Commercial Lines Market Facing Underwriter

New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company•Trenton, NJ

9d•$101,415 - $127,862•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 has been expanding its offerings to include middle and large commercial lines of business through an independent agency model, serving businesses across multiple states in the Mid-Atlantic region. The Commercial Lines department encompasses various functions including Underwriting, Sales, Operations, and Product Management. This role is specifically within the Commercial Lines department, focusing on underwriting responsibilities for policyholders and preferred agencies in the Mid-Atlantic region. The position involves evaluating, accepting, rejecting, or modifying commercial accounts within established guidelines, making underwriting decisions for new and renewal policies, and authorizing mid-term changes. It also requires corresponding with customers on complex policy inquiries, leading training for newer underwriters, and developing training materials. The role acts as a key liaison with brokers to foster engagement and handles a high volume of complex accounts. The ideal candidate is a motivated, self-directed individual with an entrepreneurial mindset, strong time management and organizational skills, and the ability to conduct regular agency visits.

Requirements

Middle or Large Market experience is required.
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.
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.
Making new and renewal Commercial Lines underwriting decisions.
Authorizing mid-term changes on commercial policies.
Corresponding with customers regarding complex policy inquiries and additional information needed.
Leading the development and training of newer underwriters.
Developing training materials for cross-training in multiple lines of business.
Initiating and maintaining a good relationship with brokers 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.
Identifying and capturing new business opportunities using consultative marketing and sales skills.
Managing the profitability and growth of an assigned book of business.
Establishing and maintaining relationships with producers and customers to understand their needs and sell products that respond to their needs.
Partnering with the Commercial Sales Team in exceeding NJM’s business growth, profitability, and retention targets.
Negotiating renewal terms.
Complying with all legal and regulatory requirements to ensure obligations are met.
Staying abreast of all rate, forms and coverage changes for all commercial lines and jurisdictions, as well as CL strategic initiatives.
Proactively taking the lead in mentoring, training, and development of existing underwriting staff.
Participating in department projects and performing other duties as assigned.
Providing expert underwriter testimony on disputed coverage and premium cases as needed.
Communicating regularly with policyholders and agents on accounts.
Collaborating with Claims and Special Investigation Unit regarding possible fraud cases.