Surety Underwriter

Our Surety Bond department is seeking a Surety Underwriter with both Commercial and Contract surety to join our expanding team. By leveraging distribution through our proprietary Agency portal (Bond Ramp), the qualifying candidate will become an integral member of the Surety Team as we continue to expand the platform to incorporate additional underwriting tools for enhanced, efficient risk analysis and decision‑making. This member will also lend their experience building LLM’s as we move toward incorporating an artificial intelligence co‑pilot to assist in the underwriting process. This position will also be integral to developing and enhancing underwriting parameters, risk protocols, and best practices for our small‑contract surety program. Through the underwriter’s experience, agency relationships, and industry contacts, the expectation of this position is to actively grow and diversify our bond catalog—identifying new business opportunities, deepening relationships with existing agents and principals, and expanding the company’s presence within this area. Position requirements include direct communication with Producers, Bond Principals and working with Business Analysts and Developers to build upon product offerings and system capabilities to remove friction and meet consumers’ needs. This is an excellent ground‑floor opportunity for a self‑motivated surety professional looking to apply their underwriting experience to the e‑commerce space. Key Responsibilities Perform surety underwriting tasks regarding new and renewal business. Have a solid understanding of all documents required and produced in relation to surety bond transactions, including bond form covenants, indemnity agreements, legal structure of entities, statutes and insurance regulations. Evaluate and manage risk in accordance with Company underwriting rules. Price, quote, negotiate terms and conditions of new and renewal accounts. Decline and/or cancel bonds, creating appropriate and timely notice to Obligee. Manage diaries and follow‑ups for information on accounts. Build new and foster existing relationships with wholesale and retail agencies to grow Surety division premium. Perform other agency and customer management duties; including agency webinars regarding the benefits of the Company and use of our portals. Prepare effective internal and external communications relating to underwriting issues or opportunities. Ability to interact and collaborate with colleagues, agents, and customers in a professional manner. Agency visits, and surety industry and related events as required. Job Requirements Minimum 2+ years’ surety experience with an insurance company or surety agency; preferred. Bachelor’s Degree or High School degree with equivalent industry experience. AFSB, CPCU and CIC designations, or currently in pursuit of these or related designations preferred. Proficient in MS Office Software and online eCommerce applications. Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external contacts. Ability to travel as needed. Good organizational and time management skills required. Detail‑oriented and able to handle multiple tasks. Benefits Universal Fire & Casualty Insurance Company offers an industry‑competitive benefits package including medical insurance with an HSA, dental insurance, vision coverage, disability insurance, and other lifestyle and family‑friendly and work/life balance benefits. We also offer a company‑matched 401K and unlimited PTO. Applicants will receive more information on our full company benefits program. Universal Fire & Casualty Insurance Company is an equal opportunity employer. Discrimination of any kind, including race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, pregnancy, or on any basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law is not tolerated at Universal Fire & Casualty Insurance Company. #J-18808-Ljbffr