Underwriter, Business Development - Surety

Nationwide Mutual Insurance•Avon, CT

2d•$54,000 - $100,500•Hybrid

About The Position

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them at a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. This is a hybrid position which will require three days a week in office. This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program. #LI-DNI Job Description Summary Do you thrive in an environment where you can put your critical thinking and communication skills to work every day? Do you appreciate being able to contribute individually as well as collaboratively? Our Surety Underwriting team values initiative, the ambition to grow and learn, a broad skill set that includes everything from marketing to finance to risk analysis and a solutions focused approach. We’re technology savvy and highly motivated to grow our business with excellent career advancement opportunities. If you can see yourself as a member of our team, in a company that wants to grow in this space, then we want to know more about you! Accepts and retains low to moderate exposure new and renewal policies based on granted authority. Provides other underwriting technical support as directed. Proactively partners with agencies and field sales underwriters to consult on and develop business opportunities.

Requirements

Basic commercial underwriting policy, practices and procedures.
Rating plans and plan concepts.
State and Federal insurance laws and regulations.
Commercial insurance processing systems.
Working knowledge 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.
Effective time management skills and competencies preferred.
Ability to operate PC and related software.
Ability to advise agents and agency staff on commercial contracts, procedures and business practices.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
Completion of AFSB, AU or similar designations is preferred.
One year of underwriting or equivalent experience preferred.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and HR Business Partner.

Responsibilities

Gathers information from multiple sources according to company guidelines, in order to perform underwriting analysis. May require gathering verbal information or data through reports or other electronic means.
Reviews individual risks for acceptability and handles those within authority based on company underwriting guidelines and standards.
Manages workflow and intricacies of underwriting complex accounts utilizing company tools and systems. Ensures file handling quality and workflow efficiency
Accepts, modifies or rejects risks based on a review of business. Makes account-based decisions based on policyholder's tenure, number of accounts, claims history and long-term performance indicators. Adheres to filed rating plans.
Underwrites new business and renewals. May negotiate price and coverage as appropriate to book business and handles those within authority using company underwriting guidelines and standards.
Plans completion of assignments to meet agreed upon timelines and service level agreements.
Consults with agents and internal partners. Understands capabilities and opportunities and drives maximum value of relationships. Identifies and consults on business development opportunities.
Communicates with agents and other internal and external business partners by requesting and providing requested information. Strengthens agency relationships through regular contact on underwriting matters, promoting profit and new business growth, renewal retention and service capabilities. May participate in the management of agency performance as part of the underwriting team.
Responds to requests from agents and underwriting staff with resolution within established time and service standards in order to facilitate and expedite service needs. Routes calls and higher level issues to appropriate individuals. May handle advanced customer service issues.
Educates internal and external partners on underwriting process, practice and tools. May help train less experienced underwriting staff.
May performs 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