Commercial Surety Underwriter

Responsibilities

• Underwrite and manage a profitable portfolio of commercial surety business, including new submissions, renewals, and endorsements.
• Develop, maintain, and expand relationships with agency partners, brokers, and key producers throughout the assigned territory.
• Evaluate financial statements, credit reports, indemnity structures, and other underwriting information to assess risk and determine appropriate terms.
• Exercise underwriting authority to analyze, quote, negotiate, and bind commercial surety accounts within company guidelines.
• Identify opportunities to grow existing agency relationships while actively pursuing new business opportunities.
• Conduct regular agency visits and maintain a strong market presence to strengthen partnerships and drive production.
• Collaborate with claims, legal, and senior underwriting leadership on complex accounts and unique risk scenarios.
• Monitor portfolio performance, profitability, loss trends, and market conditions to ensure long-term success.
• Stay current on industry trends, competitor activity, and regulatory developments affecting the commercial surety market.
• Maintain accurate underwriting documentation and ensure compliance with internal underwriting standards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Commercial Surety underwriting experience with an insurance carrier.
• Strong understanding of commercial surety products including contract and non-contract surety exposures.
• Experience underwriting middle-market and large commercial accounts.
• Ability to independently analyze financial statements and evaluate creditworthiness.
• Established relationships with retail agents, wholesalers, or brokers within your territory are highly preferred.
• Demonstrated success developing new business while maintaining a profitable book of business.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent industry experience.

Preferred Experience

• Existing agency relationships within the assigned territory.
• Proven track record of growing premium while maintaining underwriting discipline.
• Experience operating with meaningful underwriting authority.
• Professional designations such as AFSB, CPCU, ARM, or similar are a plus.

Skills

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a business development focus.
• Strong decision-making skills and sound underwriting judgment.
• Ability to build long-term partnerships with agency partners.
• High level of accountability and ownership over your territory.
• Collaborative approach with a commitment to delivering exceptional service.