Senior Underwriter, Private Company D&O
Who we are: A strategic and trusted insurance partner, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) provides commercial property, casualty, and specialty insurance coverages and outstanding service to customers and brokers worldwide. Part of Berkshire Hathaway’s insurance operations, we bring solutions to market with our top-rated balance sheet and a global team of professionals. We are a values-based organization where respect, integrity, excellence, collaboration, and passion define our culture and work environment. We value diversity and strive to foster an inclusive environment where every teammate can contribute and be recognized.
About the role
We are seeking a hard-working Senior Underwriter for Private Company D&O to join our Central Region team in Chicago, Illinois. The successful candidate will value collaboration, demonstrate strong underwriting judgment, and prioritize profitability. This role involves developing and managing broker and customer relationships across Chicago and the broader Central region while delivering disciplined underwriting solutions for long-term profitable growth.
Responsibilities
- Build and manage a profitable portfolio of Private Company and Not-for-Profit D&O business aligned with strategic objectives.
- Establish, develop, and expand strong broker and customer relationships in Chicago and the Central region.
- Underwrite efficiently without sacrificing discipline, diligence, or service quality.
- Analyze financial statements, ownership structures, governance profiles, and other risk indicators relevant to management liability underwriting.
- Evaluate complex risks and develop creative, commercially reasonable solutions for brokers and customers.
- Stay informed on market conditions, emerging loss trends, and competitive dynamics, and respond thoughtfully as they evolve.
- Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and leadership in the marketplace as a positive reflection of BHSI.
- Clearly communicate BHSI’s value proposition to brokers and customers.
- Partner with in-house claims professionals to deliver a transparent and positive customer experience.
- Collaborate with underwriting colleagues across Executive & Professional Lines and other product lines.
- Independently manage broker relationships and develop new business opportunities within the Central region.
Requirements
- Minimum of 5+ years of underwriting experience in D&O, EPLI, Fiduciary Liability, and/or Fidelity products.
- BA/BS degree or equivalent experience.
- Experience underwriting private company and middle-market risks preferred.
- Strong technical underwriting skills, including financial analysis and executive liability risk assessment.
- Solid understanding of D&O policy forms, coverage provisions, and management liability exposures.
- Established network of broker and client relationships within Chicago and/or the Central region.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.
- Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with sound judgment and a service-oriented approach.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
- Disability insurance (short-term and long-term).
- Life insurance (for you and your family).
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance (for you and your family).
- Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Reimbursement Account.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Retirement Savings 401(k) Plan with company match.
- Generous holiday and paid time off.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Paid parental leave.
Pay
The base salary range for this position is $120,000 to $160,000, along with annual bonus eligibility. Total compensation is determined by relevant skills, location, and experience.