Middle Market Lead Field Underwriter

Job Description:
A property and casualty client is seeking a Middle Market Lead Field Underwriter to represent the company among a defined territory of agencies. This role is responsible for the profitable production and ongoing management of commercial accounts. This professional can reside in Ohio, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois or Michigan. The role is a combination of work-from-home, traveling to clients in the territory and onsite office presence in Ohio. 

Responsibilities:

• Underwrite and collaborate on new and renewal commercial lines accounts.
• Pre-qualify customers and lead the account team to analyze new business opportunities from an exposure, pricing, service and sales perspective, engaging all resources available.
• Represent the company, build strong relationships with accounts and act as the key contact for specified agencies.
• Manage agency business planning, account inventory and the book of business to attain profit and revenue objectives.
• Partner with the region leader to determine which accounts are discussed during the renewal strategy meeting, decide who will participate in the discussion and provide the meeting's necessary underwriting information.
• Deliver the information surfaced at monthly renewal meetings, quotes, terms and conditions, and the premium value statement to the agent.
• Negotiate with the agent until renewal orders are received and send the renewal to be processed.
• Utilize the present and future underwriting tools and resources, including ReferenceConnect.
• Evaluate exposures to loss, determine pricing, and accept or reject accounts on behalf of the company based on the underwriting guidelines.
• Document details of underwriting decisions and supporting information in accordance with audit standards.
• Involve other internal business partners in the prospecting, sales and underwriting process, as well as servicing for the account.
• Coordinate discussions with the underwriting and services team to develop monthly renewal strategy.
• Establish and maintain effective internal and external communication regarding underwriting procedures and practices, growth goals and objectives, territory issues and regulations, industry activity and trends, and agency relations.
• Coordinate collaboration meetings on large and complex accounts in accordance with company guidelines.
• Notify agencies of adverse underwriting decisions, underwriting requirements, statuses and declinations.
• Answer questions from agencies, policyholders or other external contacts and escalate issues to management as necessary.
• Negotiate with agents to reach positive and profitable outcomes.
• Travel as often as needed and use fleet vehicle to cover assigned territory. 

Requirements:

• 5 years of work experience in commercial lines underwriting 
• Strong relationship-building, sales and negotiation skills
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience
• Valid driver's license and a driving record that meets company standards
• Ability to travel on short notice and perform other daily driving duties as assigned, regardless of location