Senior Underwriter - Contract Surety

West Bend Insurance Company

2d•Remote

About The Position

Join a respected surety organization where you’ll take ownership of a defined territory and manage a well-developed contract surety portfolio. The role calls for strong underwriting fundamentals, independent judgment within established authority, and a steady focus on profitable growth. You’ll partner with experienced agents and principals to maintain and strengthen long-term relationships across the market. This role is well-suited for underwriters with varying levels of experience. Candidates with deeper underwriting expertise may be considered for expanded scope, authority, or level, depending on background and business needs. This is a fully remote, work-from-home role with regular time spent in the field meeting with agents and accounts across the Kansas City territory. Occasional travel to an office location is expected for team meetings, training, and company events. External applications will be accepted on a rolling basis while the position remains open.

Requirements

3+ years of experience as a contract surety underwriter (or equivalent experience in the surety industry)
Data entry and analytical skills
Ability to multi-task
Effective communication skills in all mediums including phone, e-mail, and in-person
Ability to interact professionally and work well in a high-performance team environment
Ability to work independently and perform quality work within deadlines

Nice To Haves

Candidates with more extensive underwriting or market experience are encouraged to apply and may be considered for additional responsibility or a higher-level role.
Bachelor’s degree in business, insurance or related field, or equivalent surety underwriting experience

Responsibilities

Primarily responsible for evaluating and underwriting new and renewal accounts within an assigned territory by utilizing financial analysis and other underwriting tools.
Underwrites to achieve profitable growth in support of enterprise goals and objectives.
Operates within an established authority level and demonstrates the ability and competency to handle larger, more complex risks.
Refers accounts beyond the granted individual authority to a more senior level underwriter and clearly communicates recommendations.
Demonstrates and displays an in-depth knowledge of surety underwriting and requires minimal oversight when operating within the scope of the established authority level.
Provides support and ongoing training to more junior level underwriters as requested.
Develops and maintains positive agency, broker, and principal relationships to solidify existing account relationships and capitalize on new business opportunities.
Occasionally travels within the territory to agency or principal locations to prospect business.
Represents the company at agency and industry related functions.
Promotes and complies with the values of the division and company.

Benefits

Medical & Prescription Insurance
Health Savings Account
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Short and Long Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Life and Accidental Death & Disability
Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
401(k) Plan with Company Match
Pet Insurance
Paid Time Off. Standard first year PTO is 17 days, pro-rated based on month of hire. Enhanced PTO may be available for experienced candidates
Bonus eligible based on performance
West Bend will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for Colorado employees, in accordance with its plans and policies.