Rated Best Places to Work 2024 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 two offices where we offer a hybrid work schedule with four days in the office; and one day remote where it makes sense to do so.  This position is not a remote opportunity. 

 

Office locations:

Urbandale, IA
Lincoln, NE
 

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. #LI-hybrid, #LI-LD1

 

As a Sr Commercial Underwriter, you will accept, retain and price moderate to high exposure commercial property and casualty middle market insurance accounts in accordance with established underwriting guidelines and within delegated authority level. You will manage assigned territory to achieve profitable growth objectives by properly classifying and pricing risks; build strong internal and external business relationships; analyze competitive marketing data, identify territory needs; and develop, implement, and monitor action plans as appropriate.  Serves 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 to:

• Review renewal accounts by examining business operations, classification, contract forms and loss activity. Determine if account is an acceptable risk or if it will be non-renewed. Determine price in accordance with established underwriting guidelines and within delegated authority level. 

• Review endorsement requests exceeding Underwriter and/or Underwriting Assistant’s authority level and take appropriate procedural action. 

• Assess new commercial insurance risks and determine accurate classification of business, policy contract forms and pricing of risk. Work within broad limits and authority on commercial underwriting accounts of moderate to high exposure. Evaluate MVRs, financial reports, loss control reports, etc. Accepts and prices risk in accordance with established underwriting guidelines and within delegated authority level. 

• Develop, expand and/or enhance agency relationships to promote profitability and growth of new business and the retention of existing business. Travel in assigned territory and meet with agents to enhance business relationships. Educate agency staff on Company’s pricing and risk selection philosophy. Participate in the agency management process. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of agencies and assist them in achieving the mutual goal of sustained profitable growth.

• Work in partnership with regional Business Development staff to identify new business opportunities from the agency force to assess, quote, inspect and accept. Collaborate 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 manage assigned territory to achieve established profitability, growth and retention goals. Analyze agency results and competitive marketing data to identify trends and opportunities.  Develop, implement and monitor action plans as appropriate. Monitor and report on material changes within the territory’s legal environment. Review industry periodicals and journals, legislative actions and court decisions to develop a broader industry awareness and understanding of competition within the territory. 

• Serve as underwriting resource to underwriting staff and agents regarding products, coverages and rating procedures. Provide professional development knowledge and guidance to Underwriter Trainees, Underwriters, Underwriting Assistants and other functional areas. 

• May perform peer quality reviews. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned by management.

What you need to have:

• Bachelor's degree preferred and 5+ years commercial underwriting 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.  
• 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, and 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

What makes you stand out:

• 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.

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