Underwriter

Excess Liability Insurance UnderwriterBrooks Insurance Agency is the wholesale brokerage of Venbrook Group, LLC, a holding company with subsidiaries engaged in retail broking, wholesale broking, programs, and claims services. As an independent, multi-line wholesaler in the property and casualty marketplace, Brooks Insurance provides coverage on both an excess and surplus (E&S) and admitted basis.Brooks Insurance works across standard markets and specializes in distressed and complex lines of business. Our strong premium volume reinforces our carrier relationships, positioning Brooks Insurance as a preferred partner and ensuring priority submission review and exceptional service.We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package:401k + employee matchMedical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability InsurancePaid Time Off (PTO)Paid HolidaysPaid Parental leavePaid Sick leaveProfessional development programsWork-life quality and flexibilityThe Excess Liability Insurance Underwriter evaluates, selects, and prices excess and surplus (E&S) casualty risks within delegated underwriting authority. This is a technical carrier underwriting role focused on sound risk selection, disciplined pricing, portfolio profitability, and documentation quality across a broad range of target classes including contracting/wrap-up/project-specific risks, product liability, service classes, real estate, and institutional exposures. The underwriter works within the carrier's underwriting guidelines and appetite to make binding decisions on new business, renewals, and endorsements.Position RequirementsSound Judgment & Underwriting Authority: Exercises disciplined analytical thinking to evaluate complex excess casualty risk exposures and make binding underwriting decisions within delegated authority limits. Balances risk quality with portfolio profitability.Technical Underwriting Depth: Demonstrates strong command of excess and surplus lines casualty underwriting principles, coverage structures, attachment points, and pricing methodology across multiple target classes.Portfolio & Market Awareness: Monitors loss trends, emerging risks, and E&S market conditions to proactively adjust underwriting strategies and maintain a profitable, disciplined book of business.Broker & Carrier Collaboration: Builds and maintains effective working relationships with wholesale brokers and internal carrier teams. Communicates underwriting decisions clearly, including rationale for pricing, coverage structure, or declinations.Attention to Detail & Documentation: Thoroughly reviews applications, loss history, and exposure data. Produces clear, accurate underwriting files that reflect sound decision-making and comply with carrier guidelines, surplus lines regulations, and audit standards.Duties/ResponsibilitiesRisk Assessment & Underwriting AuthorityAnalyze complex excess casualty risk submissions, including underlying primary programs, loss history, and exposure dataEvaluate risks across target classes including contracting/wrap-up/project-specific, product liability, service classes, real estate, and institutional exposuresUnderwrite excess and surplus (E&S) lines submissions that fall outside standard market appetiteMake binding decisions on new business, renewals, and endorsements within delegated underwriting authorityDetermine appropriate coverage structures, attachment points, limits, terms, conditions, and endorsements in accordance with underwriting guidelinesRefer risks outside delegated authority to senior underwriting leadership with a clear, documented recommendationApply surplus lines regulatory knowledge in structuring and transacting placements appropriatelyPortfolio & Profitability ManagementMaintain a profitable book of business through disciplined risk selection and consistent application of underwriting guidelinesMonitor loss trends, emerging risks, and E&S market conditions to adjust underwriting strategiesCollaborate with carrier actuarial teams to refine pricing models and ensure rate adequacyIdentify and escalate portfolio-level concerns, deteriorating segments, or appetite shifts to leadershipParticipate in audits and internal reviews to ensure compliance with underwriting standardsBroker EngagementMaintain effective working relationships with wholesale brokers within the carrier's distribution modelCommunicate underwriting decisions clearly and professionally, including rationale for pricing, structure, or coverage changesProvide guidance to brokers on risk characteristics, carrier appetite, and submission requirementsRepresent the carrier at industry events, broker meetings, and training sessions as appropriateDocumentation & CompliancePrepare clear, accurate underwriting files that document the basis for each binding decisionEnsure all transactions adhere to surplus lines regulatory requirements, internal policies, and delegated authority limitsMaintain thorough knowledge of underwriting guidelines, carrier appetite, and state-specific insurance lawsStay current on legal developments and emerging excess casualty liability trendsRequired Skills/AbilitiesRequired5+ years of experience in excess casualty or surplus lines underwritingExperience making binding underwriting decisions within a delegated authority frameworkStrong technical knowledge of E&S casualty coverage structures, attachment points, and pricing methodologyAbility to analyze complex risk submissions, loss data, and exposure information to reach sound underwriting conclusionsSolid understanding of surplus lines regulations and E&S market placementExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly document and defend underwriting decisionsProficiency with underwriting platforms, rating tools, and productivity softwarePreferredProfessional designations such as CPCU, ARM, or AUExperience underwriting across multiple casualty classes including contracting, product liability, real estate, and institutional risksFamiliarity with actuarial pricing models and loss development conceptsEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in business, finance, risk management, or a related field5+ years of experience in excess casualty or surplus lines underwritingProfessional designations such as CPCU, ARM, or AU preferred