Senior Business Development Underwriter - NorCal

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The purpose of this role is to develop, manage, and grow a profitable book of business within assigned line(s) of business, while serving as a senior-level underwriting and distribution partner to agents and internal stakeholders.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Underwrite, select, and price moderately complex to complex risks within assigned line(s) of business in accordance with Company guidelines

• Maintain accountability for the profitability, growth, and retention of assigned portfolio

• Evaluate detailed risk characteristics including operations, financials, management, and loss history

• Exercise advanced underwriting judgment and authority to structure, price, and manage complex accounts

• Utilize underwriting authority to apply appropriate pricing, credits/debits, deductibles, and alternative rating structures

• Quote and explain complex pricing structures (e.g., retros, deductibles, large account programs) where applicable

• Monitor portfolio performance and take proactive corrective action to achieve underwriting targets

• Remain current on regulatory, rating, and coverage changes (e.g., WCIRB/NCCI, ISO/AAIS)

• Drive new business production and achieve growth objectives through proactive agency engagement, prospecting, and cross-sell execution

• Develop, manage, and optimize a high-performing producer force aligned with Company strategy

• Hold producers accountable for production, quality, and profitability expectations

• Drive profitable sales across all Commercial Lines products, including increasing penetration of existing products and supporting new product introductions

• Actively identify and lead cross-sell opportunities, partnering across underwriting teams to deliver total account solutions

• Prospect, prequalify, and appoint new producers with strong alignment to target business segments

• Set and manage production goals and performance expectations with key agency partners

• Maintain deep knowledge of assigned territory, including competitor positioning and market dynamics

• Influence and provide input on distribution strategy, product positioning, and market opportunities

• Serve as a lead Company representative with key and strategic agency partners

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships through regular agency engagement, presentations, and strategic planning

• Lead complex account and pricing discussions with agents and insureds

• Provide underwriting and distribution guidance to agents, including structuring solutions for more complex risks

• Deliver high levels of responsiveness, service, and professionalism in all interactions

• Present agency performance insights, growth opportunities, and strategic recommendations to internal leadership and agency partners

• Participate in training, onboarding, and knowledge sharing across the team

• Contribute to special projects, product initiatives, and process improvements as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role does not have direct reports but is expected to mentor, influence, and provide guidance to junior team members.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 5 years underwriting experience required; 7+ years preferred, with demonstrated experience handling more complex risks and agency relationships

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current driver’s license required

Knowledge And Skills

• Demonstrated success in building and managing high-value agency relationships and driving profitable growth
• Proven ability to underwrite complex risks and apply advanced underwriting judgment
• Strong business development, negotiation, and relationship management skills
• Ability to balance advanced underwriting discipline within assigned line(s) of business with production and cross-sell expectations across Commercial Lines
• Advanced knowledge of Commercial Lines products, including Workers’ Compensation and/or Commercial Package and its component coverages
• Ability to mentor, coach, and influence others
• Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills