Commercial Underwriting Manager - Growth & Leadership

Berkley Small Business Solutions (a Berkley Company); Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Continental Western Group is a Berkley company based in Urbandale, IA, seeking a Commercial Underwriting Manager to lead an underwriting function focused on construction, manufacturing, and distribution sectors. The role emphasizes profitability, staff development, and collaboration with Home Office Underwriting for complex accounts.

The position requires strong leadership, risk assessment, and the ability to travel for agency engagement and regional strategy execution.

Qualifications

• Ten years of commercial lines underwriting experience with expertise in construction, manufacturing, and distribution.
• Supervisory or management experience strongly desired.
• Well-rounded knowledge of commercial insurance programs, policies, practices, coverages, forms, and underwriting strategies.
• Completion of or progress toward AINS, AU, CPCU or similar professional insurance designations.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned commercial underwriting function and staff.
• Develop macro (regional) and micro (state/city) strategies for long-term success in construction, manufacturing, and distribution.
• Monitor risk acceptability, pricing adequacy, and classification accuracy to ensure profitability and growth.
• Underwrite accounts exceeding the authority level; coordinate with Home Office Underwriting as needed.
• Develop a high-performing team through coaching, feedback, and performance management.
• Engage agency partners and oversee the distribution network of independent agencies.
• Monitor portfolios with KPIs and report findings to leadership.

Skills

Underwriting leadership

Commercial underwriting

Team development

Risk analysis

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree

AINS/CPCU designation

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Continental Western Group is a Berkley company based in Urbandale, IA, seeking a Commercial Underwriting Manager to lead an underwriting function focused on construction, manufacturing, and distribution sectors. The role emphasizes profitability, staff development, and collaboration with Home Office Underwriting for complex accounts.

The position requires strong leadership, risk assessment, and the ability to travel for agency engagement and regional strategy execution.