Underwriting Manager - Commercial Surety

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

The candidate will need to be located in the NE region.

As the Underwriting Manager, you will play a critical role in underwriting and servicing surety risks within an established territory. This senior underwriting role comes with the empowerment to make decisions and extend lines of authority (LOA) within established underwriting guidelines. For over-authority accounts and new business opportunities, you will make recommendations and collaborate with the Regional Vice President (RVP) leader. Additionally, you will be responsible for effectively servicing and growing agency relationships within your regional territory with the goal of growing our commercial surety footprint. This role will report to the territory’s RVP.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Business Development: Develop and underwrite new business while protecting the interests of the company.
• Agency Relationship Management: Service existing agency relationships within the established territory
• Underwriting Review: Complete underwriting review on new and existing accounts and establish terms and conditions within authority limits
• Referral for Review: Refer accounts above established authority to higher authority within the field or home office with recommended actions
• Account Maintenance: Maintain and update account and bond files with current information per underwriting guidelines
• Compliance: Ensure terms and conditions of accounts are met prior to bond release
• Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service that distinguishes us from our competitors
• Industry Event Participation: Attend agency marketing and industry events as needed
• Team Leadership: Ability to mentor and manage team members

Education/Experience:

• Located in the NE region
• College degree in business/finance or related field preferred
• 5+ years minimum surety underwriting experience required

Skills:

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Advanced organizational and analytical skills as well as attention to detail
• Solid understanding of financial and accounting principles
• Strong interpersonal and social skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat

Knowledge:

• Background in commercial surety underwriting with the ability to conduct appropriate risk selection and recommendation of terms and conditions
• Ability to analyze financial profiles essential for evaluating risk
• Familiarity with financial statements and knowledge of basic terminology, regulatory requirements, and bid processes
• Ability to understand and utilize company underwriting software

Licenses/Certifications:

• CPCU or AFSB desired

Compensation & Benefits

The applicable base salary for this opportunity is $125,000 - $200,000.  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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