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

Generous PTO and flexible hours

Job summary

Hobson Associates is recruiting a Business Development Underwriter in Illinois to drive profitable growth within a defined underwriting territory. You will underwrite new and renewal business, manage endorsements, and cultivate strong relationships with independent agents to expand market share.

The role requires a proven track record in Commercial Lines underwriting, solid knowledge of General Liability and E&S, and the ability to travel within the territory.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Commercial Lines underwriting.
• Proven track record in property & casualty underwriting.
• Marketing and experience working with independent agents preferred.
• Willingness to travel within assigned territory.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal business and manage endorsements.
• Develop and market your underwriting territory and agency relationships.
• Identify new opportunities to drive profitable growth.

Skills

Commercial lines underwriting

Underwriting territory management

Agency relationships

Marketing

Technical underwriting

Underwriting tools familiarity

Insurance coursework

Travel willingness

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 (Property experience is a plus)
• Marketing and experience working with independent agents preferred
• 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