Columbia Insurance · 17 hours ago
Senior Underwriter - Excess & Surplus
United States
Full-time
Remote
Senior Level
7+ years expColumbia Insurance is a company that values its people and aims to lead the industry in people-first partnerships. They are seeking a Senior Underwriter - Excess & Surplus to build and manage agency relationships, underwrite and price Excess & Surplus lines of business, and mentor new underwriters.
FinanceProperty & Casualty InsuranceFinancial ServicesInsurance
Responsibilities
Build, maintain, and manage Ozark Specialty’s growing footprint within an assigned territory
Act as a peer-leader within the department by training and mentoring new underwriters
Lead market and industry research efforts
Be an integral resource/subject matter expert supporting companywide projects and initiatives
Cultivate agency relationships to grow Columbia’s Excess & Surplus book of business through selecting/pricing new business and maintaining a profitable renewal book of business
Own agency development plans and pipeline quality, setting expectations for submission completeness and class focus
Assess the risk acceptability and price adequacy of each unique submission
Lead decision making on complex/high hazard classes, CAT exposed property schedules, manuscript endorsements, and layered/excess structures
Approve guideline exceptions with documented rationale and coach underwriters on escalation standards
Set custom pricing and coverage terms for each submission opportunity
Communicate complex underwriting decisions and rationale clearly to agencies
Determine rate adequacy targets and negotiate terms to achieve portfolio loss ratio goals
Identify and secure both property and liability facultative reinsurance, when necessary
Select reinsurance markets, negotiate facultative structures/terms, and document placement rationale
Lead the research and communication of emerging, compliance, regulatory, judicial, and legislative issues
Build, lead, and execute underwriting strategies to address these developments
Translate insights into appetite statements, referral triggers, and class strategies
Synthesize competitive intel into actionable pricing/coverage playbooks and producer talking points
Track win/loss reasons and adjust tactics
Lead the development of interpersonal relationships within your assigned agency plant
Facilitate partnerships and consistently promote agency/partner accountability for results
Set and enforce agency performance goals
Conduct joint business planning
Work collaboratively with colleagues from multiple departments
Serve as a knowledgeable resource to educate others on Ozark’s operational model and processes
Deliver training/mentorship to underwriters and AUs
Conduct periodic file reviews and coach to consistency
Enhance knowledge of insurance and underwriting through continued educational opportunities
Participate in or lead special projects and administrative tasks
Own strategic initiatives
Hold delegated binding authority and the ability to approve manuscript endorsements per company guidelines
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in the commercial insurance industry, with strong knowledge of coverage, rates, and terms for General Liability and Property lines of business and demonstrated E&S underwriting of complex/non-admitted risks
Excellent interpersonal skills, together with solid written and oral communication skills, and a willingness to lead and train others
Excellent computer skills (e.g., Excel, Word, SharePoint) and the ability and willingness to learn new skills/systems and demonstrate high accuracy output
Strong problem solving, reasoning, and decision-making skills with attention to detail
The ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks while meeting established deadlines and quality standards
Sound planning and organizational skills
Proven team player, with an enthusiastic and positive personality
Ability to travel up to 50% for agency visits, industry events, or training sessions
Bachelor's degree strongly preferred
Preferred
Insurance Certification: INS 21, 22, 23, or relevant insurance coursework and/or insurance related designations such as CPCU and/or ASLI (Associate in Surplus Lines)
Experience negotiating facultative reinsurance and approving manuscript endorsements
Prior mentoring/coaching responsibilities or leadership of cross functional underwriting projects
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
401(k) and company match
Generous paid time off (PTO), paid company holidays, paid maternity/paternity leave, and supplemental sick leave
Family-like culture
Year-round wellness initiatives
Company sponsored events
Opportunities for professional development with conferences, events, and continued education
Company
Columbia Insurance
At Columbia Insurance, we deliver peace of mind through trusted, people-first partnerships.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Gary Thompson
President & CEO
Todd Ruthruff
President & CEO (elect)
Recent News
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