Consultant, Field Underwriter - Small Commercial (NY/NJ)

Nationwide•New York, NY

53d•$94,000 - $194,000

About The Position

If you're passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide's Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide, "on your side" goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we're looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. This position may be filled at a different level based on experience and qualifications of the candidate. This position will be accountable for profitable Small Commercial new business growth for assigned agencies within their local geography. This position will report to the Small Commercial Underwriting Director responsible for the Eastern Field Underwriting team. Regular travel is expected. Candidates must reside in the geography served by this position. This role can be filled at the Consultant or Specialist level. Job Description Summary Serves as a top-tier technical expert in commercial lines underwriting, responsible for independently evaluating and underwriting the most complex and high-value risks across a broad field territory. Operates with elevated authority and autonomy, applying advanced risk assessment techniques and deep market insight. Acts as a consultative resource to field underwriters, sales teams, and agency partners. Drives underwriting excellence and contributes to strategic initiatives that support profitability, growth, and operational efficiency. Job Description

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree required.
Experience: Minimum 6-8 years of commercial underwriting experience, with demonstrated success in handling complex risks and portfolios.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Expert-level understanding of commercial underwriting principles, risk management, and industry-specific exposures. Strong knowledge of agency operations and market dynamics. Exceptional analytical, consultative, and communication skills. Ability to influence underwriting outcomes and support strategic initiatives. High proficiency in risk evaluation tools and techniques.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager's leader and Human Resource Business Partner.
Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Nice To Haves

Advanced insurance designations (e.g., CPCU, ARM) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Advanced Underwriting Execution: Independently underwrites and prices the most complex and specialized commercial risks within expanded authority levels while promoting a steady flow of lower-premium and complexity new business. Applies advanced judgment and technical expertise to ensure profitable growth.
Risk Analysis & Technical Consultation: Performs in-depth risk analysis using financials, loss control reports, industry trends, and predictive data models. Provides consultative guidance to field underwriters and agents on risk mitigation and coverage solutions.
Territory Management: Manages a field underwriting territory focused on new business production, ensuring alignment with underwriting strategy, mix of business, and profitability goals. Identifies trends and recommends adjustments to underwriting approach or appetite. May serve as the primary point of contact for consolidation or transfer opportunities within an agency.
Agency Engagement & Strategic Support: Builds and maintains strong relationships with key agency partners. Regularly conducts in-person meetings and takes advantage of opportunities to embed and quote within the agency's office. Provides expert-level support in complex negotiations and coverage discussions. Participates with Territory Managers in strategic planning with agencies to drive mutual success. Identifies and drives opportunities for business development and issue resolution by consulting with agents and internal partners. Understands organizational capabilities and opportunities to drive maximum value of relationships.
Market Intelligence & Innovation: Monitors market developments, emerging risks, and competitor activity. Contributes feedback to the Portfolio Management and Technical Underwriting organizations to influence the evolution of underwriting guidelines, tools, and practices.
Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Serves as a technical resource and informal mentor to field underwriters. Shares best practices and supports skill development across the team.
Program & Product Expertise: Partners with Territory Managers and Learning & Development resources to conduct product orientation and training sessions for agents and internal teams. Provides feedback on product performance and market fit.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

medical/dental/vision
life insurance
short and long term disability coverage
paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
company-paid pension plan
business casual attire