Senior Underwriter, Primary Retail Casualty
About the role
This position is part of the Primary Retail Casualty team, which delivers a client-focused approach to risk management by providing comprehensive multi-line solutions. These include general liability, commercial auto, and workers' compensation coverages, offered through various program structures such as guaranteed cost, self-insured retentions (SIRs), deductibles, and captives. The team specializes in serving large accounts across diverse industries in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, including manufacturing, real estate, hospitality, financial institutions, professional services, life sciences, technology, retail, and Asian-interest sectors. Collaboration with other business units, such as property, umbrella/excess, and environmental, is a key component of the team's strategy.
Location: This position will be based out of our New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Purchase, NY, Garden City, NY, or Morristown, NJ office.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a trusted underwriting expert, leveraging deep technical knowledge across a broad range of industries and casualty products, including Real Estate, Hospitality, Financial Institutions, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Technology, Retail, General Liability, Workers Compensation, Commercial Auto, and Umbrella.
- Analyze submissions efficiently, evaluate risk exposures, and make timely underwriting decisions that align with Sompo’s underwriting appetite, guidelines, and profitability objectives.
- Apply advanced pricing and rating methodologies across a variety of program structures, including Guaranteed Cost, Captives, Self-Insured Retentions (SIRs), and Deductible programs. Develop profitable and competitive pricing strategies through comprehensive financial, exposure, and market analysis.
- Demonstrate underwriting expertise through strategic evaluation of large and complex casualty risks, including detailed account reviews, coverage analysis, and comprehensive file documentation.
- Prepare and evaluate underwriting recommendations, rate modifications, exceptions, referrals, and declination decisions to support profitable growth and achieve territory objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers and agency partners, serving as the primary underwriting contact. Represent Sompo in client and broker meetings, industry events, and networking opportunities to strengthen market presence and drive new business development within the assigned territory.
Requirements
- 5+ years of commercial underwriting experience, preferably within casualty lines.
- Bachelor’s Degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Experience in underwriting and managing accounts of varying sizes with large brokerage houses, regional agencies, and specialty retail brokers.
- Demonstrated success in developing, quoting, negotiating, and binding profitable business while effectively managing portfolio performance.
- Established relationships with brokers and agents on both a regional and national level.
- Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to assess complex risk, make sound business decisions, and balance profitability with growth objectives.
- Willingness to travel to market assigned territory to include overnight trips (25%).
Pay
Salary Range: $100,000 - $170,000. Actual compensation for this role will depend on several factors including the cost of living associated with your work location, your qualifications, skills, competencies, and relevant experience.
Benefits
- Two medical plans to choose from, including a Traditional PPO & a Consumer Driven Health Plan with a Health Savings account providing a competitive employer contribution.
- Pharmacy benefits with mail order options.
- Dental benefits including orthodontia benefits for adults and children.
- Vision benefits.
- Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Company-paid Life & AD&D benefits, including the option to purchase Supplemental life coverage for employee, spouse & children.
- Company-paid Disability benefits with very competitive salary continuation payments.
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with competitive employer contributions.
- Competitive paid-time-off programs, including company-paid holidays.
- Competitive Parental Leave Benefits & Adoption Assistance program.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Tax-Free Commuter Benefit.
- Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Qualification benefits.