Executive Underwriter - Contract

Berkley•Houston, TX

About The Position

Berkley Surety is a service-oriented surety underwriting management company providing contract, environmental, and commercial surety bonds through multiple distribution channels in the United States and Canada. It writes on behalf of Berkley Insurance Company, a W. R. Berkley Corporation member company with an A.M. Best rating of A+ (Superior). The Executive Underwriter produces and underwrites new and renewal business from assigned agents and brokers. The role manages an assigned portfolio with little or no supervision, underwrites performance and non-performance bonds, and is accountable for achieving budgeted financial results through business acquisition, retention, and effective price management. It includes both inside and outside business development and direct responsibility for agency development and management within a book of business. The position develops producer and account relationships through regular travel, account visits, clear communication, and timely underwriting and documentation. It evaluates financial statements, bond forms, contract documents, and other risk factors, and may assist with or directly manage the development, coaching, mentoring, or supervision of other underwriting staff as determined by the Manager. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and a benefits package for full-time regular employees.

Requirements

Minimum four-year degree or related industry experience.
Seven to 15 years of surety industry or related experience.
Ability to read, analyze, discuss, and interpret financial statements, bond forms, contract documents, and government regulations and reach appropriate risk-assessment conclusions.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear reports and business correspondence and make well-developed recommendations.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills and the ability to solve practical problems in situations with limited standardization.
Ability to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-form instructions.
Ability to use automation tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Lotus Notes, and underwriting systems.
Ability to organize and handle medium to complex volumes of information.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Self-motivation, an outgoing orientation, and a strong customer focus.

Nice To Haves

Business, Finance, or Accounting major.
Banking or credit analysis background.

Responsibilities

Produce and underwrite new and renewal business from assigned agents and brokers.
Manage and assess an assigned portfolio of accounts with little or no supervision, including underwriting performance and non-performance bonds.
Achieve budgeted financial results through new business acquisition, business retention, and effective price management.
Execute personal and branch objectives and strategies.
Develop and maintain productive agency, client, and account relationships through visibility and regular travel.
Visit accounts, prepare and share meeting agendas, obtain follow-up documentation, evaluate accounts, and submit timely, detailed submission memos for credit approval.
Communicate the company’s mission and objectives professionally in account meetings and work toward being a trusted adviser and partner.
Manage workflow and communications with agency representatives in the assigned territory, and communicate acceptance or rejection of accounts.
Maintain accurate, complete, and current underwriting documentation and account information in management systems.
Evaluate bond forms and contract documents to assess risk.
Keep management informed about matters important to the branch and company.
As assigned by the Manager, assist with or take responsibility for developing, mentoring, coaching, or supervising other underwriting staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.