Sr Underwriter - Commercial Lines

Nationwide•Iowa City, IA

12h•$62,500 - $115,500•Remote

About The Position

This Sr Underwriter, Commercial Lines position supports the small market commercial lines business and can be worked remotely. Success on the team requires a blend of customer service skill and analytical prowess. Each account is complex and interesting, and satisfaction comes from finding solutions that provide the best coverage and give partner agents a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. As a Senior Underwriter, you'll accept, retain and price moderate to high exposure new, renewal and endorsement commercial business policies based on granted authority. You'll provide other underwriting technical support, work within broad limits of authority on underwriting assignments of varied complexity, and have opportunities to provide guidance and assistance to less experienced underwriters and other functional areas. In addition, you'll partner with assigned agencies and field sales underwriters to consult on and develop business opportunities.

Requirements

Prior commercial lines underwriting experience.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
Typically, three years of underwriting experience or related business experience preferred.
Experience leading or working on complex projects and teams preferred.
Commercial underwriting policy, practices, and procedures.
Rating plans and plan concepts.
State and federal insurance laws and regulations.
Commercial insurance processing systems.
Solid understanding of company operations and products.
Verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with all levels of internal and external contacts.
Ability to evaluate and recommend solutions to work-related problems.
Ability to analyze insurance risks to determine the degree of acceptability and pricing.
Ability to operate personal computer and related software.
Ability to advise agents and agency staff on commercial contracts, procedures, and business practices.

Nice To Haves

Completion of INS, AU or similar designations with progress toward CIC and/or CPCU is preferred.
Effective time management skills and competencies preferred.

Responsibilities

Takes ownership and gathers information from multiple sources, according to company guidelines and strategic initiatives, to perform underwriting analysis.
Independently reviews individual risks for acceptability and exercises judgement and discretion within appetite and authority level, based on company underwriting guidelines and industry standards.
Handles workflow and intricacies of underwriting to maintain expected service level goals. Exhibits proficient use of company tools and systems. Ensures file handling quality and workflow efficiency for a best-in-class customer experience.
May lead larger, more complex project work that requires focused business partner collaboration, working with and through others, to meet overall project timelines. May assist in managing work inventories within the unit.
Underwrites new business, renewals, and endorsements with a portfolio management viewpoint. Decisions at this level may require review of additional variables, using agency relationships, inspection reports and evaluation of exceptions, which may include utilizing available reports and data.
Negotiates price and coverage as appropriate to the book of business based on various business strategies and underwriting tools.
Completes assignments to meet agreed upon timelines and service level agreements, as well as projects of increased complexity, which may include utilizing available reports and data.
Proactively consults and collaborates with external and internal partners to resolve business issues and projects of moderate complexity requiring more discernment or robust solutions.
Understands and tactically drives strategic initiatives within the business unit.
Understands organizational capabilities and opportunities to drive maximum value of relationships.
Identifies and drives opportunities for business development, growth, and retention.
Strengthens agency experience through proactive and quality contact on underwriting matters, promoting profit and new business growth, renewal retention and service capabilities.
Is solution oriented and will solve problems in a first-time final manner.
Participates in the review and analysis of agency business performance by utilizing analytical tools to help make data driven business decisions and strengthening the overall portfolio of the business units’ book of business.
Responds to requests from external and internal partners with resolution within established time and service standards to facilitate and expedite service needs. Will own problems or issues as they arise. When needed will route calls and higher-level issues to appropriate individuals.
Educates internal and external partners on underwriting process, practice, and tools. Helps train and mentor less experienced underwriting staff. May participate in training development or delivery as a subject matter authority.
Delivers peer to peer feedback and coaching to associates when appropriate.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

medical/dental/vision
life insurance
short and long term disability coverage
paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
company-paid pension plan
business casual attire