Sr. Contract Underwriter

Job Responsibilities

• Evaluates complex contract surety submissions and makes informed decisions within underwriting authority.
• Collaborates with peers to strengthen decision quality.
• Analyzes contractor financials, project schedules, and broader market conditions to assess risk.
• Prepares and presents underwriting recommendations, providing a clear rationale and proposed path forward.

Agency Leadership & Relationship Growth

• Leads relationship strategy for assigned agencies.
• Conducts onsite visits, presentations, and strategic planning meetings with producers and key agency personnel.
• Develops new agency relationships through prospecting, referral, and industry engagement.
• Gathers and communicates market insights, shaping underwriting approach at the territory or regional level.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Backgrounds in business, finance, accounting, economics, or related disciplines are highly relevant.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in surety underwriting or a related financial/risk evaluation role.
• Proven ability to underwrite complex accounts, manage agent relationships, and apply judgment under ambiguity.

Benefits

At Merchants, we offer:

• A flexible hybrid and remote work schedule with a 37.5-hour work week.
• A free health insurance option.
• Paid volunteer time off with a matching gift program.
• The Infants in the Workplace Program with family resources.

To learn more about our benefits, visit www.merchantsbonding.com/careers.