Sr Underwriter, Business Development - Surety (Large Commercial)

• Monitors market conditions, competitive landscape, and confirms information gathered within market space. Researches risk, environment and factors necessary to win the account. Additional and more complex research may be required to appropriately assess more complex accounts.

• Analyzes quality and quantity of risks underwritten and prepares reports accordingly. Accurately evaluates complex risk exposures and ensures review of financial documents, credit reports, bank and other underwriting documents.

• Accepts, rejects, or modifies new commercial lines business to ensure profitability. Prices business according to company underwriting and pricing guidelines, and ensures standards for timelines are met. Reviews for acceptability and handles those within authority using company underwriting guidelines and standards.

• Manages workflow and intricacies of underwriting more complex assigned work, utilizing company tools and systems to meet service level agreements. Ensures file handling quality and workflow efficiency with a thorough understanding of overall surety strategic direction and operating plans.

• Key contributor to robust agency business development planning discussions. Develops annual DWP goals with assigned agents and develops plans in partnership with agents to achieve annual production goals.

• Markets surety products to help drive agency and company results. Assists agency with strategies for pipeline management and to develop new business in targeted industries and preferred markets. Responds effectively to assess accounts and develop business propositions to win the business. Makes accurate assessments of future agency potential and is able to communicate/discuss the assessment with agency partners in a positive and professional manner.

• Consults with agents, accounts and internal partners to resolve business issues and makes recommendations based on findings. Shares understanding of organizational capabilities and opportunities to drive maximum value of relationships. Consults regarding the appetite, acceptability, terms, conditions, pricing and sales techniques of large or complex accounts. Provides industry trend observations to leadership.

• Effectively communicates with agencies to establish the company as the surety provider of choice for the territory. Communicates product, technology changes and company objectives. Communicates and collaborates actively with leadership to share industry trends and field underwriting experience.

• Completes agency visits, as appropriate, to develop new accounts, service existing accounts, review agency performance and enhance agency relationship. Establishes and maintains strong business relationships with agencies, producers and key groups.

• Leads delivery of appropriate customer service levels. Follows up and ensures proper handling of advanced customer service requests.

• Ensures that tools, training and support are in place to positively impact success for assigned agencies. Identifies and communicates training needs and opportunities. Participates in program and product orientation meetings in conjunction with Sales/Marketing partners as the underwriting subject matter authority. Provides professional development knowledge and insight to team members. May help mentor new field underwriters and provide coaching.

• Proven ability to manage heavy workload effectively and backup other team members as needed.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education: Undergraduate degree in business or a related field preferred.

License/Certification/Designation: Pursuit of technical insurance coursework such as AFSB is highly desirable.

Experience: Five years experience in surety underwriting preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Knowledge of Surety's overall strategic direction and plan, including goals and objectives to achieve profit and growth. Requires advanced knowledge on all aspects of surety underwriting practices, procedures, policies, and company Excellent interpersonal and sales skills, including ability to make presentations and meet with all levels of agency personnel. Ability to build and maintain cooperative and mutually rewarding internal and external partnerships. Must have the ability to perform duties with independent judgment with underwriting authority and company underwriting standards. Demonstrated decision making ability and strong drive for results.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Not eligible (Exempt).

Working Conditions: Extended and/or non-standard work hours may be required as well as extensive travel in the field. May require the ability to relocate. Must have a valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record in accordance with Nationwide standards. 

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

Position to be based in Chicagoland area. Hybrid/work from home.