Sr Underwriter - Personal Lines (Concierge Team)

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.

Work Environment: The location of this position is flexible and open to virtual and/or remote based applicants. 

What you can Expect: The Personal Lines Underwriting team is rolling out a concierge team, which will act as premier underwriting groups in Personal Lines. Associates will operate in a queue basis, where agency quotes will get divided up. A set group of underwriters will support certain agencies. We have four openings available.

The ideal candidate will have:  

• Minimum 2-3 years of P&C underwriting experience is highly preferred.

• Key skillsets: risk evaluation, data analysis, decision making, documentation, and negotiation.

• Building strong relationships quickly.

(Internal Use Only) Compensation Band: E3

Job Description Summary

Success on our team requires a blend of customer service skill and analytical prowess. Each account we work on is interesting and challenging. Satisfaction comes from finding solutions that provide the best coverage and give our partner agents a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. If you are adaptable, responsive, love customers and really want to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

As a Sr. Underwriter you will accept, retain and classify moderate exposure new and renewal policies (case and account underwriting) based on granted authority. We'll count on you to manage an assigned underwriting territory to identify business trends, ensure profitability and build agency relationships. You'll be counted on to make decisions on larger more complex and unique assignments. You'll be key to provide input into and responsible for implementation of strategic recommendations for portfolio profitability and growth management action plans through partnership with product and sales in support of portfolio underwriting efforts for profitable growth within assigned territory or specialty. You may also provide guidance and assistance to less experienced underwriters and other functional areas. May lead projects or research activities in support of business goals.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Researches agency, district, and market data for assigned underwriting territory to identify business trends and opportunities for profitable growth. Obtains data/information from published sources, company data bases, and partnerships with sales, claims, agency and portfolio or other contacts. May research issues in support of unit objectives and participate on committees or special projects.

• Reviews individual risks for acceptability and handles those within authority based on company underwriting guidelines and standards. Uses critical thinking and understanding of the market and underwriting best practices to assess the total risk proposition and alternatives for acceptability. May analyze issues related to rules performance through automated systems.

• Completes assigned underwriting transactions and tasks within established time and service standards. Strives to complete all transactions in a first time final mode. Meets overall timelines for project or team assignments.

• Makes decisions to accept, modify or decline personal lines business based on underwriting analysis, best practices and judgment. Determines the proper classification of risks to ensure the matching of price and product to the customer. Decisions at this level may require review of additional variables, leveraging agency, sales and underwriting relationships, inspection reports and evaluation of exceptions. May perform quality assurance reviews from within the department to ensure acceptable decision making.

• Plans completion of assignments to meet agreed upon timelines and service level agreements. Provides input and feedback regarding operational business plan.

• Consults with agents and collaborates with internal partners regarding underwriting decisions. Uses underwriting curiosity to recommend additional products, coverages and discounts to ensure the agency and customer receive maximum value and adequate coverage. May consult regarding risk mitigation strategies. Provides technical expertise to underwriting associates and agents.

• Communicates underwriting decisions to agencies and internal departments. Provides clear communication of rationale for decisions and options. Chooses most effective communication method based on issue, situation and audience. May communicate to various audiences regarding underwriting, product, rate classification and processes.

• Strengthens agency relationships through regular contact on underwriting matters, promoting profit and new business growth, renewal retention and service capabilities. May participate in the management of agency performance as part of the underwriting team. 

• Responds to requests from agents and underwriting staff with resolution within established time and service standards. Handles escalated underwriting issues.

• Educates internal and external partners on underwriting process, concepts and principles. Helps train and develop less experienced underwriting staff. Participates and/or leads training development or delivery as a subject matter expert. Identifies and communicates training needs and opportunities.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to supervisor or manager. Individual Contributor.

Typical Education and Experiences:

Education: Bachelor's degree preferred.

License/Certification/Designation: Pursuit of technical insurance coursework such as CPCU preferred.

Experience: Two years of underwriting experience. Experience leading or working on complex projects and or task teams.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Strong knowledge of underwriting policies, practices and insurance contracts. Understands and can articulate company product details and values. Working knowledge of core business functions, state specific statutes and regulations, pricing and marketing. Has a good understanding of competitor products and market conditions. Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills are required. Strong written and verbal communications skills are necessary to present information to all levels of internal and external contacts. Skilled in Excel and other analytical tools to evaluate data. Ability to train and develop lower level underwriters in all aspects of underwriting. Key competencies include: business acumen, functional/technical skills, command skills, interpersonal savvy, negotiating, problem solving, drive for results, managing and measuring work, customer focus, and decision quality. Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changing situations.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence. 

Staffing Exceptions to the above Minimum Job Requirements must be approved by the: hiring manager’s leader and HRBP.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Occasional travel may be required to visit agencies or attend meetings. Extended or non-standard work hours as required to meet business need.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties. 

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 04/17/2025. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.

Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.

For NY residents please review the following state law information: Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov) https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/ls740_1.pdf

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range.

The national salary range for Sr Underwriter - Personal Lines : $55,500.00-$113,500.00

The expected starting salary range for Sr Underwriter - Personal Lines : $61,500.00 - $91,500.00

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