Berkley North Pacific is a regional insurance company that offers niche products and specialized coverages through local independent agency partners. We differentiate ourselves in the marketplace with our customer-obsessed approach that exceeds timeliness and responsiveness expectations.  Partnering with a select group of Independent Agents in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, we pride ourselves on the ease of doing business.  With local leadership, conversational underwriting, and responsive claims services, we truly are relationship driven. 

 

Our mission is to provide financial protection to our customers by offering premier insurance solutions, products, and services through our select independent agents. BNP is a proud member of W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500® company. While we are regionally focused, we have the security and financial backing of one of the largest commercial lines’ writers in the United States.

 

This role will be based in any one of our footprint states as a remote opportunity.  If you are based near our office in Meridian, ID, we offer a hybrid work schedule with four days in the office; and one day remote where it makes sense to do so. 

 

The company is an equal opportunity employer.  #LI-LD1 #LI-Hybrid

 

 

As a Small Business Senior Underwriter, you will drive profitable growth within an assigned territory by underwriting new and renewal small commercial business accounts, strengthening agency partnerships, and contributing to BNP’s underwriting culture of autonomy, conversational underwriting, and disciplined risk selection.

 

You will evaluate, select, and price risks within delegated authority, while serving as a technical resource and mentor within the Small Commercial team.  This role is ideal for an underwriter who enjoys agency-facing interaction, local decision-making, and ownership of a diverse underwriting portfolio.

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

Underwriting & Portfolio Management

• Evaluate, select, and price new and renewal Small Commercial risks across core lines including Property, General Liability, Commercial Auto, Umbrella, and Inland Marine.
• Assess risk quality through exposure analysis, hazard recognition, financial review, classification accuracy, and compliance with BNP underwriting guidelines.
• Make independent underwriting decisions within authority, including accepting, modifying, or declining submissions to ensure a profitable book.
• Apply sound judgment to complex or nuanced accounts; recommend quality exceptions where appropriate to achieve business objectives.
• Maintain accurate, thorough documentation to support underwriting decisions and meet audit and quality standards.

Agency Relationship Management

• Build and deepen relationships with appointed agents to grow profitable Small Commercial business.
• Communicate underwriting appetite, product updates, risk concerns, and decisions clearly and professionally.
• Conduct regular virtual and in-person agency visits within the assigned territory.
• Partner with Regional Business Development Managers to execute agency plans, identify growth opportunities, and address performance trends.
• Represent BNP as a consultative partner by offering guidance on risk characteristics, product structure, and underwriting strategies.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Serve as a technical resource and mentor to less experienced underwriters on the Small Commercial team.
• Contribute to small commercial process improvements; identify opportunities to streamline workflow and enhance agency experience.
• Collaborate with Claims, Risk Control, and other underwriting teams to deliver cohesive customer service and improve account outcomes.
• Participate in underwriting meetings, training sessions, and occasional industry events.

Other Responsibilities

• Support marketing initiatives and contribute to territory development strategies.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of proprietary and customer information.
• Travel periodically within the assigned territory (including occasional overnights).

Qualifications:

 

Required

• 2–5+ years of commercial lines underwriting experience, with direct experience in Small Commercial accounts preferred.
• Strong knowledge of commercial P&C products including GL, Property, Auto, Umbrella, and IM.
• Excellent analytical, risk assessment, and decision making skills.
• Proven ability to develop productive agency relationships.
• Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal.
• Ability to independently manage a complex workload in a fast paced environment.
• Effective organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to travel within assigned territory.
• Must live within the territory of Berkley North Pacific - Idaho (preferred), Washington, Oregon, Utah or Montana

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience.
• Advanced insurance coursework (CPCU, CIC, AU, AINS, or similar).
• Experience underwriting in a delegated authority environment with autonomy.
• Familiarity with the Pacific Northwest market, industries, and agency landscape.

 

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 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