Sr Field Underwriter, Commercial Lines- Pacific Northwest

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

This position will support the Pacific Northwest territory, including Seattle, WA, and Portland, OR. Candidate must reside within the territory.

Job Description Summary

JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for independently generating new, profitable commercial lines business production from agencies in assigned territory. Has an expert level of knowledge in commercial insurance contracts and is familiar with the various policy languages and endorsements. Works in partnership with sales managers in assigned territory to extract new business from the agency force to review, quote, inspect and issue. Continues to expand and enhance agency/company relationships for the purposes of writing new business. Achieve the territorial strategic and operating plan objectives for profit, production, and service

Job Description

Reports to: Manager or Director.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Within delegated authority levels and company guidelines, accepts, rejects, or modifies new commercial lines business to ensure profitability.  Prices business according to company underwriting and pricing guidelines, and ensures standards for timelines are met. 

2. Accurately evaluate risk exposures of the most complex nature.  Underwrite new business, review apps., select business to quote and reject the business that is unacceptable, class and price according to guidelines.  Underwriting also includes reviewing MVR's, financial reports and loss control reports.

3. Gather competitive data, prepare reports, and perform loss control inspections. 

4. Conduct routine field inspections of accounts, with and without agents.    Make recommendations based on findings.  Make accurate assessments of future agency potential and be able to communicate/discuss the assessment with agency partners in a positive and professional manner.

5. Expected to maintain frequent visitation schedule with all assigned agents and establish the company as the commercial lines provider of choice for the agencies in the territory.

6. Proven ability to manage heavy workload effectively and backup other team members as needed.

7. Thorough understanding of regional office strategic direction and operating plans, including goals and objectives to achieve profit and growth. 

8. Serve as a top underwriting resource.  Provide professional development knowledge and insight to team members.  May help train new field underwriters and provide them coaching as they develop in their role.

9. Conduct program and product orientation meetings in conjunction with the sales managers.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education:  Undergraduate degree preferred.  Pursuit of technical insurance coursework such as CPCU highly desirable.

Experience:  Four to six years experience in commercial underwriting and/or portfolio management.

Knowledge: Requires advance knowledge on all aspects of commercial underwriting practices, procedures, and policies. Thorough knowledge of agency operations and field agency support needs. Strong proficiency in loss control and risk management techniques. 

Skills/Competencies:  Strong sales skills to match the emphasis on production, including the ability to make presentations and meet with all agency personnel (owners and employees).  Requires strong oral and written communication skills; able to convey the commercial message in a positive manner to agents.

Staffing Exception to the above minimum job requirements must be approved by: Office of Human Resources

JOB CONDITIONS:

Overtime Eligibility: Not eligible, (Exempt)