Commercial Lines Agribusiness Underwriter

The Commercial Agribusiness Underwriter is responsible for the profitable growth within the Commercial Agribusiness segment at Western Reserve Group. This position evaluates and underwrites complex agribusiness and farm-related commercial accounts, ensures adherence to company underwriting guidelines, and maintains strong agency relationships to support segment growth and profitability. The role includes responsibility for underwriting decision-making, risk evaluation, growth, profit, and agency management for the Commercial Agribusiness line of business.
Salary Grade (13)  76,101 - 97,030 - 117,958
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Underwriting and Risk Selection:

Evaluate, select, and price commercial agribusiness accounts in accordance with established underwriting authority, company policies, and risk appetite.  Review applications, reports, and supplemental information to assess exposures and determine appropriate coverage, pricing, and terms.  Conduct site visits along with WRG Risk Control Consultant to evaluate risk and establish relationships with customers.

Portfolio Management:

Manage the overall performance of the Commercial Agribusiness book of business to achieve growth and profitability objectives.  Monitor and analyze production, retention, and loss trends to ensure sustained segment performance.

Agency Management:

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with appointed agencies.  Travel to conduct in-person agency visits should be expected.  Solicit new agency appointments with a demonstrated expertise within the Commercial Agribusiness segment.  Provide guidance, feedback, and education to support agency underwriting practices and growth within the agribusiness segment. 

Business Development:

Identify and pursue opportunities to expand Western Reserve Group’s presence in the Commercial Agribusiness market.  Collaborate with Underwriting Leadership, Marketing and Product teams to implement strategies that support segment growth objectives.

Collaboration and Communication:

Partner with internal departments including Risk Control, Claims, Actuarial, and Product Management to ensure underwriting decisions and practices align with company objectives and service standards.

Decision-Making and Compliance:

Exercise sound judgment in underwriting decisions within delegated authority levels.

Ensure compliance with company policies, state regulations, and applicable underwriting guidelines. 

Market and Industry Awareness:

Maintain current knowledge of agribusiness industry trends, regulatory developments, and competitive market conditions.  Provide input on product enhancements, underwriting guidelines, and segment strategies.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years of commercial underwriting experience, with emphasis on agribusiness or farm accounts.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Risk Management, Agriculture, or related field is recommended.
• Prior job experience within agriculture is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of commercial insurance coverages, underwriting principles, and risk assessment techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain productive agency and business relationships.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Proficient in the competencies of decision making, negotiations, drive for results, time management, underwriting and business acumen.
• Solid understanding of the Commercial Agribusiness marketplace and a commitment to continuous advanced insurance education.
• Excellent verbal, written communication skills, interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates leadership, professionalism and is considered a team player.
• Professional designations such as CPCU, AFIS, CIC, ARM or AU are preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Excellent oral and written communication skills.  The individual must be able to effectively and clearly communicate with agency, team, departmental and company personnel via telephone, fax, e-mail, and one on one dialogue in a hi