Consultant, Program Underwriting - E&S/Specialty (Workers Compensation)

Nationwide; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Nationwide in Des Moines, IA is seeking a seasoned Workers' Compensation underwriter to manage a growing WC program portfolio and steer complex referrals end-to-end.

You will leverage pricing tools, actuarial input, and financial analysis to set sound pricing and terms across multi-state exposures, while coordinating with Finance, Claims, and Risk Control. Strong communication and leadership capabilities are required.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of workers compensation experience
• Underwrite complex, multi-state WC risks with data, models and financial information
• Strong knowledge of WC coverages, rating plans and state requirements; professional designations are a plus
• Clear, confident communication skills and ability to translate technical insight for leadership and brokers
• Disciplined, portfolio-minded approach balancing growth, profitability and volatility

Responsibilities

• Underwrite complex WC program referrals end-to-end including exposures, losses, structure and pricing
• Use pricing tools and financial analysis to recommend sound pricing, terms and structures
• Assess jurisdictional risk and incorporate regulatory nuances into decisions
• Monitor a defined slice of the WC program portfolio and surface trends
• Serve as primary WC underwriting contact for program administrators / MGUs and MGAs
• Partner with Finance, Actuarial, Claims, Risk Control and Operations on risk quality and improvement plans
• Model disciplined documentation and leadership-ready summaries

Skills

WC underwriting

Multi-state underwriting

Data analysis

Communication

Portfolio management

Pricing and financials

Education

Professional designations such as AU, ARM, CPCU (or in progress)

Job description

Job Conditions

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them at a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

We’re looking for a technically strong workers compensation underwriter to help steer a growing portfolio of WC programs. You’ll be the go‑to expert for complex WC referrals and program questions, directly impacting profitability, volatility, and partner experience across our book.

What You’ll Do

• Underwrite complex WC program and large account referrals end-to‑end (exposures, losses, structure, and pricing recommendations).
• Use internal pricing tools, actuarial input, and financial analysis to recommend sound pricing, terms, and structures (e.g., deductibles, large deductibles, dividends, alternative risk).
• Assess jurisdictional risk (e.g., CA, NY, FL and other challenging venues) and incorporate severity, ALAE, CT, and regulatory nuances into your decisions.
• Monitor a defined slice of the WC program portfolio (loss ratio, growth, retention, mix), surfacing trends and recommending corrective actions.
• Serve as a primary WC underwriting contact for assigned program administrators / MGUs and MGAs, shaping submission quality, data, and expectations.
• Partner with Finance, Actuarial, Claims, Risk Control, and Operations to align on risk quality, loss drivers, collateral, and improvement plans.
• Model disciplined documentation and communication, including clear system notes and concise leadership‑ready summaries.

What you’ll bring

• 7+ years of workers compensation experience (underwriting or similar), with a strong preference for program, large risk, or high‑hazard WC.
• Proven ability to underwrite complex, multi‑state WC risks and to use data, models, and financial information to support your judgment.
• Strong working knowledge of WC coverages, rating plans, and state‑specific requirements; designations such as AU, ARM, CPCU, (or in progress) are a plus.
• Clear, confident communication skills — able to translate technical insight into practical guidance for leadership, program partners, and brokers.
• A disciplined, portfolio‑mindful approach that balances growth, profitability, and volatility.

*This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program*

Job Description Summary

Are you a problem solver who can analyze complex risk and find insurance solutions that balance customer needs with business goals? If you can take initiative, use both your analytical and creative abilities to make sound decisions and have a desire to help people solve real challenges, we want to know more about you!

Job Description

As a Consultant, you'll be responsible for reviewing and analyzing numerous, highly complex lines of business. You'll underwrite individual risk for acceptability, pricing, coverage, terms and conditions. You'll lead in the development and integration of new and existing programs and identify new program opportunities. You will participate in making reinsurance decisions; assist in developing and implementing loss control and risk management strategies. You'll collaborate between business partners for development and implementation of program specific tools (i. e. underwriting guidelines, forms/rate filings, etc) for new programs or modifications to existing programs. You'll communicate program updates to program managers and other business liaisons. In order to succeed, you will need to build and maintain effective relationships with internal business liaisons, external program managers, and other key partners. You will be responsible for the training and mentoring of underwriting team members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drives the sales and underwriting relationship for Programs products and services. Provides input and data to help drive and implement strategic underwriting plans. Provides business forecasting related to trends, and profitability within Program vertical. Responsible for achieving established goals for assigned programs.
• Analyzes program manager relationships/results and recommends corrective actions if necessary. Understands business needs and identifies new business opportunities.
• Reviews highly complex ((e.g. including D&O, E&O, Employment Practices Liability, Medical Professional Liability, Contractual Liability, Cyber Liability, Shared and Layered Property, General Liability, Excess, auto, Recreation Marine, Energy, Environmental, Inland Marine, Warranty and Workers Compensation) individual risks, programs, or referrals within assigned territory from program managers and declines or accepts business based upon information necessary to make the decision. Some of the risks could be multinational or have alternative arrangements in place that make them unique. Acts as a subject matter expert in analyzing exposures to losses; develops adequate premium charge for the exposure. Determines appropriate endorsements and exclusions to address loss exposures for the insurance contract.
• Actively engages in discussions with reinsurers per department guidelines verifying the appropriate use of all reinsurance facilities used by the department, including various treaty, semi-automatic and facultative reinsurance. Responsible for compiling data to be provided for reinsurers presentations. Maintains good working relationship with reinsurers.
• Develops and implements underwriting guidelines, rates, forms, product endorsements and procedures. Assists in the development of department policies and underwriting and standard methodologies.
• Interacts with various business partners (i.e. claims, actuary, compliance, etc.) to achieve company goals and objectives. Acts as an internal consultant responsible for resolving escalated issues and communicating to business liaisons and external sources regarding program initiatives.
• Responsible for audits of individual risks/programs for compliance with company guidelines, state regulations and reinsurance conditions. Development and implementation of specific action plans may be required. Responsible for the resolution of advanced complex technical issues.
• Independently establishes and maintains effective relationships with Program Managers in order to generate growth and profitably. Travels to existing and potential program manager offices, as required for marketing visits. Frequently entertains Program Managers to market services and ensure strong relationships to write profitable business.
• Leads in the implementation of all new programs from development of underwriting guidelines, form/rate filings, compliance/regulatory matters, finance, reinsurance, claims, legal, accounting, actuarial and marketing matters to ensure proper program integration.
• Attends industry functions to promote E&S/S Programs brand and capabilities of the programs team in order to help identify new program business opportunities.
• Acts as a resource for direction, training and guidance for less experienced staff. May be responsible for underwriting and support staff.
• Maintains knowledge of insurance regulations; provides consulting regarding legislation that impacts the organization.

May Perform Other Responsibilities As Assigned.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to Director/AVP. Acts primarily as an individual contributor; may have three or less direct reports.

Typical Skills And Experiences

Education: Undergraduate studies with focus in Finance, Accounting Economics, and/or Risk Management. Graduate degree preferred.

Experience: Typically five or more years related experience as a Professional, Financial and/or Specialty lines underwriter. Program leadership experience in professional lines of business is preferred. Some experience in the technical aspects of data management, imaging and procedures and processes helpful.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Demonstrated knowledge of Professional, Financial, and/or Specialty lines underwriting policies, practices and procedures, insurance law and underwriting marketing principles and techniques. Strong understanding of financial documents, financial analysis, investments, market conditions essential. Legal knowledge related to insurance, contract and business law preferred. Understanding of employment principles and practices.