Rated Best Places to Work 2020 by Business Insurance, Continental Western Group is a regional property casualty insurance company offering commercial products and services through independent agents in the Midwest. CWG provides unique value through the service provided by our experienced group of employees and independent agents. Since 1886 - Strong, Local and Trusted.

 

As a Berkley company, we enjoy operational flexibility that allows us to deliver quality coverage solutions.  W. R. Berkley Corporation, and all member insurance companies, are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, and carry Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating of A+ (Strong).

 

This role will be based in one of our three offices: 

• Urbandale, IA
• Lincoln, NE
• Luverne, MN

We offer a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in the office; and 1 day remote where it makes sense to do so.

 

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. 

#LI-AV1 #LI-HYBRID

 

As a Senior Commercial Underwriter, you will accept, retain and price moderate to high exposure commercial property and casualty insurance accounts in accordance with established underwriting guidelines and within delegated authority level.  You'll manage assigned territory to achieve profitable growth objectives by properly classifying and pricing risks; building strong internal and external business relationships; analyzing competitive marketing data, identifying territory needs; and developing, implementing and monitoring action plans as appropriate.  You'll serve as an underwriting resource by providing knowledge and insight to underwriting staff.

 

What you can expect:

• Culture of innovation, teamwork, supportive colleagues and leaders willing to invest in talent
• Internal mobility opportunities 
• Visibility to senior leaders and partnership with cross functional teams
• Opportunity to impact change
• Benefits – competitive compensation, paid time off, comprehensive wellness benefits and programs, employer funded health savings account, profit sharing, 401k, paid parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance and professional continuing education

We'll count on you for:

• Underwriting authority level will be based on knowledge and experience of each individual and will be determined by the Commercial Underwriting Manager. 
• Reviews renewal accounts by examining business operations, classification, contract forms and loss activity.   Determines if account is an acceptable risk or if it will be non-renewed.  Determines price in accordance with established underwriting guidelines and within delegated authority level.  Reviews endorsement requests exceeding Underwriter and/or Underwriting Assistant’s authority level and takes appropriate procedural action. 
• Assesses new commercial insurance risks and determines accurate classification of business, policy contract forms and pricing of risk.  Works within broad limits and authority on commercial underwriting accounts of moderate to high exposure.  Evaluates MVRs, financial reports, loss control reports, etc.  Accepts and prices risk in accordance with established underwriting guidelines and within delegated authority level. 
• Develops, expands and/or enhances agency relationships to promote profitability and growth of new business and the retention of existing business.  Travels assigned territory and meets with agents to enhance business relationships.  Educates agency staff on Company’s pricing and risk selection philosophy.  Participates in the agency management process.  Assesses the strengths and weaknesses of agencies and assists them in achieving the mutual goal of sustained profitable growth.
• Works in partnership with regional Business Development staff to identify new business opportunities from the agency force to assess, quote, inspect and accept.  Collaborates to classify agencies within established marketing segments; analyze territory’s mix of business, production, and loss experience; establish agencies’ annual premium goals; and conduct quarterly and annual review of agencies’ profit and growth results. 
• Effectively manages assigned territory to achieve established profitability, growth and retention goals.  Analyzes agency results and competitive marketing data to identify trends and opportunities.  Develops, implements and monitors action plans as appropriate. Monitors and reports on material changes within the territory’s legal environment.  Reviews industry periodicals and journals, legislative actions and court decisions to develop a broader industry awareness and understanding of competition within the territory. 
• Serves as underwriting resource to underwriting staff and agents regarding products, coverages and rating procedures.  Provides professional development knowledge and guidance to Underwriter Trainees, Underwriters, Underwriting Assistants and other functional areas. 
• May perform peer quality reviews. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

• Bachelor's degree; or five to seven years commercial underwriting experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of commercial underwriting guidelines, insurance forms and coverages and a proven ability to exercise good judgement and creativity when assessing and accepting commercial risks.  
• Advanced insurance education highly desired, e.g., AU, CIC, CPCU.
• Valid driver’s license for travel.  Completion of or working toward AU, CIC, CPCU or similar designation. 
  Intermediate to advanced knowledge of underwriting principles, policy forms and coverage
• Verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with all level of internal and external contacts with an ability to articulate clearly and concisely
• Account relationship management skills, can easily build new relationships
• Demonstrates strong business acumen and critical thinking skills
• Ability to evaluate and recommend solutions to work-related problems
• Ability to analyze insurance risks to determine the degree of acceptability and pricing
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment that continuously adapts based on customer need
• Ability to prioritize and perform within time constraints
• Strong organizational and desk management skills
• Strong collaboration skills and teamwork minded
• Regularly and consistently demonstrates commitment to company values and guiding principles. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook 
• Ability to travel within assigned territory on a consistent basis

We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies or firms.

The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees.

The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role