Commercial Lines Underwriter

Founded in 1856, Farmers Insurance Company of Flemington is a mutual property and casualty insurer serving individuals and businesses throughout New Jersey. We distribute our products exclusively through Independent Agents and are organized for the benefit of our Policyholders. We offer employees the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within a collaborative, service-oriented organization. Position Overview The Commercial Lines Underwriter will manage all aspects of small commercial underwriting for an assigned group of Independent Agents within New Jersey. You will work closely with agents to develop, manage, and profitably grow your book of business while providing responsive and practical underwriting solutions. This position requires strong technical underwriting judgment, relationship-building skills, and the ability to balance growth, service, and profitability. As part of a smaller company, you will have the opportunity to make a visible contribution and help shape the success of our Commercial Lines operation. Responsibilities Underwrite commercial lines submissions, new business, renewals, endorsements, and other policy transactions for accounts generally under $15,000 in annual written premium including BOP, CPP, Small Contractors, and Commercial Auto. Evaluate individual risks and make sound underwriting and pricing decisions consistent with the Company’s appetite, guidelines, and profitability objectives, including review of loss history, loss control reports, premium audits, and other underwriting information. Manage an assigned underwriting territory and analyze agency and book performance, including production, profitability, retention, and quote-to-bind ratios. Develop and maintain productive relationships with Independent Agents to attract, write, and retain profitable business while clearly communicating the Company’s underwriting appetite. Identify opportunities to improve agency and book performance and collaborate with the Marketing Director to develop and implement appropriate action plans. Provide responsive, practical, and professional service that supports the Company's commitment to ease of doing business. Serve as a technical resource to other underwriting team members and provide guidance on complex risks and coverage questions. Manage priorities and workflow effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Conduct agency visits and attend industry events as needed. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications At least seven years of progressively responsible commercial multi-line P&C carrier underwriting experience, with an emphasis on small commercial accounts, including BOP, CPP, small contractors, and Commercial Auto. Strong knowledge of commercial underwriting, coverage, pricing, and risk selection at both the individual-account and overall-book levels. Demonstrated ability to manage a territory or book of business with accountability for growth, retention, and profitability. Strong analytical and decision-making abilities, including the confidence to exercise independent judgment, identify opportunities, and take initiative to improve individual, departmental, and Company performance. Excellent verbal, written, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-management skills, with a commitment to providing responsive and professional service to agents and Policyholders. Collaborative, adaptable, and solutions-oriented, with the ability to work independently, contribute effectively as part of a team, and manage competing priorities and deadlines. Demonstrated record of professional stability, sustained performance, and increasing responsibility. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience with ImageRight, agency portals, or similar insurance systems is preferred. Familiarity with MSO commercial lines products is a plus. Ability to travel periodically within New Jersey for agency visits and industry events. Education Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. CPCU, AU, CIC, ARM, or another relevant insurance designations strongly preferred. Information for Applicants We are seeking an experienced professional who is interested in making a meaningful, long-term contribution to our Company. In addition to relevant underwriting experience and technical qualifications, we will consider the candidate’s demonstrated record of performance, increasing responsibility, and sustained commitment in prior positions. A cover letter is not required. However, applicants whose résumés reflect a pattern of positions of relatively short duration are encouraged to provide brief context regarding those transitions. We recognize that employment changes may occur for many legitimate reasons and will consider the circumstances presented rather than relying solely on the length of any individual position. Applicants are also welcome to explain why this opportunity is a strong match for their experience and long-term career objectives. This position is being hired as a full-time, in-person role at our office in Flemington, New Jersey. Regular and reliable on-site attendance is an essential requirement of the position. We value the benefits of working together in person. Our office environment encourages collaboration, open communication, informal learning, and strong working relationships. Employees have ready access to coworkers for questions, problem-solving, and support, while maintaining a clear separation between their professional and home lives. The Company supports flexibility where appropriate, including flexible scheduling and occasional remote work based on individual circumstances, job responsibilities, and business needs. Greater flexibility may also be considered for established employees who have demonstrated sustained performance, reliability, effective communication, and the ability to work independently. However, such arrangements are discretionary, are evaluated individually, and are not guaranteed. This position is not being offered initially as a remote or hybrid role. Applicants should expect their regular work location to be our Flemington office and should not assume that a recurring remote or hybrid schedule will become available. Therefore, candidates should carefully consider travel time to and from Flemington during normal morning and evening traffic and determine whether the location is practical and sustainable for them. Farmers Insurance Company of Flemington maintains a healthy, smoke-free workplace. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the Farmers campus. Farmers Insurance Company of Flemington is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and employment process. #J-18808-Ljbffr Farmers Insurance Company of Flemington