Senior Underwriter - Commercial Surety, Northeastern US

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

Location: Remote

Territory: Must Live in the Northeast Territory (PA, NY, NJ, CT, MA, ME, VT, NH, RI, DE )

As a Senior Underwriter, you will be integral in underwriting and servicing surety risks within the Northeast territory. Your primary responsibilities will include servicing and nurturing agency relationships with the objective of growing our commercial surety accounts in your designated region. Empowered to make decisions within established underwriting guidelines, you will extend lines of authority (LOA). For accounts exceeding your authority and new business opportunities, you will collaborate and make recommendations to the Regional Vice President (RVP). This position reports directly to the territory’s RVP.

Essential Responsibilities

• Business Development: Develop and underwrite new business, ensuring the company's interests are protected.
• Agency Relationship Management: Service and maintain existing agency relationships within your territory.
• Underwriting Review: Review underwriting for new and existing accounts, establishing terms and conditions within your authority limits.
• Referral for Review: Refer accounts beyond your authority to higher levels within the field or home office with recommended actions.
• Account Maintenance: Keep account and bond files updated as per underwriting guidelines.
• Compliance: Ensure all terms and conditions are met before releasing bonds.
• Negotiation: Negotiate terms and conditions in line with market requirements within the submission timeframe.
• Customer Service: Provide superior customer service, setting us apart from competitors.
• Travel: Attend agency marketing and industry events, requiring some overnight travel. A valid driver’s license is required.
• Project Work: Perform special underwriting projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Located in the Northeast region
• Preferably a college degree in business, finance, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of surety underwriting experience

Skills

• Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Established broker and agency relationships within the Northeast Territory
• Advanced organizational and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail
• Solid understanding of financial and accounting principles
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Meticulous attention to detail and record maintenance

Knowledge

• Experienced in commercial surety underwriting, skilled in risk selection and recommending terms and conditions
• Proficient in analyzing financial profiles essential for evaluating risk
• Understanding of financial statements, basic regulatory requirements, and bid processes

Licenses/Certifications

• AFSB certification desired

Compensation & Benefits

The applicable base salary for this opportunity is $100,000 - $175,000.  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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