Central Region Commercial Lines Underwriting Director

EMC Insurance; Illinois; On-site; USD 118,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Central Region Underwriting Director to lead and enhance underwriting practices in a hybrid work environment. This role involves directing the underwriting team, developing guidelines, and collaborating closely with agency partners to foster profitable relationships. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in commercial lines underwriting, a strong educational background in insurance or business administration, and exceptional leadership skills. Join a company that values teamwork and offers outstanding benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture focused on making a positive impact.

Benefits

Life insurance

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Prescription drug coverage

401(k) plan match

Pension plan

Tuition reimbursement

Competitive paid time off

Volunteer time off

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; ten years underwriting experience required.
• CPCU designation preferred; strong leadership and communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead branch underwriting process and enforce guidelines.
• Develop and implement underwriting strategies for profitability.
• Collaborate with HR to identify training needs for the team.

Skills

Underwriting and risk analysis

Problem-solving skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Customer service skills

Decision-making under pressure

Education

Bachelor's degree in insurance or business administration

Ten years of commercial lines underwriting experience

CPCU designation or other underwriting-related designations

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Central Region Underwriting Director page is loaded

Central Region Underwriting Director

Apply remote type Hybrid locations Illinois- Work From Home Downer's Grove, IL (Chicago Branch) time type Full time posted on Posted 4 Days Ago time left to apply End Date: May 13, 2025 (30+ days left to apply) job requisition id R5792

At EMC, we’re all about working together to make an impact. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to grow, contribute, and gain experience that matters. We strive to be caring leaders, close partners, and responsive experts—always supporting each other to do our best work. Join us, and let’s improve lives together.

Essential Functions:

1. Leads and directs the branch underwriting process while enforcing guidelines and procedures established by Corporate Office Underwriting.
2. Develops and enforces underwriting guidelines and procedures specific to their branch territory and models smart and effective underwriting practices for individual accounts, all lines of business, and different classes.
3. Sets and implements strategies to address challenges to profit and communicates strategies throughout the underwriting department.
4. Answers questions, shares recommendations for complex situations, such as difficult accounts, communication strategies or problematic agency relationships and explains the rationale for recommendations and serves as the subject matter expert for the branch and makes final decisions on complex or high-risk accounts.
5. Oversees and directs the underwriting department team, focusing on both long-term and short-term success.
6. Special consideration on ability to lead a profitable growth sales culture within our underwriting team, including leading by example by being out physically visiting our agency partners and involved with key industry association events.
7. Collaborates with team members to establish performance goals and monitors status, conducts reviews, and provides coaching.
8. Partners closely with the Branch Human Resources Business Partner Manager to identify training needs for the department and individuals and ensure that it is delivered.
9. Partners with Underwriting Supervisors to oversee workloads and workflow processes to ensure that branch objectives can be met.
10. Directs existing and develops and fosters new agency relationships to grow profitable relationships and rehabilitate unprofitable and low growth relationships.
11. Collaborates with Branch Vice President to determine underwriting strategy and practices and establishes short-term and long-term underwriting goals.

Education & Experience:

1. Bachelor's degree, preferably in insurance or business administration or equivalent relevant experience.
2. Ten years of commercial lines underwriting experience.
3. Previous supervisory/leadership experience.
4. CPCU designation or other underwriting-related designation(s) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

1. Superior knowledge of underwriting and risk analysis.
2. Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions.
3. Strong computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office and social media.
4. Ability to oversee multiple projects at one time and make decisions under challenging circumstances.
5. Excellent ability to translate technical ideas into more general terms for business customers.
6. Ability to explore new and different processes, services, technologies, and partnerships to enhance EMC’s business.
7. Superior written and verbal communication skills.
8. Excellent leadership skills and ability to motivate team.
9. Excellent ability to effectively communicate products, procedures, business planning and system information.
10. Exceptional customer service skills.
11. Ability to speak effectively before groups.
12. Occasional travel; a valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle report per company standards will be required if driving.

The hiring salary range for this position will vary based on geographic location, falling within $118,603-$170,001 range. A hiring range represents a subset of the full salary range. The actual salary will depend on several factors, including relevant education, skills, and experience of an applicant, geographic location, and business needs.

Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination due to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, active military status, citizenship status, marital status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

All of our locations are tobacco free including in company vehicles.

About Us

Why should you choose to apply for a position at EMC? We can give you plenty of reasons why EMC is a great place to work:

• More than 105 years of financial strength and stability.
• In the top 60 insurance organizations in the U.S. based on net written premium.
• Named a five-star insurance carrier by Insurance Business America.
• Two-time recipient of the Best Practices Award of Excellence from the Independent Agents & Brokers of America.
• Multiple locations recognized as Top Workplaces based solely on team member feedback.
• Corporate culture that engages and empowers team members to achieve their best.
• Outstanding benefits with life, medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
• Competitive paid time off plan and a full day of volunteer time off annually.
• Financial incentives, including a 401(k) plan match, pension plan, OneEMC bonus plan and recognition and anniversary awards.
• Professional development and growth opportunities, including tuition reimbursement.
• Wellness initiatives to improve team member well-being and reduce health insurance costs.
• Flexibility to dress for your day and opportunities for alternative work arrangements.