Business Development Underwriter (Excess & Surplus) (Must reside in Illinois)

Hobson Associates; Illinois; On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Hobson Associates is seeking a Business Development Underwriter to own a defined underwriting territory in the Excess & Surplus market. You will underwrite new and renewal business, market to agencies, and build strong relationships to drive profitable growth in Commercial Lines focused on General Liability and E&S.

The role offers a dynamic, growth-oriented environment with travel within the territory and opportunities to advance through ongoing CPCU or similar coursework.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of Commercial Lines underwriting.
• Proven track record in commercial property & casualty underwriting.
• Strong background in General Liability and Excess & Surplus underwriting.
• Experience with Habitational, Contractors, Manufacturing classes.
• Retail agent marketing experience driving growth.
• Technical underwriting aptitude.
• Familiarity with paperless underwriting tools like SAGE, Silver Plume, or Reference Connect.
• CPCU/ASLI/AU coursework preferred.
• Willingness to travel within assigned territory.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal business in defined territory.
• Market to agencies and build strong agency relationships.
• Identify fresh business opportunities within your market.
• Manage endorsements and transactions.

Skills

Commercial lines underwriting

E&S underwriting

Agency marketing

Underwriting instincts

Paperless tools familiarity

Territory travel willingness

CPCU/ASLI/AU coursework preferred

Tools

SAGE

Silver Plume

Reference Connect

Job description

Step Into Innovation — Join a Leading Excess & Surplus Lines Insurance Provider

Are you looking to elevate your underwriting career in a place that values expertise, encourages fresh thinking, and rewards results? Our client, a trailblazer in the Excess and Surplus lines market, is redefining specialty insurance through innovative products and a people-first culture. With a dynamic, growth-oriented environment and a diverse, talented team, they’ve built a business model that’s both profitable and fulfilling. If you're driven, entrepreneurial, and ready for a workplace where your voice matters, this could be your next big move.

POSITION: Business Development Underwriter

In this key role, you’ll take ownership of a defined underwriting territory, driving profitable growth while marketing and building strong agency relationships. You’ll underwrite new and renewal business, manage endorsements and transactions, and identify fresh business opportunities within your market.

What They're Looking For:

• Proven track record in commercial property & casualty underwriting


• 5+ years of experience in Commercial Lines insurance


• Strong background in General Liability and Excess & Surplus (E&S) underwriting


• Experience working with the following classes of business: Habitational, Contractors, Manufacturing


• Strong retail agent marketing experience with a demonstrated ability to drive business growth


• Technical aptitude with strong underwriting instinct


• Familiarity with paperless underwriting tools like SAGE, Silver Plume, or Reference Connect is a bonus


• Completion of or enrollment in insurance coursework (CPCU, ASLI, AU, etc.) strongly preferred


• Ability to travel within assigned territory

Why You’ll Love It There:

• Competitive compensation


• Flexibility: generous PTO and flexible hours

Excited to grow with a company where your work makes a real impact?

Apply today and bring your underwriting skills to a team that celebrates innovation and values you as more than just a number.