Sr Consultant, Underwriting Practice – Middle Market (Agribusiness)

Nationwide Mutual Insurance•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team is hiring a Senior Consultant, Underwriting Practice, specializing in Middle Market Agribusiness. The role supports the development and execution of captive and alternative risk strategies by working across underwriting, product, sales, and other business partners. It calls for substantial hands-on captive-insurance experience, including exposure to captive structures, fronting or reinsurance arrangements, and the financial, actuarial, governance, and operational disciplines that support them. The position contributes to a growing capability and supports decisions and solutions that promote profitable growth. The Senior Consultant develops and recommends underwriting policies, procedures, and standards for Middle Market, with a specialty practice designation. The role provides guidance on risks and accounts, policy forms, underwriting appetite and guidelines, technical training, underwriting projects, and agency relationships. Preferred candidates are based in Des Moines, Iowa, and work in a hybrid environment; remote candidates may also be considered. The role may be filled in any of the lower 48 states. The position reports to the Underwriting Practice Director, Middle Market National Underwriting, and may have direct or indirect reports. It is exempt from overtime. Work is performed in a normal office environment or from home, and some travel may be required. A valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record under Nationwide standards are required.

Requirements

Typically more than 10 years of commercial lines underwriting experience.
At least five years of Middle Market experience in the area of specialty, such as property, casualty, construction, or specialty care.
Substantial hands-on captive-insurance experience, including meaningful exposure to captive structures, fronting or reinsurance arrangements, and supporting financial, actuarial, governance, and operational disciplines.
Strong underwriting and insurance-industry acuity and overall business savvy.
Detailed knowledge of products and forms, underwriting policies and procedures, and standard methodologies.
Proven knowledge of financials, trend analysis, and competitor data to support territory and book management and counsel of assigned field teams.
Strong communication, collaboration, relationship-management, and influencing skills to interact effectively with field teams at all levels, including upper management.
Demonstrated decision quality, problem-solving, and strategic abilities.
Ability to drive for results and deal with ambiguity.
Customer focus and conflict-resolution skills.
Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record in accordance with Nationwide standards.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate studies in business or another related subject area; advanced studies preferred.
CPCU, ARM, another industry designation, or equivalent preferred.
Exposure to or experience in both field and staff operations.
Based in Des Moines, Iowa, and able to work in a hybrid environment; remote candidates will also be considered.

Responsibilities

Provide highly technical underwriting perspective to assigned field teams.
Assess underwriting opportunities and make consultative recommendations.
Consult with field staff on new or highly specialized concepts, business, or practice opportunities, including assessing opportunities and risk exposure and deciding whether to accept or reject business.
Evaluate risks submitted by the field organization and recommend action.
Make final recommendations on highly specialized or niche underwriting opportunities advanced from field practices.
Coach and prepare field teams for negotiations with agents and customers.
Maintain competitive intelligence and use it to advise and mentor field teams on writing and retaining profitable business.
Consult and coach on account stewardship as needed.
Assist assigned field management teams with book and portfolio management issues and execution.
Lead research to develop and implement underwriting initiatives and recommend new products, such as forms and endorsements, to meet market needs.
Work with the Commercial Lines Product and Performance organization on new product development.
Anticipate, understand, and address the impact of underwriting projects and initiatives on other teams, including Product, Loss Control, and AUs.
Coach, mentor, train, and develop the underwriting expertise of field Territory Managers and Underwriters.
Develop, maintain, and use business relationships with Quality, Loss Control, Premium Audit, Claim/CBC team members, and field leaders to strengthen Middle Market underwriting acumen.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid time off: newly hired associates receive at least 18 days per full calendar year, prorated quarterly based on hire date.
Nine paid holidays.
Eight hours of Lifetime paid time off.
Eight hours of Unity Day paid time off.
401(k) with company match.
Company-paid pension plan.
Business casual attire.