leads the processing and technology support functions for the Surety Department in addition to leading the Surety Operations Team. This includes direct leadership responsibility for the Surety Processing Leader and the Surety Technology Coordinator. The Surety Technology and Operations Leader serves as the main point of contact between Information Technology (IT) and Surety, ensuring technology currency, functionality, efficiency, and availability. This includes business case development, project management, and subject matter expertise on Surety business and technical issues. In addition, the Surety Technology and Operations Leader manages the internal and external communications and operational training needs of the Surety department.

* Leads the processing and technology support functions for the Surety Department. * Responsible for supporting and resolving daily operational issues and supporting the needs of the Surety marketing, underwriting, and claims staff units including, but not limited to: processing, communication, change management, training, etc. * Directs and oversees automation issues (e.g. projects, enhancements, updates) of Surety by working closely with the IT Relationship Manager to ensure departmental needs are being met in the areas of technology support, hardware/software procurement, service, etc. in the home office and service offices. * Assists Senior Surety Leadership with Business Case Development related to surety technology needs. * Manages surety technology projects in coordination with IT. Identifies, communicates and validates surety business requirements. Oversees user acceptance testing, implementation and change management related to technology. * Provides surety subject matter expertise to cross-departmental teams and steering committees on business and technical issues (e.g. agency automation, ECM, prioritization, BI, etc.) related to corporate initiatives. * Performs human capital management responsibilities including employee selection, performance management, coaching, and development. Manages priorities and workload distribution, and removes barriers that impede progress. Completes all personnel, salary administration, and reporting duties. Performs operational responsibilities that drive team performance including planning, execution, process improvement and best-practice sharing. * Manages certain Surety change management communications to employees, agencies and customers. Coordinates communication activities with Corporate Communications when appropriate and necessary. * Manages the operational training needs of Surety. Performs needs analysis and schedules training, including educational seminars (e.g. new processes, technologies); designs curriculum (in conjunction with Surety Leaders); coordinates training with Westfield University when appropriate and necessary. * Oversees surety agency compensation processes including commission assignment and agency performance sharing payments. * Recommends and implements the rate and form filings in all states in coordination with CUO and actuary. * Researches resources and best practices within the Surety industry and other internal business units for development and incorporation into Surety (e.g. procedural issues, processing of forms and paper-work, agency management). * Travels occasionally in order to participate in special assignments, training, and/or travel between office locations.

* 3-5 years of leadership experience in insurance, financial services, or other relevant field. * Demonstrated experience and/or understanding of systems, software (e.g. Adobe, MS Word, MS excel), and hardware. * Demonstrated experience managing projects. * Demonstrated experience leading and/or assisting in change management. * Demonstrated strong knowledge and understanding of automated processing systems. * Proven ability to communicate between IT and end user. * Demonstrated strong customer service skills. * Demonstrated organizational and time management skills. * Demonstrated strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication with the ability to interact with all levels of the company. * Proven ability to streamline work flows and process. * Meeting organization and facilitation experience. * Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/ university OR commensurate work experience. * Valid driver’s license and a driving record that conforms to company standards. **Physical Requirements:** * The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. * Ability to work effectively in an office environment for 40+ hours per week (including sitting, standing and working on a computer for extended periods of time). * Ability to communicate effectively in a collaborative work environment utilizing various technologies such as: telephone, computer, web, voice, teleconferencing, e-mail, etc. * Ability to travel as required.