E&S Underwriter

SIAA•Knoxville, TN

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

SIAA Xchange, LLC (“Xchange”) was created to unlock smarter, faster, and more profitable access to over $17 billion in premium controlled by the SIAA network. As the embedded MGA and wholesale platform aligned with SIAA, we are more than just a distribution partner, we are building the infrastructure that transforms how carriers connect to the largest network of independent agencies in the country. Our goal is to provide markets with a direct, trusted, and efficient channel to profitable premium by solving real challenges agents face when placing business. The E&S Underwriter plays a key role in this mission by driving profitable underwriting performance and facilitating smooth placement for our agency partners. As the E&S Underwriter on Xchange’s embedded MGA/wholesale platform, you will underwrite, price, and bind profitable commercial accounts under delegated authority. You’ll manage a portfolio sourced from SIAA’s $17B network, working across multiple programs – from digital to traditional wholesale – to achieve profitable growth. In this role, you will serve as the primary contact for assigned agents, providing technical guidance and ensuring efficient placement of new and renewal business. You will also collaborate with carrier and program partners to meet key performance targets including quote turnaround time, hit ratio, rate adequacy, and loss ratio. This position reports to the Underwriting Manager.

Requirements

2-3 years of E&S binding authority or MGA underwriting experience
Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills
Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities
Technologically savvy and data driven
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and insurance platforms (MGA Systems/IMS preferred)

Nice To Haves

Contract binding and wholesale distribution experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Evaluate, price, and bind new and renewal accounts within delegated authority; ensuring adherence to underwriting guidelines and appetite.
Review submissions, analyze risk characteristics, apply sound underwriting judgement to achieve targeted profitability and rate adequacy.
Escalate referrals appropriately and collaborate with senior underwriters or carrier partners as needed.
Manage a profitable book of business, meeting or exceeding established KPIs such as hit ratio, retention, rate targe4ts, and loss ratio.
Monitor account performance and take corrective action on underperforming segments.
Maintain audit-ready file and ensure all underwriting documentation is accurate, complete, and compliant.
Serve as a key contact for agents, providing responsive communication and technical underwriting guidance.
Conduct appetite discussions, review submission requirements, and assist agencies with risk placement strategy.
Strengthen relationships with agency partners to drive retention and growth of quality business.
Leverage data and technology tools to enhance underwriting efficiency and reduce rework.
Partner closely with operations, technology, and carrier teams to maintain service standards and process consistency.
Participate in process improvement initiatives and share insights to improve workflows and underwriting quality.
Support special projects, audits, and other underwriting initiatives as assigned.