Senior Underwriter - Contract Surety

Company Overview

Recognized as a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace for 14 consecutive years, including three years of being honored as number one! Join us at West Bend, where we believe that our associates are our greatest asset. We hire talented individuals who are conscientious, dedicated, customer focused, and able to build lasting relationships. We create and maintain an environment where you feel a sense of belonging and appreciation. Your diversity of thought, experience, and knowledge are valued. We’re committed to fostering a welcoming culture, offering you opportunities for meaningful work and professional growth. More than a workplace, we celebrate our successes and take pride in serving our communities.

Job Summary

Join a respected surety organization where you’ll take ownership of a defined territory and manage a well-developed contract surety portfolio. The role calls for strong underwriting fundamentals, independent judgment within established authority, and a steady focus on profitable growth. You’ll partner with experienced agents and principals to maintain and strengthen long-term relationships across the market.

 

This role is well-suited for underwriters with varying levels of experience. Candidates with deeper underwriting expertise may be considered for expanded scope, authority, or level, depending on background and business needs.

Work Location

This is a fully remote, work-from-home role with regular time spent in the field meeting with agents and accounts across the Kansas City territory. Occasional travel to an office location is expected for team meetings, training, and company events.

 

External applications will be accepted on a rolling basis while the position remains open.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

Primarily responsible for evaluating and underwriting new and renewal accounts within an assigned territory by utilizing financial analysis and other underwriting tools. Underwrites to achieve profitable growth in support of enterprise goals and objectives. Operates within an established authority level and demonstrates the ability and competency to handle larger, more complex risks. Refers accounts beyond the granted individual authority to a more senior level underwriter and clearly communicates recommendations. Demonstrates and displays an in-depth knowledge of surety underwriting and requires minimal oversight when operating within the scope of the established authority level. Provides support and ongoing training to more junior level underwriters as requested. Develops and maintains positive agency, broker, and principal relationships to solidify existing account relationships and capitalize on new business opportunities. Occasionally travels within the territory to agency or principal locations to prospect business. Represents the company at agency and industry related functions. Promotes and complies with the values of the division and company.

 

Preferred Experience and Skills

• 3+ years of experience as a contract surety underwriter (or equivalent experience in the surety industry)
• Data entry and analytical skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Effective communication skills in all mediums including phone, e-mail, and in-person
• Ability to interact professionally and work well in a high-performance team environment
• Ability to work independently and perform quality work within deadlines

Candidates with more extensive underwriting or market experience are encouraged to apply and may be considered for additional responsibility or a higher-level role.

 

Preferred Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in business, insurance or related field, or equivalent surety underwriting experience

Salary Statement

The salary range for this position is $86,470 – $115,000.

 

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal equity.  Compensation decisions are made by West Bend and are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

Benefits

West Bend offers a comprehensive benefit plan including but not limited to:   

 

• Medical & Prescription Insurance  

• Health Savings Account  

• Dental Insurance  

• Vision Insurance  

• Short and Long Term Disability  

• Flexible Spending Accounts  

• Life and Accidental Death & Disability   

• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance  

• Employee Assistance Program  
<