Middle Market Lead Field Underwriter

Westfield Insurance - Westfield Center, OH

Full-time

Westfield Center, OH

Insurance Carriers and Related Activities

About the position

The Middle Market Lead Field Underwriter plays a crucial role in representing Westfield Insurance within a defined territory of agencies. This position operates under limited supervision and is responsible for the profitable production and ongoing management of commercial and agribusiness accounts. Utilizing advanced technical underwriting and sales abilities, the Lead Field Underwriter leads the account team in analyzing new business opportunities from various perspectives, including exposure, pricing, service, and sales. This role requires engaging all available resources to ensure successful outcomes. In addition to managing the collaboration meeting process, the Lead Field Underwriter works closely with independent agents to present and close deals effectively. The position also involves developing and monitoring key underwriting performance metrics while maintaining the highest level of documentation for all accounts. The Lead Field Underwriter is expected to have a minimum of 5 years of experience in Commercial Lines Underwriting, along with a Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent work experience. A valid driver's license and a driving record that meets company standards are also required. The responsibilities include underwriting and collaborating on new and renewal commercial lines accounts, pre-qualifying customers, and leading the account team in analyzing new business opportunities. The Lead Field Underwriter is responsible for building strong relationships with accounts, acting as the key contact for specified agencies, and managing the book of business to achieve profit and revenue objectives. This role also involves partnering with the Region Leader to determine which accounts to discuss during renewal strategy meetings and actively participating by providing detailed underwriting information. The Lead Field Underwriter delivers quotes, terms, and conditions to agents, negotiates until the renewal order is received, and ensures that all underwriting decisions are documented in accordance with audit standards. This position requires effective communication both externally with agents and internally within the company regarding underwriting procedures, growth/profit goals, and industry trends. The Lead Field Underwriter coordinates collaboration meetings for large, complex accounts and is responsible for notifying agencies of adverse underwriting decisions and requirements. Additionally, the role involves answering questions from agencies and policyholders and escalating issues to management as necessary. Regular travel is required to cover the assigned territory, including the use of a company vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Represent the company among a defined territory of agencies.
• Manage the profitable production and ongoing management of commercial and agribusiness accounts.
• Lead the account team to analyze new business opportunities from exposure, pricing, service, and sales perspectives.
• Engage all available resources to close deals with independent agents.
• Develop and monitor key underwriting performance metrics.
• Maintain high levels of documentation for accounts.
• Underwrite and collaborate on new and renewal commercial lines accounts.
• Pre-qualify customers and lead the account team in analyzing new business opportunities.
• Build strong relationships with accounts and act as the key contact for specified agencies.
• Lead agency business planning and account inventory management.
• Manage the book of business to attain profit and revenue objectives.
• Partner with the Region Leader to determine accounts for renewal strategy meetings.
• Deliver quotes, terms, and conditions to agents and negotiate until renewal orders are received.
• Utilize underwriting tools and resources to evaluate exposures to loss and determine pricing.
• Document underwriting decisions and maintain supporting information in accordance with audit standards.
• Involve internal business partners in the prospecting, sales, and underwriting process.
• Coordinate monthly renewal strategy discussions with underwriting and services teams.
• Establish and maintain effective communication regarding underwriting procedures and practices.
• Coordinate collaboration meetings on large, complex accounts.
• Notify agencies of adverse underwriting decisions and requirements.
• Answer questions from agencies, policyholders, or other external contacts and escalate issues as necessary.
• Negotiate with agents to reach positive and profitable outcomes.
• Travel as needed to cover the assigned territory.

Requirements

• 5+ years of Commercial Lines Underwriting experience.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or commensurate work experience.
• Valid driver's license and a driving record that conforms to company standards.