Commercial Lines Underwriter

Success in this role requires balancing agency development, relationship management, and technical underwriting capabilities to identify and retain quality business, improve portfolio performance, and capitalize on growth opportunities within the territory. The position requires regular travel to agency offices and industry events to strengthen partnerships, provide training, and support business development initiatives.

Compensation includes a performance-based component tied to territory profitability, retention, growth, agency development, and achievement of underwriting objectives.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Underwrite and Evaluate Commercial Risks

• Evaluate new business and renewals for eligibility, pricing adequacy and alignment with department appetite.
• Analyze loss runs, operations, COPE data to determine risk acceptability.
• Identify red flags- loss history- gaps in coverage- billing issues- building maintenance.
• Structure terms, conditions, endorsement and deductibles to match risk factors.
• Document underwriting file clearly for appetite compliance.

Develop and Manage Agency Relationships

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with assigned agencies through consistent communication, responsiveness, and in-person visits. Achievable while partnering with marketing.
• Communicate underwriting decisions, appetite, and expectations clearly and professionally via email, phone, and agency meetings.

Manage Book to Drive Profitability

• Resolve rating, coverage, or documentation issues within authority and escalate appropriately when needed.
• Monitor renewal quality, loss trends, and risk characteristics to ensure profitable book performance.
• Identify risks requiring cancellation or non-renewal and issue legal notices when warranted.
• Provide feedback on system issues, appetite clarity, and process enhancements to improve efficiency and consistency.

Requirements

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Proactive, flexible, and able to adapt to evolving audit processes.
• Collaborative with a customer-service mindset.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree preferably in Insurance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2+ years of Property and Casualty Insurance experience preferably in the commercial lines field
• Familiarity with commercial underwriting and N&D's commercial risk appetite.
• CPCU designation or a combination of other related designations such as AU/AINS/CRIS or must have a willingness to pursue said designations.
• General knowledge of insurance laws, practices and regulations
• Demonstrated ability to excel in the rapidly changing environment of insurance underwriting
• Excellent time management and relationship building skills
• Process improvement / problem solving skills.