Commercial Lines Underwriter

JOB OBJECTIVE:

The Senior Underwriter, Small Business reviews routine insurance applications to evaluate, classify and rate each risk to determine acceptability, coverage and pricing. The Senior Underwriter is responsible for the financial performance of an assigned book of business and is expected to achieve profitable retention and growth. The position's objective is to seek out profitable business opportunities, review risks and determine acceptability. The Senior Underwriter is responsible to take action to achieve results that positively impact sales and profitability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Determines the acceptability, quality, pricing, profitability and opportunity for new and existing business.

2. Completes thorough risk analysis on designated accounts using appropriate Encova, NCCI, ISO and industry rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines, etc.

3. Underwrites and assesses risk for routine, small to mid-size, renewals and new business items.

4. Uses the predictive model for straight through processing of a high volume of accounts.

5. Utilizes Encova systems to transact requests and endorsements.

6. Communicates with agents electronically through internal Encova portal.

7. Identifies, creates and initiates new business opportunities within assigned book of business.

8. Gathers and analyzes information necessary to make an accurate evaluation of risk.

9. Determines appropriate pricing based on risk exposures, risk quality, loss potential and coverage provided.

10. Utilizes available resources including company underwriting guidelines, business unit strategies, and consultations with others to ensure adequate understanding of risk exposures.

11. Prepares and participates in proposals as needed to producers. Negotiates proposal terms and conditions as needed.

12. Ensures the proper issuance of policies, certificates, filings and notifications.

13. Effectively utilizes federal and state specific rules and guidance to ensure proper policy construction.

14. Seeks the guidance of management on risks exceeding assigned authority levels.

15. Identifies underwriting issues; recommends and develops plans for problem resolution and implements where appropriate.

16. Manages existing and prospective accounts by actively participating in account renewals, new business presentations as needed and discussion with agents.

17. Participates in monitoring and analyzing performance of assigned agents; initiates actions and recognizes consequences of alternative actions.

18. Mentors less experienced underwriters and underwriting support team members to achieve profitable retention, growth and customer service standards.

19. Develop and lead underwriting training sessions, as assigned.

20. Participate in the underwriting quality review process as an adjunct reviewer.

21. Serves as a resource for other team members and units.

22. Brings a solid understanding of compliance issues and regulatory environment in all project development and implementation.

23. Active involvement in development projects - including business requirements and timelines - that impact coverage, pricing, rating, systems logic, automation, and best practices.

24. Responsible for the account management which includes the coordination of service delivery of the various disciplines within the team.

25. Regularly utilize analytics dashboards to monitor and make adjustments to the drivers of profitability and growth for your assigned account portfolio.

26. In collaboration with your manager, maintain an individual development plan and identify and recommend the best method(s) for developing required skills

27. Participation in training and mentoring other underwriting associates.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

1. Travel to various locations to support business objectives whenever necessary.

2. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred, demonstrated significant professional or insurance experience may substitute for educational requirements.
• Three years commercial underwriting experience in the property and casualty insurance market strongly preferred.
• Interpersonal skills are required including the ability to demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, accountability, collaboration, and problem solving.
• Insurance designations or insurance education course work (i.e. AINS-Associate in General Insurance) is strongly preferred.

• Critical thinking: Ability to assess an individual situation and select applicable rules from an array of options, resulting in the most appropriate and sustainable decision.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Mastery of state-specific workers' compensation or package laws and rules and their application.
• Mastery of policy and procedures regarding risk administration and risk management; underwriting and loss control.
• Mastery of the insurance industry and the business environment in which it operates in order to develop an effective business strategy and remain technically current.
• Mastery of business exposure calculations, classifications, experience rating or other plan modifications.
• Ability to develop and implement account, territorial, producer and book strategies to acquire and retain business.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.