Underwriting Specialist (Excess Casualty)

Job Summary:

The Underwriting Specialist serves as the technical expert in a designated coverage, product or product line, mentoring and training less experienced staff. Selects, reviews, models, analyzes and underwrites the most complex submissions within the context of applying the division's underwriting guidelines and standards. Determines the proper terms and conditions for acceptable risks including rating the account to develop the appropriate premium. Responds to brokers when particular risks do not meet underwriting guidelines and offers alternative options and cross sell other products. Provides assistance to other team members including the management team in a variety of areas including referrals and identifying new opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Continuously exhibit and uphold Core Values of Integrity, Accountability, Communication and Teamwork, Innovation and Customer Service
• Serve as the subject matter expert in a segment of the division's product line
• Handle most complex accounts, accurately assessing ineligible verses eligible accounts by using sound decision making and working within assigned underwriting authority
• Analyze new business opportunities and develop renewal strategies
• Attain quote, premium and division goals as assigned
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers
• Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to negotiate with brokers on placements
• Travel to meet with brokers within assigned territory as required
• In coordination with the management team, participate in the development and execution of annual business plans for the division to include a profitable underwriting strategy
• Assist the management team with training, mentoring and on-boarding of new employees
• Assist the management team with writing and refining Underwriting and Pricing Guidelines in response to market conditions
• Assist the management team in new product development efforts to include initiation, research and implementations of new products as well as product/process enhancements
• May act as first point of referral on accounts that fall outside of individual underwriter authority
• May assist management team in conducting audit of files to ensure practices are implemented consistently
• Other special projects/duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively and properly select, evaluate, model, determine coverage, rate, document, quote and bind accounts
• Ability to effectively assess risk
• Solid knowledge of pricing and rating techniques as well as loss sensitive programs
• Extensive knowledge of forms and coverages
• Thorough understanding of key exposures
• Thorough understanding of facultative reinsurance to include knowledge of the available facultative markets and pricing
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment to complete assignments within the parameters of instructions provided, prescribed processes and standard accepted underwriting practices
• Understanding of current market conditions, trends in competition and new product development
• Ability to mentor and train others
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• High degree of personal initiative and self-motivation
• Proven problem solving and decision-making skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Ability to effectively prioritize a high volume of work
• Solid customer service and relationship building skills
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Internet researching

Experience and Education:

• 15+ years industry experience, 10+ years in Excess and Surplus lines with specialized coverage and product knowledge
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience
• Specific experience in marketing and underwriting of the division related products
• Professional designation is preferred