Applications are completed on the employer's own site.
Lead the profitability and operations of the Surety Department, overseeing underwriting, claims, agency management, and regulatory compliance.
Location: Atlanta, GA Insurance Discipline: Surety Bonds Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Direct Reports: Surety Admin FLSA Status: Exempt
Summary Responsible for the overall leadership and profitability of the Surety Department, including underwriting, claims oversight, agency management, indemnity recovery, regulatory compliance, and departmental operations. Maintains strong relationships with agents, contractors, attorneys, consultants, and other business partners while ensuring profitable growth and effective risk management. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Directs and manages all operations of the Surety Department. Oversees underwriting of new and renewal surety business, including financial analysis, risk evaluation, bond approvals, and account management. Develops and maintains relationships with agents, brokers, contractors, attorneys, consultants, and other business partners. Oversees all surety claims activity, including investigations, contractor defaults, claim resolution, reserve management, and litigation oversight. Directs indemnity recovery efforts, including settlement negotiations, collateral demands, repayment agreements, and legal recovery actions. Monitors department profitability, production, bond exposure, and underwriting results. Oversees agency appointments, agency agreements, and ongoing agency performance. Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, licensing obligations, and reporting requirements. Supervises departmental staff and provides leadership, coaching, and performance management for the underwriting and claims team. Prepares management reports and recommendations regarding departmental operations and performance. Travels as necessary to support underwriting, claims, agency, and business development activities. Performs other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Extensive knowledge of commercial and contract surety underwriting. Strong understanding of surety claims, contractor defaults, and indemnity recovery. Ability to analyze financial statements, credit reports, and contractor financial strength. Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills. Knowledge of surety agreements, bond forms, and construction contracts. Ability to make sound business decisions in complex situations. Strong organizational and leadership skills.
Education and/or Experience Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred. Ten or more years of progressive surety experience required. Significant experience in surety underwriting required. Experience managing surety claims, contractor defaults, indemnity recovery, and related litigation strongly preferred. Prior management or leadership experience preferred.
Physical Demands and Work Environment Normal office environment. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, see, and hear (one-on-one, via telephone, and in group settings); to sit for extended periods while using a computer and telephone; and to occasionally stand, walk, bend, and lift or move office materials weighing up to 15 pounds. The role requires the ability to travel via motor vehicle or airplane, including occasional overnight travel, to support underwriting, claims, agency, and business development activities. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Equal Employment Opportunity American Southern Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American Southern Insurance Company specializes in commercial automobile liability, auto physical damage, motor truck cargo, and general liability programs.