Manager, Underwriting | Small Business

Great West Casualty Company•South Sioux City, NE

About The Position

Great West is seeking a Manager, Underwriting to lead its Small Business Underwriting team. The role provides leadership, coaching, and direction to underwriters while ensuring underwriting quality, profitability, and exceptional customer service. The manager develops talent, partners with agents, and supports strategic business objectives through sound underwriting practices and effective team leadership. The position is responsible for developing a high-performing team, driving underwriting excellence, building agency partnerships, and supporting business operations. This includes reviewing underwriting performance, loss trends, pricing adequacy, and portfolio results; providing guidance and approvals within established authority limits; working with internal departments and agents; and traveling to agency locations as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and related professional experience.
Minimum of 7 years of insurance industry experience, preferably in underwriting or marketing.
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance license.
Strong understanding of commercial insurance underwriting principles.
Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Strong leadership and coaching abilities.
Commitment to developing people and fostering team success.
Ability to make sound business decisions and take ownership of outcomes.
Confidence in resolving conflict and navigating challenging conversations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent relationship-building and negotiation capabilities.
Adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Customer-focused mindset and commitment to service excellence.

Nice To Haves

Previous leadership or management experience.
Insurance-related coursework, professional designations, or an advanced degree.
Experience managing underwriting portfolios and agency relationships.
Knowledge of complex commercial insurance programs, loss-sensitive products, and transportation-related exposures.

Responsibilities

Coach, mentor, and manage the performance of assigned underwriters.
Establish goals, expectations, and development plans for individual and team success.
Conduct file reviews and audits to ensure underwriting quality, consistency, and compliance.
Monitor team performance metrics and implement corrective action when necessary.
Create a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.
Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training team members.
Review underwriting performance, loss trends, pricing adequacy, and portfolio results.
Provide underwriting guidance and approvals within established authority limits.
Partner with Claims, Risk Control, Marketing, and other internal departments to support business objectives.
Identify underwriting trends, troubleshoot challenges, and implement process improvements.
Serve as a trusted partner to agents and insureds.
Assist with agency marketing efforts, training opportunities, and business development initiatives.
Collaborate with Marketing Representatives to strengthen agency relationships and support profitable growth.
Travel to agency locations as needed for training, account management, and business development.
Answer questions related to policy coverage, billing, and underwriting issues.
Participate in departmental meetings and strategic initiatives.
Provide underwriting support and backup assistance when necessary.