Excess & Surplus Line - Senior Underwriter

About the role

Provide underwriting expertise to develop and manage a profitable book of Excess & Surplus business submitted by contracted producers in support of CM | Vantage's growth and profitability objectives. This position plays a key role in underwriting strategy, portfolio management, product development, and producer relationship management while helping drive the continued expansion of CM | Vantage's specialty insurance operations. The Senior Underwriter serves as a technical resource and mentor to underwriting staff, partnering with the Managing Director and other team members to strengthen underwriting capabilities, support profitable growth, and deliver exceptional service to brokers and business partners. Maintain and build strong relationships with assigned brokers, reinsurers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to support the long-term success of CM | Vantage.

Responsibilities

• Effectively write and retain profitable business aligned with division objectives
• Build a strong working relationship with producers
• Assist underwriting personnel at all levels to analyze and evaluate risk, recognizing exposures to make sound underwriting decisions on risk acceptability, coverage alternatives, risk management recommendations, and pricing and/or perform these duties on larger or more complex risks
• Review and evaluate products, filings, and pricing needs; make recommendations for enhancements and changes as appropriate
• Respond in a timely manner to work/questions
• Develop opportunities for information flow
• Maintain and continue to develop technical knowledge and expertise
• Develop leadership skills through internal and external publications, seminars, and conferences, and share knowledge gained with peers
• Contribute to the management team by discussing issues, developing efficiencies, and identifying and assisting in resolving conflicts
• Participate in or lead assigned projects and special research projects as necessary
• Travel as required, up to 10 percent
• Perform other duties as assigned

Essential Functions

• Underwrite to attain profitable growth objectives
• Assist personnel at all levels to analyze and evaluate risks or perform such duties as needed
• Review and evaluate products, filings, and pricing needs
• Build a strong working relationship with producers
• Assist in development of division goals and objectives and achieving the supporting budget

Requirements

• Ten years or more of underwriting, product development, product management, claims, risk management, distribution management, or related functions with a proven record of favorable accomplishments
• Significant knowledge of the property and casualty industry is required, with knowledge of surplus and specialty lines preferred
• Bachelor’s degree or comparable industry experience may be considered, with a high school diploma or equivalent required
• CPCU, ASLI, ARM, or equivalent designations preferred, or evidence of continuing and progressive education in the insurance industry

Skills

• Solid technical knowledge of commercial insurance forms, rates, and rules
• Understanding of the state and federal regulatory environment
• Skilled in building relationships, exercising sound judgment, making decisions, and influencing others
• Understands the big picture and goals of the company and helps drive business unit results to contribute to the overall success and goals of the organization
• Possesses a customer-centric service philosophy
• Above-average communication skills
• Negotiation, facilitation, and consensus-building skills
• Thorough understanding or ability to learn new lines of business, including insurance procedures, processes, and product lifecycle management
• Ability to promote a team environment of creative innovation
• Understanding of CM | Vantage’s mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives
• Ability to travel to meet with producers, brokers, vendors, and industry service organizations

On-the-Job Training

Six months; by the end of this time, the employee must be able to function with minimum direction. However, up to one year or more may be required before all aspects of the job are encountered.

Interactions

• Company management and department personnel
• Insurance producers, outside vendors, research firms, governmental and regulatory agencies, and insurance industry service organizations

NOTE: The CM Group is made up of Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I., CM Regent Insurance Company, CM Vantage Specialty Insurance Company, and CM Select Insurance Company.