Underwriter, Small Business

Salary range: $61,742 – $110,642 annually plus bonus and benefits. Pay is determined by location, education, experience, and other job-related factors within the stated range.

Schedule

• Hybrid in Columbus, Ohio office or remote in Michigan preferred
• Candidates in other approved payroll states with Package Lines and Workers’ Compensation underwriting experience may be considered

Approved payroll states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

About the role

The Underwriter, Small Business reviews routine risks, determines acceptability, and writes profitable business accounts. Within designated authority, the underwriter evaluates, classifies, and rates each risk to decide acceptability, coverage, and pricing. The role is responsible for the financial performance of the assigned book of business, aiming for profitable retention and growth.

Responsibilities

• Determine acceptability, quality, pricing, profitability, and opportunity for new and existing business
• Complete thorough risk analysis on designated accounts using Encova, NCCI, ISO, and industry rules, policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Underwrite and assess risk for routine small business renewals and new business items
• Use predictive models for straight-through processing of high-volume accounts
• Utilize Encova systems to transact requests and endorsements
• Communicate with agents electronically through internal Encova systems
• Identify, create, and initiate new business opportunities within the assigned book of business
• Gather and analyze information to make accurate risk evaluations
• Determine appropriate pricing based on risk exposures, quality, loss potential, and coverage
• Utilize available resources, including company underwriting guidelines and business unit strategies, to understand risk exposures
• Prepare proposals for producers, negotiating terms and conditions
• Ensure proper issuance of policies, certificates, filings, and notifications
• Seek guidance from management on risks exceeding assigned authority levels
• Apply industry rules to ensure proper policy construction
• Identify underwriting issues, recommend and develop plans for resolution
• Manage existing and prospective accounts by participating in renewals, new business presentations, and discussions with agents
• Monitor and analyze performance of assigned agents, initiating actions as needed
• Serve as a resource for other team members and units
• Apply discretionary pricing based on account exposures, predictive model indications, and letter of authority
• Communicate underwriting decisions or changes on coverage, limits, exposures, and pricing, discussing alternatives with agents as needed
• Travel to various locations to support business objectives as necessary
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred; significant professional or insurance experience may substitute
• Two years of insurance experience in the property and casualty market preferred
• Insurance designations or coursework (e.g., AINS-Associate in General Insurance) strongly preferred

Skills

• Interpersonal skills, including professionalism, adaptability, accountability, collaboration, and problem-solving
• Critical thinking: ability to assess situations and select applicable rules from multiple options
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of underwriting laws, rules, and their application
• Understanding of policy and procedures regarding risk administration, risk management, underwriting, and loss control
• Knowledge of the insurance industry and business environment
• Thorough understanding of business exposure calculations, classifications, experience rating, or other plan modifications
• Ability to develop and implement account, territorial, producer, and book strategies to acquire and retain business
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions
• Ability to identify problems, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement solutions
• Ability to make sound decisions considering all facts, potential risks, customer needs, and alternative solutions
• Ability to initiate and build relationships, tailoring services to meet customer needs
• Ability to present ideas and information clearly, concisely, and diplomatically
• Ability to adjust priorities based on changing situations
• Ability to manage multiple assignments while meeting established guidelines
• Proficient in Excel

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-provided life and income protection plans
• Eligibility to participate in a company incentive bonus program
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 100% company match up to 7% of annual salary
• Paid time off, paid holidays, and floating holidays
• Flexible work arrangements (hybrid and remote, depending on the role)