JOB OVERVIEW:

This position operates as a senior technical underwriter responsible for the evaluation of small to middle market risks  within  a  defined  business  territory.    Under  general  supervision, this  position reviews individual submissions for Commercial  lines to evaluate risk attributes, pricing and business fit within Company guidelines and policies.   This position is responsible for building strong agency relationships to develop new business opportunities; retain a strong renewal book of business and manage the overall book to profitability metrics.   The Senior Underwriter will typically work with top or middle tier agents as well as evaluate more complex and sophisticated commercial risks within the region.  The Senior Underwriter is expected to make production calls and develop new business production.  This assignment must adhere to underwriting guidelines for service and authority.    This assignment may be directed to perform other underwriting duties including quality control, mentoring, territory analysis, and agency training.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Primary Accountabilities

• This position is responsible for the achievement of written premium goals, retention plans, and new business objectives for an assigned territory and for designated CIG agents. The Senior Underwriter  will  manage  business opportunities to achieve rate goals and risk selection with emphasis on superior service, business development and profit improvement.

• Evaluates new business applications, renewal requests, and endorsements for compliance with Company underwriting policies.  Accepts or declines applications, offers modified coverage or refers risk in accordance with authority guidelines to regional management or Home Office. This position is responsible to compile data to determine scope and nature of risk according to location, business operation, physical and moral hazards and underwriting experience.   The Senior Underwriter will recommend risk improvements if indicated.   The position utilizes appropriate and available information, such as applications, D&B Reports, MVRs, loss runs, inspection reports and web searches to properly determine the overall risk quality and acceptability within underwriting guidelines and delegated level of authority. This position must possess a strong underwriting acumen and risk assessment knowledge as well as a keen understanding of Company appetite and guidelines.

• Accurately determines appropriate pricing and clearly communicates via written instructions the proper rating process to support staff.  The position will communicate quotes to agents by their need by dates.  Completion of all paperwork required for completion of the issuance of policies to hit service standards.  If referral is required, completion of all paperwork needed to move the referral through the appropriate parties, such as the Regional Underwriting Manager, Regional Field Executive or to Home Office.  Typically, risk evaluation would factor would consider more complex, unusual, or high value risks.    Assigns appropriate debits, credits and deductibles for rates.     Identifies  policy  changes  that  affect  reinsurance  requirements  and  communicates findings to Home Office staff.

• Effectively communicates with agents, internal customers, teammates and Home Office staff by phone, in person, or in writing when evaluating new business applications, endorsements and renewals.  Communicates clearly and concisely about all decisions on acceptability, pricing and continuing or discontinuing risks.   Provides training and assistance to agents when questions arise as well as discusses all company changes around appetite, pricing, philosophy or corporate direction.    Works  with  the  regional  team  to  create  cohesive  messages  to agencies  and  is comfortable delivering those messages.

• Reviews all prepared rate proposals, policy declarations, correspondence, and endorsements pertaining  to area  of  responsibility  to ensure  accuracy  and  correctness  of  content prior to release to insureds and agents.   This position will participate on regional audits of other underwriters to evaluate for account fit, pricing, documentation, service and risk acceptability. May perform mentoring assignments to assist in the development of junior staff.

• Utilizes  Client  Services  support  staff  to  facilitate  new  and  renewal  business  processing.  Prioritizes work and provides instruction for rating new business, renewals and endorsements, in  order  to  reduce  errors  and  deliver  quality  products.     This  position  will  assist  other underwriting team members as needed to manage workflow and workload.

• Develops and maintains agency relationships contributing to the company's ability to attract and retain desirable business. Conducts or participates in agency visits to communicate CIG underwriting philosophy, appetite, and educate agencies on changes and additions to CIG products, policy and procedures.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of:

•     Underwriting principles, procedures, rules and regulations

•     Rating plans (ISO or similar) and commercial lines coverages

•     Knowledge of social, economic and competitive aspects of territory assigned

•     National and local business conditions and trends

•     Underwriting and marketing philosophy and procedure

•     Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary

•     Basic mathematics and the application of formulas

Ability to:

•     Correlate risk factors to underwriting standards to determine acceptance of risk

•      Produce accurately and consistently to meet deadlines within service and production standards

•     Analyze problems and develop effective solutions

•     Exchange ideas, information and influence others through effective communication

•     Function in a collaborative and positive team work environment

•      Demonstrate  commitment  to  professional  development  to  improve  knowledge  and skills to advance job performance

•     Must maintain a valid drivers’ license and accommodate routine business travel

Education and Experience:

• College degree (or equivalent experience) and five to ten years of progressively challenging experience writing small to medium sized small business and middle market risks as a commercial lines underwriter.  This individual must be able to function effectively in a remote working environment with demonstrated ability to apply sound underwriting principles and manage an underwriting workload with limited supervision. Completion of technical insurance coursework preferred, such as CPCU, AU, ARM, CRM or CIC.

Why CIG?

• CIG writes a diverse property-focused portfolio across the Western United States
• Opportunity to make a direct and considerable impact to the success of the company
• Entrepreneurial environment emphasizes creative solutions and cooperation