Job Purpose
The Territory Contract Underwriter plays a key role in driving profitable growth within an assigned territory through risk evaluation, relationship management, and strategic collaboration. This role requires advanced underwriting judgment, proactive relationship development, and a demonstrated ability to contribute to production goals with minimal oversight. The associate is expected to make thoughtful underwriting decisions on complex cases, build agency partnerships, and influence outcomes through high-quality analysis and interpersonal agility.
Core Work Responsibilities
Underwriting Analysis & Risk Evaluation (50%)
- Reviews and underwrites contract surety submissions within assigned authority, applying sound judgment and seeking input from colleagues when collaboration can enhance decision quality.
- Conducts thorough analysis of contractor financial statements, project exposure, and credit reports to assess risk and inform underwriting decisions.
- Prepares well-reasoned underwriting positions for referral or review. Anticipates potential concerns and proactively addresses them within recommendations.
Agency and Market Development (40%)
- Leads account discussions and decision-making during agency meetings, jobsite visits, and presentations.
- Develops strategic relationships with key agency partners to grow premium and ensure consistent pipeline.
- Manages agency interactions, including resolving service issues and collecting market intelligence.
- Solicits feedback on service delivery and uses insights to strengthen relationships and support territory strategy.
- Builds new agency relationships through targeted prospecting, participation in industry events, and professional networking.
Leadership & Development (10%)
- Establishes and pursues quarterly and annual production goals in collaboration with manager.
- Takes ownership of territory-level initiatives and outcomes, using data and feedback to refine strategies.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree preferred. Fields of study such as business, finance, accounting, or economics are especially relevant.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in contract surety underwriting or equivalent financial risk evaluation role.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate financial strength, identify key risk indicators, and apply underwriting guidelines.
- Experience leading agency relationships and representing underwriting decisions in client-facing environments.
Benefits at Merchants
At Merchants, we value balancing the needs of our associates and their families. We offer a wide range of benefits designed to help achieve a healthy work-life balance and support personal and professional growth. In addition to competitive pay, bonus programs, and generous paid-time off, here are a few stand-out benefits:
- Flexible hybrid and remote opportunities with 37.5 hour work week
- Free health insurance option
- Paid volunteer time off with matching gift program
- Infants in the Workplace Program with family resources
- Discover more at: https://www.merchantsbonding.com/careers#Benefits
About Merchants
For nearly a century, Merchants Bonding Company has focused almost exclusively on surety, delivering common sense underwriting and first-class experiences to agents, accounts, and associates across the country. Merchants stands apart from multi-line carriers by offering deep surety expertise, a flexible approach, and strong financials that instill confidence and foster lasting partnerships.
Our people-first culture is built on collaboration, inclusion, and shared success. We're committed to helping associates grow through real opportunities for advancement, while supporting a sense of belonging.
If you're looking to join a company that values your unique perspective, encourages new ideas, and invests in your development, apply today!