Underwriting Specialist

Company Details

Berkley Luxury Group is an operating unit of W.R. Berkley Corporation, one of America's largest commercial lines writers in the UnitedSstates. At Berkley Luxury Group we offer tailored, all-inclusive insurance solutions for luxury condo, co-op, rental properties and fine dining restaurants.

We are a team of seasoned underwriting and claim professionals, well versed in the nuances of our two niches. Our specialized expertise has enabled us to maintain a stable approach to the market for over 30 years. We uphold a standard of prompt and fair settlement of claims, and endeavor to treat our insureds and brokers in a partnership like manner. We also have the ability to provide an array of value-added consultative risk management services designed to assist our customers in managing risk. At Berkley Luxury Group, we have a shared vision to be the best in what we do, as evidenced by our reputation amongst our customers and competitors.

As a Berkley company, we enjoy operational flexibility that allows us to deliver quality coverage solutions. W. R. Berkley Corporation, and all member insurance companies, are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and carry Standard & Poor's Financial Rating of A+ (Strong).

Responsibilities

Berkley Luxury Group is seeking an Underwriting Specialist to join their team. This position can be located anywhere in the Midwest or in MD/DC and will be responsible for growing the book of business in that region.

The Underwriting Production Specialist is a key member of the underwriting team reporting to the VP of Underwriting. The primary goal of this position is to profitably grow a book of business by actively partnering with brokers and working effectively with colleagues throughout the organization. This person will plan and budget for the book of business, develop and maintain agency relationships, and execute underwriting decisions using underwriting rules, designated authority and will have strong knowledge of insurance laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for new and renewal underwriting execution, including selecting risks in line with BLG's strategy and underwriting guidelines, operating within authority and documentation guidelines, following up on accounts and closing new business
• Plan and budget for the book of business, track and report performance to plan, and develop a clear view of market conditions and competitive landscape
• Provide guidance and assistance to other underwriters and to other functional areas
• Monitor production, hit ratios, renewal retention ratios, spread of risk and other production and quality measures
• Keep current on state or territory issues, regulations and trends
• Develop trusted, respected and lasting relationships with broker partners through visitations and regular connections
• Accountable for tracking of progress and positioning BLG within assigned broker organizations
• Evaluate the performance of assigned brokers on an ongoing basis to ensure company and broker goals are met
• Participate in review and evaluation of brokers and make recommendations on broker management issues
• Communicate corporate goals, programs, underwriting policies, procedures, best practices and guidelines to brokers
• Prepare quotes and answer questions from agencies, policyholders or other external contacts and escalate issues as necessary
• Negotiate with brokers to reach positive and profitable outcomes
• Deliver exceptional, timely, complete and accurate service
• Work with brokers to craft best solutions for their clients
• Notify brokers of adverse underwriting decisions, rate appeals, underwriting requirements, status and declinations and underwrite empathetically at all times

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Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent job-related experience

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years underwriting experience
• Demonstrated technical underwriting expertise and product specific knowledge in Property, Liability, Auto, and Umbrella
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in addition to strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in sales and marketing
• Solid knowledge of underwriting and insurance industry theories and practices
• Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively interact with all levels of internal and external business partners
• Ability to multi-task and to independently prioritize competing demands and requests within given time constraints
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and effectively make sound business decisions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer

Skills

• Technical underwriting expertise
• Analytical and problem-solving skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Negotiation skills
• Sales and marketing proficiency
• Time management and prioritization
• Decision-making and judgment
• Microsoft Office proficiency

Location

• Midwest, Ohio

Additional Company Details

The company is an equal opportunity employer.

We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting firms.


The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees which for this role includes:

The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.

Eligible to participate in the annual discretionary bonus program.

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Wellness, Paid Time Off, 401(k) and Profit-Sharing plans.