Contract Surety Underwriting Specialist

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. CNA seeks to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees that helps them — and their family members — achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, check out our Candidate Guide. JOB DESCRIPTION: Under technical direction, responsible for underwriting risks in a Surety book of business. Works within specific limits of authority on assignments requiring significant technical complexity and coordination. Utilizes underwriting policies and guidelines, rating manual rules and insurance laws and regulations. The territory for this role will be the following states: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa. Travel will be approx. 20%. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines: Reviews applications and financial requirements for risks requiring complex underwriting skills. Determines acceptability of risk in accordance with company guidelines and standards. Also, determines the need for additional evidence of insurability and appropriate strategy. Determines appropriate pricing based on financial and competitive analysis in line with compliance requirements. Prepares quotes and answers questions from agencies, policyholders or other external contacts and escalates issues to management along with proposed solutions as necessary. Negotiates with agents to reach positive and profitable outcomes. Notifies agencies of adverse underwriting decisions, rate appeals, underwriting requirements, status and declinations. Analyzes quality, quantity, and profitability of risks underwritten and prepares reports for management review. Markets products and services through agencies or through the brokerage community and makes field visits. Develops and maintains agency and/or broker relationships. May provide guidance and assistance to other underwriters and to other functional areas, particularly when related to cross-sell opportunities. Keeps current on state/territory issues and regulations, industry activity and trends and freely shares information with others. Utilizes advanced functionality in relevant CNA systems to perform day-to-day activities. Works with more senior underwriters or management on risks exceeding authority level or requiring special handling. Reporting Relationship Director Skills, Knowledge and Abilities 1. Advanced knowledge of underwriting and insurance industry theories and practices. 2. Demonstrated high level of technical expertise and product specific knowledge. 3. Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills. Ability to effectively interact with all levels of CNA's internal and external business partners. 4. Ability to work independently. 5. Strong analytical and problem solving skills. 6. Ability to exercise independent judgment and to make critical business decisions effectively. 7. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite as well as other business-related software. 8. Demonstrated leadership skills. Education and Experience 1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Professional designations preferred. 2. Typically a minimum three to five years surety underwriting, accounting or finance experience. *As determined by CNA Surety and depending on the applicant’s experience and/or qualifications, candidates may be hired into one of three Underwriter positions: Underwriter, Underwriting Specialist, or Underwriting Consultant. #LI-MP1 #LI-Hybrid CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact leaveadministration@cna.com. At CNA, we are focused on success, individually and collectively. We pride ourselves on promoting a culture that challenges and engages people. We strive to connect people, departments and business areas, to function as a team, and to serve our customers and communities with professionalism and respect. Our dedication to employee engagement, continuous learning and the open exchange of ideas is the cornerstone of our business. These ideals, combined with our focus on the customer, enable us to explore new market opportunities and build on our success. Our values, culture and financial strength are what differentiates us from other employers and make CNA the place you want to work. CNA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture grounded in equity that supports our organization, clients, and communities by prioritizing talent and programs that represent our current environment and empower all employees and partners to be active allies and advocates for equality. Globally, our Employee Resource Groups — Advocacy for Visible & Invisible Disabilities (AVID), Asian Professionals for Excellence (APEX), Empowering Black Professionals (EBP), Generational Perspectives (GP), Organization of Hispanics and Latine Americanos (¡OHLA!), Pride, Women Impacting Leadership (WIL) and Veterans — make CNA, and our communities, even stronger. At CNA, we have a long standing commitment to the diverse communities in which we live and work. We actively make a difference for the greater good through partnerships, sustainability, initiatives, and working together for a better tomorrow. Corporate Social Responsibility is not one person, or one department, it's the entire enterprise coming together to make the world a better place.