E&S Business Development Underwriter

Berkley Aspire (a Berkley Company); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision coverage

401(k) and Profit-Sharing

Flexible work schedule

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A leading insurance firm is looking for an E&S Business Development Underwriter to drive profitable growth in Chicago, IL. The successful candidate will manage agency relationships, evaluate risks, and set policy terms. This role requires at least 5 years of underwriting experience, with a focus on commercial P&C. The position offers a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package including medical, dental, and 401(k).

Qualifications

• Proven success in commercial P&C underwriting with 5+ years of experience; E&S and surplus lines expertise strongly preferred.
• Skilled in working with independent agents and managing agency relationships.
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficient in Windows-based tools (Word, Excel, Email); experienced in paperless environments.

Responsibilities

• Build and strengthen agency relationships through education, outreach, and strategic collaboration.
• Evaluate risks, set terms, and price policies within authority to meet profitability goals.
• Achieve targets for new business, rate changes, and underwriting quality.
• Deliver timely quotes, endorsements, audits, and policy issuance.
• Review inspections, audits, and endorsements for accuracy.

Skills

Commercial P&C underwriting

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Proficient in Windows-based tools

Education

5+ years of experience in underwriting

Tools

SAGE

Silver Plume

Reference Connect

Job description

Join to apply for the E&S Business Development Underwriter role at Berkley Aspire (a Berkley Company)

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Join to apply for the E&S Business Development Underwriter role at Berkley Aspire (a Berkley Company)

Company Details

Berkley Aspire is passionate about making excess and surplus lines business easy to transact. We differentiate ourselves by continually innovating to bring market-leading technology and services to our agents and their clients.

Company Details

Berkley Aspire is passionate about making excess and surplus lines business easy to transact. We differentiate ourselves by continually innovating to bring market-leading technology and services to our agents and their clients.

From direct bill with installments, to not requiring renewal applications for 80% of our small business policies, we focus on making it easy, expeditious, and efficient for agents and consumers.

Berkley Aspire writes from small, minimum premium, policies to accounts over six figures. We offer General Liability, Property, Inland Marine and Excess policies through Berkley appointed agencies in 49 states.

Benefit Highlights

• Aspire offers Medical, Dental and Vision coverage. Our onsite Scottsdale, AZ Wellness Center and companywide Employee Assistance Program are free to employees and are here to support your overall well-being. Our flexible work schedule with a work-from-home day means you can balance work and life like a pro.
• Our Health Savings Accounts have automatic company contributions if you sign up, and we offer Flexible Spending Accounts, STD, LTD, life insurance policies, and more. Plus, we offer a 401(k) program, profit-sharing program, and stock purchase plan – investing in your future has never been so rewarding.
• We've got you covered with competitive paid time off, paid sick time, and 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Plus, you get paid holidays, a floating holiday, and paid volunteer time – because giving back to the community is important to us at Aspire!
• Come grow with us! Level up with company sponsored conferences, tuition assistance, and industry-related education and exams. We have many internal promotional growth opportunities – because we believe in growing together.
• We believe in working hard and playing hard. We embrace team building and are enthusiastic about sponsoring fun activities inside and outside of the office. Our Plum Benefits program gives you cost-free access to thousands of exclusive travel and entertainment discounts – it's like a VIP pass to fun.
  
  

www.berkleyaspire.com

Responsibilities

We’re seeking a Territory Underwriter –IL & WI

This role drives profitable growth across Iowa and Minnesota, by underwriting new business, managing agency relationships, and identifying new opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Agency Engagement : Build and strengthen agency relationships through education, outreach, and strategic collaboration.
• Underwriting Excellence : Evaluate risks, set terms, and price policies within authority to meet profitability goals.
• Performance Goals : Achieve targets for new business, rate changes, and underwriting quality.
• Service Standards : Deliver timely quotes, endorsements, audits, and policy issuance with precision and consistency.
• Risk Management : Review inspections, audits, and endorsements to ensure accurate coverage and premium adequacy.
• Mentorship : Support and coach junior underwriters to build team capability.
• Reinsurance Coordination : Assess facultative reinsurance needs and manage cession processes.
  
  

Qualifications

• Proven success in commercial P&C underwriting with 5+ years of experience; E&S and surplus lines expertise strongly preferred.
• Skilled in working with independent agents and managing agency relationships.
• Strong analytical, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficient in Windows-based tools (Word, Excel, Email); experienced in paperless environments and online underwriting platforms (e.g., SAGE, Silver Plume, Reference Connect).
• This role requires regular travel within the assigned territory—up to 50%—to support business needs, client engagement, and operational effectiveness. Candidates must demonstrate flexibility and readiness to travel approximately 1-2 weeks per month. Travel requirements support making approximately 120 in-person agency visits annually, averaging around 10 visits per month.
  
  

Additional Company Details

The company is an equal opportunity employer.

We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting firms.

Benefits

The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees which for this role include:

• Base Salary Range: $90,000 – $120,000
• Eligible to participate in annual discretionary bonus.
• Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Wellness, Paid Time Off, 401(k) and Profit-Sharing plans.
  
  

The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.

Sponsorship Details

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Finance and Sales

• Industries

  Financial Services and Insurance

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