Commercial Lines Market Facing Underwriter

New Jersey Manufacturers•Trenton, CT

11d•Onsite

About The Position

NJM Insurance Group is a leading mid-sized U.S. property and casualty insurance company with a strong financial rating and a reputation for outstanding customer service. The company is expanding its regional presence and has added an independent agency model for middle and large commercial lines. NJM now offers a variety of products to businesses across several Mid-Atlantic states. The Commercial Lines department includes Underwriting, Sales, Operations, Premium Audit, Product Management, Product Development, Loss Prevention, and Business Process Unit. The Commercial Lines function encompasses Underwriting, Sales, Operations, Premium Audit, Product Management, Product Development, Loss Prevention and Business Process Unit. Underwriting responsibilities include evaluating, accepting, rejecting or modifying Commercial accounts within established underwriting guidelines. The CL Senior Technical Representative (official NJM title) is responsible for new and renewal Commercial Lines underwriting decision making, authorizing mid-term changes, and corresponding with customers regarding complex policy inquiries. This role requires work to be completed within established guidelines for time and quality. The position also involves leading the development and training of newer underwriters, creating training materials for cross-training, and acting as a point person for initiating and maintaining relationships with brokers. The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, self-directed individual with an entrepreneurial mindset. This position requires regular agency visitation within the Rocky Hill, CT area (2-3 visits weekly average) after training, and strong time management and organizational skills. Vehicle mileage and travel expense reimbursement are provided.

Requirements

Property & Casualty Agent/Producer License is required or must be willing to obtain after hire.
Middle or Large Market experience is required.
Has a minimum of 6-8 years’ experience underwriting commercial lines accounts.
Extensive knowledge of Commercial Multi-line underwriting with a strong focus and thorough knowledge of Workers Compensation, Property and General Liability assessment, controls, rules, guidelines, pricing, rating and coverage.
Umbrella underwriting experience required.
Working knowledge of Facultative Reinsurance, as well as loss sensitive plans such as Retrospective Rating and Large Deductible.
Ability to analyze and resolve complex risks, review coverage requests and independently make risk decisions and recommendations based on company appetite, guidelines, risk characteristics and levels of authority.
Refers risks as required for additional review.
Maintains thorough knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and governance, target industry and class trends, emerging market needs, issues, and competition as it relates to Commercial Lines.
May support related product development ideas and intelligence.
Experience developing broker relationships and profitable book of business for assigned agency partners.
Service-oriented self-starter possessing an excellent professional demeanor.
Accountable for accurate and timely work products.
Strong communication, interpersonal, problem solving and team building skills.
Ability to work with sales, loss prevention, premium audit, product development staff and the broker community.
High level of motivation: self-starter, ability to quickly organize materials, prioritize and coordinate tasks.
Must be detail oriented to ensure accuracy and quality of underwriting development.
Strong analytical skills and ability to multi-task.
Must possess valid driver’s license and vehicle.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
High School Diploma/GED Required
Ability to travel throughout the assigned territory and surrounding areas several times per week.
Travel to our headquarters in West Trenton for Staff meetings and events on a quarterly basis – at a minimum.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Completion of general insurance courses such as CPCU, AU, ARM or CIC are a plus.
Experience utilizing an automated insurance processing system preferred.
Knowledge of Guidewire is a plus.

Responsibilities

Evaluating, accepting, rejecting or modifying Commercial accounts within established underwriting guidelines.
New and renewal Commercial Lines underwriting decision making.
Authorizing mid-term changes.
Corresponding with customers regarding complex policy inquiries and any additional information needed.
Leading in developing and training newer underwriters.
Developing training materials for cross training in multiple lines of business.
Acting as a point person in initiating and maintaining a good relationship with brokers directly to foster future broker engagement.
Handling the highest volume and complex assignment of accounts based on brokers, policies, account premium, products and/or jurisdictions.
Assignment of an agency partner group to help develop Commercial Lines new business opportunities, including Commercial Package, Workers Compensation, Auto and Umbrella.
Identify and capture new business opportunities using consultative marketing and sales skills.
Manage the profitability and growth of an assigned book of business.
Establish and maintain relationships with producers and customers to understand their needs and sell products that respond to their needs.
Partner with the Commercial Sales Team in exceeding NJM’s business growth, profitability, and retention targets.
Negotiate renewal terms.
Comply with all legal and regulatory requirements to ensure obligations are met.
Stay abreast of all rate, forms and coverage changes for all commercial lines and jurisdictions, as well as CL strategic initiatives.
Proactively take lead in mentoring, training, and development of existing underwriting staff.
Participate in department projects and perform other duties as assigned.
Provide expert underwriter testimony on disputed coverage and premium cases as needed.
Communicate regularly with policyholders and agents on accounts.
Collaborate with Claims and Special Investigation Unit regarding possible fraud cases.