Consultant, Middle Market Underwriting - Commercial Lines (Agribusiness)

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.

The Agribusiness Team is hiring for two Middle Market Commercial Lines Underwriting positions.  One underwriter will focus on traditional ag accounts, and one will focus on food and beverage accounts.  The person in the role(s) can work remotely or if near the Des Moines, IA office in a hybrid environment.

Compensation Grade:  G4

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Job Description Summary

For associates whose primary focus is MM accounts - Underwrites the largest, most complex or unique MM commercial lines accounts, both new and renewal, and drives market development, profit and premium objectives. Provides service to agents on all accounts underwritten, working independently, with field territory management and other underwriting and service personnel. Acts in a leadership capacity to develop, underwriting initiatives, agency management and team capabilities. Highest level of underwriting authority on account underwriting and pricing based on expertise and focus. Acts as a technical resource to Commercial Lines Underwriting team members on product line or market segment, providing guidance on regulatory issues, specific risks, policy forms, underwriting appetite and guidelines.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducts detailed research on all aspects of a product line or market segment to help make policy and practice decisions. Gathers information from multiple sources according to company guidelines, in order to perform underwriting analysis. May require gathering verbal information or data through reports or other electronic means. May research issues in support of unit objectives and participate on committees or special projects.

• Analyzes quality and quantity of risks underwritten and prepares reports accordingly. May review agency books of business as well as profit/growth results and trends to recommend and implement action plans. May perform portfolio analysis or additional underwriting analysis in support of unit objectives. Analyzes regional underwriting performance experience, identifies problems on a territory level and proposes action plan to address/rectify those situations.

• Manages larger, more complex work that requires working with and through others to meet overall project timelines and maximize workflow. Manages referral underwriting, which have been escalated from other underwriting staff, and provides suggested decision or approach. Ensures file handling quality and workflow efficiency. Assists in managing work inventories within the unit. Helps ensure appropriate workflow for unit and department by providing subject matter expertise to resolve issues.

• Underwrites new business, renewals and endorsements for middle market accounts. Decisions at this level may require review of additional variables, leveraging agency, sales and underwriting relationships, inspection reports and evaluation of exceptions. Reviews for acceptability and handles those within authority using company underwriting guidelines and standards. May assist manager in performing audits including corporate, underwriting, agency and self audits. Highest level underwriting authority and decision-making.

• Plans completion of assignments to meet agreed upon timelines and service level agreements. Provides input and feedback regarding operational business plan. Coordinates account service plans from loss control and claims.

• Proactively identifies and drives opportunities for business development and issues resolution through consulting with agents and internal partners. Understands organizational capabilities and opportunities to drive maximum value of relationships.  Provides technical expertise to underwriting associates and agents. Advises on the underwriting of larger, more complex, and/or unusual business to determine acceptability, terms, conditions, pricing and sales techniques. Counsels commercial underwriting on the interpretation of is