Mid Market Underwriter 3

Job Title: Middle Market Underwriter
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full Time
Location: Remote

About Us:
You’re ready to make your mark where people care about each other. Where your work is meaningful. And where your unique perspectives are welcome. Think about joining Westfield, a company focused on what’s most important – the people behind our policies.

Westfield was founded in 1848 by a small group of hard-working farmers who believed in the promise of the future and the power of the individual. Today, as one of the nation’s leading property and casualty (P&C) companies, we remain true to their vision and are dedicated to making a positive difference in our customers’ lives.

Responsibilities :

• Manages a book of Middle Market business for assigned agencies and is responsible for overall profit and growth of the book. Utilizes all present and future underwriting tools and resources.
• Reviews and underwrites primarily renewal business for Middle Market Commercial Lines accounts (large and/or complex Commercial Lines accounts with package premium of $75,000 and above). Evaluates exposures to loss, determines pricing, and determines acceptability of risk in accordance with company guidelines and the limits of authority established for them. Documents details of underwriting decisions, while maintaining all supporting information, records, and data in accordance with audit standards.
• Plays key role in planning and facilitating Monthly Renewal Strategy Meetings. Fosters discussion, helps apply best practice and past precedent, while encouraging participation and learning.
• Delivers quotes, terms and conditions, and Premium Value Statement (including information surfaced at the monthly renewal meeting) to the agent. Has ongoing negotiations with the agent until the renewal order is received and then sends the renewal to be processed. Whenever possible, for key customers, delivers the renewal to the policyholder along with the agent.
• Where indicated, is responsible for Account Stewardship of assigned policies. Serves as key contact for the agency and the customer. Services the policy throughout the year, underwrites endorsements, and keeps up with any changes that occur. Coordinates services provided to the customer, and makes sure that we are living up to our commitment to the customer to improve retention.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication externally (between agents and company) and internally (within the company) regarding underwriting procedures and practices, growth/profit goals and objectives, and agency relations. Travels to visit agencies and customers throughout the year.
• Notifies agencies of adverse underwriting decisions, underwriting requirements, status, and declinations. Answers questions from agencies, policyholders or other external contacts and escalates issues to management as necessary. Negotiates with agents to reach positive and profitable outcomes.
• Reviews results of CLPP audits, makes needed file/process adjustments and applies lessons-learned moving forward.
• Keeps current on state/territory issues and regulations, industry activity and trends, and shares this information with team members, particularly the Middle Market Field Manager and Region Leader.
• Engages in and provides subject matter expertise for departmental projects, initiatives, and special studies regarding underwriting procedures and practices. Submits recommendations to improve department results, including coverage, pricing, or competitive issues.
• As assigned, leads and directs Middle Market Underwriting Assistant by monitoring work quality, customer service, and timeliness. Ensures Middle Market Underwriting Assistant’s priorities and deadlines are clear and achieved. Performs people leadership responsibilities including employee selection, performance management, coaching, and development.
• Proactively assists the Region Leader in training and mentoring other less experienced underwriters.
• Maintains an operating knowledge of Westfield Companies standardized hardware, software programs, third-party software, and processing procedures.

Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of P&C commercial lines underwriting experience.
• Experience applying underwriting and pricing acumen to achieve profitable results, and territory management skills.
• Experience providing peer coaching and training.
• Experience applying advanced underwriting technical knowledge.
• Experience managing a larger than average renewal book compared to other Middle Market Underwriters.
• Experience using independent judgment to complete file documentation, including pricing rationale.
• Experience using independent judgment to adjust quotes and endorsements to new or renewal policies, based on the assigned underwriting authority.
• Strong negotiation and sales management skills.
• Experience maintaining a high degree of customer service focus gained via previous work experiences.
• Strong organizational skills gained through previous work experiences.
• Experience collecting and analyzing data, identifying trends, establishing facts, and recommending solutions.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, resulting in the ability to interact with all employee levels in the organization and with customers.
• Effective understanding and application of change management skills/tactics.
• Reinsurance placement experience.
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university/college or commensurate experience.
• Possesses a CPCU, CIC, CRM, or AU designation OR in the process of attaining one of these designations.
• Physical essential functions: ability to work 40 hours in an office environment (sitting, standing, on a computer, etc.), operate office related technology (computer, phone, etc.), travel as required.

Westfield offers a Total Rewards program that focuses on compensation, benefits and wellness, and includes perks like 401(k), pension plan, annual incentive, education reimbursement, flex-time, onsite fitness center or gym reimbursement and casual dress. Work/life balance, recognition, and learning and career development are all part of a rewarding career with Westfield.

Learn more about current opportunities at www.westfieldinsurance.com/careers.

We are an equal opportunity employer/minority/female/disability/protected veteran.

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