Territory Production Underwriter - Middle Market Commercial Insurance, Multi-Line (Southern California)

Nationwide Mutual Insurance•Los Angeles, CA

17h•$104,000 - $194,000•Remote

About The Position

Nationwide is hiring a senior-level individual contributor for a production underwriting role focused on Middle Market commercial accounts in Southern California. The role is internally titled Territory Manager, Middle Market Business Development - Commercial Lines. The underwriter owns a defined renewal book and new-business goal, exercises personal underwriting authority, and is accountable for profitable results. The position covers accounts in Manufacturing, Wholesale/Distribution, Real Estate, Retail, and Food Service, and involves marketing, managing, and underwriting commercial business through selected agencies and brokers. The role is work-from-home, with approximately 25% travel to agency partners; heavy travel and extended stays may be required. Nationwide strongly prefers candidates who reside in the territory, ideally in the Los Angeles or Orange County metro area, though other locations in the territory may be considered. The Territory Manager drives profit and premium results by developing, negotiating, and implementing agency business plans. The position combines underwriting and pricing expertise with market analysis, agency relationship management, business development, and coordination with internal partners. The role reports to the Director, Commercial Lines Middle Market Business Development. It is exempt and not eligible for overtime.

Requirements

Multi-line commercial insurance underwriting experience, including underwriting authority.
Experience handling accounts larger than $100,000 in DWP.
Ability to drive profitable growth through agency engagement.
Detailed working knowledge of commercial underwriting, pricing, and coverage for middle market business.
Knowledge of company sales and underwriting standards and practices, commercial products and programs, and applicable state statutes and regulations.
Excellent interpersonal and sales skills.
Ability to build and maintain cooperative, mutually rewarding internal and external partnerships.
Ability to perform duties independently and exercise underwriting judgment and authority in alignment with company standards.
Demonstrated decision-making ability in day-to-day operations, including handling unclear or competing priorities and evaluating solutions involving customer service, work processing, underwriting selection and rating, and compliance.
Strong drive for results.
Valid driver's license and safe driving record.
Seven years of progressively responsible commercial-lines underwriting and sales experience is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Established agency or broker relationships in the territory.
Significant underwriting experience and authority on accounts larger than $100,000 in DWP.
Experience in Manufacturing, Wholesale/Distribution, Real Estate, Retail, and/or Food Service & Accommodation.
Relevant professional designation or coursework, such as CPCU, CIC, or AU.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
Expertise in markets consistent with Nationwide's underwriting appetite and product portfolio.
Seven years of progressively responsible commercial-lines underwriting and sales experience.

Responsibilities

Monitor market conditions and the competitive landscape, and validate information gathered about the market.
Research risks, environments, and other factors needed to win accounts; analyze the quality and quantity of underwritten risks and prepare reports.
Review agency books of business, profit and growth results, and trends; recommend and implement action plans as appropriate.
Analyze regional underwriting performance, identify territory-level problems, and propose corrective action plans.
Achieve production, profitability, and service objectives.
Quote, price, and underwrite new and renewal policies and endorsements, primarily for complex or service-sensitive accounts.
Monitor risk selection and pricing for agency books and individual accounts, reviewing multiple variables, agency relationships, inspection reports, and exceptions.
Review risks for acceptability and handle those within personal authority in accordance with company underwriting guidelines and standards.
Manage underwriting workflow and assigned work using company tools and systems; maintain file quality and workflow efficiency.
Manage large, complex workloads and coordinate work with others to meet service-level agreements.
Influence Middle Market Underwriting Team activities to support execution of selected agency business plans.
Develop robust agency business plans with detailed performance plans, actions, accountabilities, and scheduled checkpoints.
Manage territory objectives, profit, and pipeline; identify opportunities across lines of business and refer them to appropriate business leaders.
Plan and coordinate new-business, renewal, and service activity; identify prospects and recommend new agency appointments.
Market Nationwide products and services and help agencies manage pipelines, develop producers, and grow business in targeted industries and preferred markets.
Assess accounts and develop business propositions; consult with agents and internal partners on business solutions.
Advise agencies on appetite, acceptability, terms, conditions, pricing, and sales techniques for large or unique businesses.
Provide industry trend observations and communicate market intelligence, product and technology changes, and company objectives to agencies and leadership.
Consult with agencies on risk management and coverage options to improve retention and profitability.
Visit agencies to develop new accounts, service existing accounts, review performance, and strengthen relationships.
Develop and maintain relationships with agencies, producers, and key groups; lead delivery of appropriate customer service and ensure requests are handled properly.
Ensure agencies have the tools, training, and support needed for success; identify and communicate training needs and opportunities.
Participate in program and product orientation meetings with Sales/Marketing partners as the underwriting subject matter authority.
Manage a significant workload and provide backup to others as needed.
Monitor business-plan results, review in-process and lost business, and develop or implement plans aligned with underwriting standards and performance expectations.
Lead discussions for assigned agents during agency reviews.
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 a minimum of 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.