Senior Underwriter - Life Sciences Underwriting

Skyward Specialty is a property and casualty insurance holding company formed in 2007. Based in Houston, Texas, and with staff throughout the country, Skyward Specialty provides admitted and non-admitted solutions to retail and wholesale distributors, managing general agents and captive markets. We have built highly respected businesses in specialty lines including management liability, professional liability, medical stop loss, surety, E&S property and liability, and large commercial property, as well as multi-line solutions for the energy, trucking, and construction industries.

At Skyward Specialty, we approach this business differently. In fact, we’re different from most others in our industry in just about every way. We have the spirit of a start-up with the security of over $1.7 billion in Written Premium. We put immense brain power and energy into finding greater insights to uncover better opportunities for our clients, partners, and people. We think at a higher level, so they can succeed at a higher level.

We are committed to a Diverse Workforce

Skyward Specialty is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nativity, neurodiversity, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. For more information about us please visit www.skywardinsurance.com

Position Summary:

Skyward Specialty is actively seeking a Senior Underwriter of Life Sciences Underwriting, who will contribute to underwriting efforts in the life sciences sector. This role requires an entrepreneurial mindset, strong technical analysis, robust underwriting acumen, solid sales and marketing skills- in order to achieve profitable growth targets. The ideal candidate will have a profound understanding of the life sciences landscape and an ability to foster strong relationships with brokers and clients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Produce, underwrite, manage and service a profitable book of new and renewal business.  
• Utilize underwriter authority in accordance with the published underwriting guidelines.
• Effectively negotiate and secure policy terms that align with the company directives and provide detailed explanations regarding terms, conditions and requirements of quotes and rating decisions.
• Analyze claims activity and loss experience.
• Compose, prepare, and generate correspondence, proposals, and underwriting reports as needed or required.
• Develop and communicate new business or renewal rate recommendations and decisions in accordance with level of underwriting authority.
• Ability to seek out and secure new and profitable business.
• Develop and manage underwriting strategies and monitor performance of assigned portfolio of accounts, and initiate actions to improve performance when needed.
• Manage and develop effective producer and client relationships throughout assigned territory.   
• Coordinate strategy and work collaboratively with other aligned business functions including claims, actuarial, loss control and others. 
• Make internal and external presentations as necessary to communicate portfolio performance to peers, producers, and leadership as necessary.
• Provide direction and support to associate underwriters as a coach/mentor or trainer and/or provide peer review.   
• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience within the life sciences segment
• Experience in the following but not limited to: products and completed operations liability, E&O, medical professional liability, general liability
• Bachelor’s Degree – or advanced degree
• Knowledge of specialized life sciences liability forms wording and program structures
• Strong relationships with wholesale and retail brokerage community
• Knowledge of the market, portfolio management, acquisition and distribution
• Ability and willingness to be highly visible in the marketplace and travel as necessary (estimated 25%)
• Ability to document and maintain underwriting files that are professional and compliant
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Specialized Knowledge/Beneficial Skills and Experience:

• Professional certifications preferred
• Familiar with life sciences industry concepts, practices and procedures.
• Demonstration of industry knowledge and judgment during underwriting process to set pricing, review risk, negotiate, and accomplish goals.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to pay attention to details.
• Self-starter with strong drive to succeed.
• Team player with an optimistic outlook.
• Ability to carry out assignments within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines and standard accepted underwriting practices.

Compensation & Benefits

The applicable base salary for this opportunity is $100,000 - $135,000.  The base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements.  In addition to the base salary, this opportunity may be eligible for performance-based incentives.

We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition and professional certification assistance, 401k savings, elective participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Program, paid time off, paid holidays, and child bonding leave, as well as other employee assistance programs.

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