Middle Market Lead Field Underwriter (Pittsburgh Territory)

Job Summary

The Commercial Lines Lead Field Underwriter, working under limited supervision, represents the company among a defined territory of agencies, with responsibility for the profitable production and ongoing management of commercial and agribusiness accounts utilizing advanced technical underwriting and sales ability.

The role leads the account team to analyze new business opportunities from an exposure, pricing, service, and sales perspective, engaging all resources available to them. The role also manages the collaboration meeting process and works with independent agents to present and close the deal. The role may also develop and monitor key underwriting performance metrics and maintain the highest level of documentation for accounts.

Job Responsibilities

• Underwrites and collaborates on new and renewal commercial lines accounts and pre-qualifies customers
• Analyzes new business opportunities from an exposure, pricing, service, and sales perspective, engaging all resources available to them
• Represents the company and builds strong relationships with accounts, acting as the key contact for specified agencies, leading agency business planning, account inventory management, and managing the book of business to attain profit and revenue objectives
• Partners with the Region Leader to determine what accounts are discussed during the renewal strategy meeting, who should participate in the renewal account discussion, and actively participates by providing detailed underwriting information during the meeting
• Delivers quotes, terms and conditions, and Premium Value Statement (including information surfaced at the monthly renewal meeting) to the agent, negotiates with the agent until the renewal order is received, and then sends the renewal to be processed
• Utilizes all the present and future underwriting tools and resources (i.e., reference connect), evaluates exposures to loss, determines pricing, and accepts or rejects accounts on behalf of the company based on the company's underwriting guidelines
• Documents details of underwriting decisions, while maintaining all supporting information, records, and data in accordance with audit standards
• Involves other internal business partners (Claims, Risk Control, Premium Audit, Underwriting, Commercial Lines Business Leaders, Billing, etc.) in the prospecting, sales, and underwriting process as well as for servicing the account
• Collaborates with the underwriting and services team (risk control, billing, claims, etc.) to develop renewal strategy for renewals
• Coordinates monthly renewal strategy discussions with underwriting and services team to develop renewal strategy for renewals
• 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, state/territory issues and regulations, industry activity and trends, and agency relations
• Coordinates collaboration meetings on large, more complex accounts in accordance with company guidelines
• 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
• Travels as often as needed, including regular utilization of assigned fleet vehicle to cover assigned territory
• May involve traveling on short notice or other daily driving duties as assigned regardless of location

Job Qualifications

• 5+ years of Commercial Lines Underwriting experience
• Bachelor's degree in related field and/or commensurate work experience
• Valid driver's license and a driving record that conforms to company standards

About Us

Founded in 1848, Westfield is a global leader in property and casualty insurance, delivering superior risk insights and innovative solutions to customers through a diverse portfolio of insurance products. Westfield underwrites commercial, personal, surety, and specialty lines of coverage through a network of leading independent agents and brokers in the United States and specialty products through Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200. As a mutual insurance company with more than 3,000 employees, Westfield has revenues in excess of $4 billion and more than $10 billion in assets.

Equal Opportunity Employer

United States: All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran. United Kingdom: Westfield is committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.