Ag Sr Product Manager

Job Posting

At Zenith Agribusiness Solutions (ZAS), we specialize in providing P&C insurance products and services to California agricultural businesses. From dairies to berries, from almonds to wine, from vegetables to cattle ranches, we recognize the importance of agriculture and the effort it takes to compete in the global agriculture industry. That's why we employ talented insurance professionals who are eager to get to know our policyholders, understand their operations, and help protect their businesses. Values such as collaboration, work-life balance, and integrity are placed at the center of all our operations. In addition, ZAS supports career advancement through a dedication to ongoing learning and development.

A Brief Overview

Working under general direction this position will manage the relationship of every aspect of assigned lines of business (LOB) and will support division's efforts for profitable premium growth. Will develop action plans and strategic direction for respective LOB and will maintain alignment with other Product Managers.

What you will do

• The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop comprehensive product strategies for assigned lines of business using understanding of insurance rating plans, policy forms, risk appetite, state regulations and underwriting requirements specific to those lines. Identify product deficiencies, market trends, opportunities and areas for improvement. Determine how to apply and implement strategic decisions in alignment with division goals.

• Partner with all areas of the operation to grow premium and improve profitability. Analyze the drivers of profitability including loss ratios, actuarial indications, frequency/severity trends, retention and other data for assigned products

• Serve as subject matter expert for assigned lines of business. Participates on projects and committees representing the Agribusiness Product Team. Provides consultation to underwriting, claims, risk management, actuarial and corporate counsel on complex matters.

• Independently drive product revisions with a focus on quality and customer centricity. Lead state filing efforts including: researching and identifying new product opportunities and needs; leading cross functional teams to develop new, revised product offerings; communicating regularly with the filing project team (underwriting, claims, marketing, regulatory affairs); maintaining communication with actuary to coordinate filing efforts; obtaining underwriting feedback; securing final leadership signoff; securing all necessary supplemental filing materials; monitoring progress of filing at Department of Insurance (DOI); and responding to and resolving DOI inquiries.

• Manage schedule to complete work within established deadlines. May handle timelines and coordinate completion of project work through others. Plan work to ensure rate review and other key processes are completed to ensure speed to market. Provide regular updates and communicate roadblocks timely to manager including suggested solutions.

• Lead internal efforts following submittal of filing to DOI including: partnering with IT to develop user stories; developing agency and customer communications related to product revisions; gathering user feedback prior to finalization when necessary; developing acceptance criteria; validating all system rating in conjunction with actuary; leading user training and developing job aids; and auditing results of implementation via underwriting audits when possible.

• Use data to evaluate the impact of new product features post-launch, uncover new opportunities, and identify areas for further improvement.

• Research and provide timely responses to technical product and system inquiries received from departments throughout the organization.

• Work with team to manage defect and enhancement process including: managing user acceptance testing (UAT) of system updates and including users when possible to validate results; maintaining documentation of issues and resolutions; monitoring scope of issues and communicating global issues to leaders.

• Participate in underwriting audit process with a focus on product and regulatory compliance related issues.

• Conduct competitive analysis to identify and analyze major competitors' rating plans, products, filings and underwriting policies.

• Summarize and communicate pertinent competitive findings to underwriting, marketing, loss control and claims leadership in a timely manner along with recommendations for our product changes to respond when appropriate.

• Manage documentation of competitor filings and your analysis in an organized manner that is accessible to the entire organization.

• Identify, analyze and summarize bureau circulars to maintain current changes to filed forms and coverage.

• Develop, manage and maintain all historic documents related to your lines of business including forms, manuals, filings, requirements, system issues, etc.

• Monitor, research and communicate new regulations, statutes and laws to maintain compliance.

• Manage relationships with third party vendors that provide underwriting and product tools related to assigned lines of business. Consider and provide recommendations related to selecting new or replacement vendors as needed.

• Develops and delivers information to help educate underwriting and claims partners.

• May manage Associate Product Managers, and/or Product Analysts.

• Monitors the overall profitability including growth and retention of assigned lines of business to ensure consistency with division strategies and objectives.

• Monitors policy, coverage and rating consistency across multiple lines of business to recommend and lead strategic action to ensure overall product consistency.

• Effectively create alignment with internal and cross-functional teams on key organizational goals.

• Provide input to guide the product team in overall development activities. Participate in creating alignment of key processes and procedures amongst Product Managers.

• Serves as resource and provides consultation to division leadership on complex product issues

• Manages outside key vendor relationships associated with product quality and policy administration.

• Develops and monitors individual goals and objectives for direct reports and ensures priorities and expectations for all work are clearly communicated. Provide ongoing coaching and feedback in order to continuously improve performance.

• Lead all aspects of associate management including conducting performance reviews, salary recommendations, training and development, workflow and organization planning, day-to-day management, hiring and disciplinary actions.

• Proactively builds and strengthens relationships with peers, internal and external partners to support completion of ongoing assignments. May participate in cross-functional teams to complete projects or support the business. Provides strong leadership, is approachable, and instills trust at all levels

• Applies principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Work productively and harmoniously with others on a consistent basis.

• Respond positively to direction and feedback on performance.

• Consistently maintain professional and appropriate demeanor.

• Perform other duties/projects as assigned.

Education Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of training/experience required.

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of training/experience required.

Experience Qualifications

• 8+ Years Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities typically acquired with 8+ years of experience in personal or commercial underwriting or product management experience. Required.

Skills and Abilities

• Work experience demonstrating progressively responsible leadership experience required with prior direct supervisory experience preferred.

• Proven ability to work independently in a demanding and changing environment.

• Excellent analytical, problem solving, organizational and communication skills.

• Work experience demonstrating detail and accuracy orientation.

• Excellent computer skills including knowledge of Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and Visio.

• Valid driver license.

The expected salary range for this position is $112,955.92 - $141194.91. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law. Qualifications may warrant placement in a different job level.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Zenith Insurance Company.