Commercial Lines Underwriter (Greater Chicago Area)

Burns & Wilcox, the flagship organization of H.W. Kaufman Group, is North America’s leading wholesale insurance broker and underwriting manager. Burns & Wilcox offers wide ranging and comprehensive solutions to serve retail insurance brokers and agents of all sizes, from the large houses to the more than 30,000 independent brokers and agents worldwide. Fueled by its freedom from Wall Street and private equity, Burns & Wilcox is a privately owned company whose standards of service, depth of market relationships and outstanding talent are unsurpassed in the specialty insurance sector.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The H.W. Kaufman Group of companies is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other status or condition protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

In addition, Kaufman will make reasonable accommodations to known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified person with a disability, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

• Build, maintain, and grow a book of business
• Manage agency relationships and serve as lead client contact
• Create and execute marketing plan to increase new and renewal business
• Rate, quote and bind each risk to determine acceptability, coverage, and pricing for large or complex renewals as well as new business
• Develop and submit underwriting referrals to company brokerage facilities and Burns & Wilcox management
• Monitor key metrics to formulate corrective action impacting new business hit, renewal retention, premium growth, and loss ratio
• Lead, train, and develop Assistant and Associate Underwriters
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 3 years of commercial lines underwriting or brokerage experience required, excess & surplus experience preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency in sales and marketing
• Proven organization skills and ability with a strong attention to detail
• Interest in continued education and professional development
• Insurance license, CPCU, CIC or comparable designations preferred

Compensation Package

• Base salary from $75k-$115k annually & sales incentive bonus plan
• Employer paid continuing education courses and designations via access to Kaufman Institute
• Health and welfare benefits including medical, vision and dental
• 401K with employer match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Access to Kaufman Wellness Program
• Flexible and hybrid work options