Middle Market Underwriting Leader

PHARMACISTS INSURANCE COMPANY•Des Moines, IA

4d•$145,000 - $190,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group has an opening for a Middle Market Underwriting Leader. This role will provide leadership and oversight for the Middle Market underwriting team. Leads and oversees Middle Market underwriting, guiding a team to effectively evaluate, price, and manage complex risks while modeling strong underwriting judgment. Drives development to remain competitive and monitors performance and claims trends to inform actionable strategies that support sustainable growth and portfolio stability. Accountable for P&L results, manages key metrics, and implements corrective actions as needed. Fosters a culture of accountability and excellence through coaching, audits, and governance of underwriting authority. Collaborates cross-functionally with Distribution, Claims, Pricing, and Risk Management, while building strategic partnerships to drive profitable growth. Contributes to identifying emerging risks and opportunities, balancing strategic vision with operational leadership. May lead other underwriting segments, such as Programs and/or Excess and Surplus Lines.

Requirements

Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of commercial insurance underwriting.
Expert knowledge of commercial policy language.
Expertise in building and maintaining relationships with distribution partners and individual account negotiations.
Ability to develop, build, and lead highly-effective teams.
Demonstrates the skills needed to drive financial performance of the Middle Market portfolio.
Demonstrated experience in influencing and leading teams of underwriters.
Knowledge of employee management principles including hiring, supervision, training, retention, and performance evaluation.
Ability to develop a plan and execute it.
Ability to make timely decisions independently, using personal knowledge and discretion.
Ability to organize and prioritize work.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Deep problem-solving skills.
Work independently and use initiative.
Possess critical thinking skills and sound judgment in underwriting decisions.
Determine when and how to escalate concerns.
Ability to understand and apply laws, rules and regulations.
Ability to deal with confidential information.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Interact externally and internally with professionalism and confidence.
Possess a high level of executive functioning skills to organize and prioritize work.
Meet finite deadlines and deal with pressure situations.
Maintain records; prepare reports/correspondence related to the work.
Read, interpret and input data efficiently and accurately.
Communicate and work effectively with others (oral and written).
Follow oral and written directions.
Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and punctuation.
Knowledge of management information and business systems such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.
Utilize computer and related software effectively.

Nice To Haves

Successful completion of CPCU or AU designation

Responsibilities

Leads and oversees Middle Market underwriting, guiding a team to effectively evaluate, price, and manage complex risks while modeling strong underwriting judgment.
Drives development to remain competitive and monitors performance and claims trends to inform actionable strategies that support sustainable growth and portfolio stability.
Accountable for P&L results, manages key metrics, and implements corrective actions as needed.
Fosters a culture of accountability and excellence through coaching, audits, and governance of underwriting authority.
Collaborates cross-functionally with Distribution, Claims, Pricing, and Risk Management, while building strategic partnerships to drive profitable growth.
Contributes to identifying emerging risks and opportunities, balancing strategic vision with operational leadership.
May lead other underwriting segments, such as Programs and/or Excess and Surplus Lines.
Understands the Middle Market marketplace and agent and customer expectations.
Participates in Guidelines Leadership Team to develop underwriting guidelines.
Models effective leadership, motivating the team to achieve shared goals while reinforcing professionalism and accountability.
Recruits, trains, coaches, and develops underwriting staff.
Conducts goal-setting activities and individual performance reviews.
Manages department workflow to ensure proper controls and procedures are documented, maintained, and followed.
Establishes workload and territory assignments and monitors productivity.
Coordinates regular and systematic quality control audits for each assigned staff member.
Supports VP, Underwriting with participation in Underwriting and/or cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives.
Ensures compliance with underwriting guidelines, authority levels, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
Maintains expenses at or below budget for assigned team.
Drives innovation and capability enhancements in portfolio management, AI utilization, underwriting processes, and performance metrics by identifying opportunities, developing recommendations, and leading implementation.
Uses data and analytics to inform decisions, identify trends, and improve underwriting practices.
Stays informed on industry trends, emerging risks, and competitor offerings to enhance underwriting effectiveness.
May underwrite complex Middle Market business.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, eligible employees may receive an annual discretionary bonus and access to our benefits package, including: Health, Dental, Vision & Life coverage 401(k) with Company Match Paid Time Off 8 Paid Holidays Volunteer Time Off Paid Parental Leave Hybrid/Remote Work Options Employee Assistance Program Tuition Reimbursement

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