Entry-Level Underwriter

Wayne Cooperative Insurance Company; Village of Clyde (NY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Generous retirement package

Paid time off

Supportive work environment

Job summary

A regional insurance provider is seeking an Entry-Level Underwriter to join their team in New York. This role offers comprehensive training in underwriting and risk assessment, emphasizing customer interaction and analytical skills. The position supports a hybrid work model, enhancing work-life balance, and presents a robust benefits package. Candidates should have a degree in Risk Management or a related field, and strong analytical and communication skills are a must. This is a full-time, hourly position.

Qualifications

• Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities are required.
• Attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Assist in reviewing new business applications and renewals.
• Communicate underwriting decisions to independent agents.
• Gradually assume underwriting authority for low-complexity risks.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Interpersonal abilities

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Degree in Risk Management or related field

Tools

Underwriting systems

Job description

Overview

Wayne Cooperative, based in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York, is actively recruiting for the Entry-Level Underwriter. This role is designed for candidates looking to build a career in Property and Casualty underwriting, while ultimately contributing to the evaluation and placement of profitable risks with the company.

You will receive comprehensive training in underwriting principles, risk assessment, and compliance, while gradually taking on an assigned group of independent agencies, underwriting primarily personal lines accounts.

With a hybrid work arrangement available for this role, we offer the flexibility and autonomy that allows you to balance your professional and personal life. In addition to a supportive work environment, we offer a robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health coverage, a generous retirement package, paid time off, and other benefits designed to keep you happy and healthy both in and outside of the office.

At Wayne, we are committed to fostering a small, but dynamic team where every individual has a voice. Our culture is built around a relaxed, family-like atmosphere for our twenty-three employees. We value innovative ideas and are proud of our low turnover and long tenure, which averages 15 years. People join us and stay for a career.

Position Summary

The Entry-Level Underwriter role is best suited for a fast-paced learner who thrives in a decision-making environment. Candidates should expect to learn the insurance profession through both onsite and industry training. A strong focus on customer centricity and analytical thought is to be expected. Come join a growing company and exciting industry!

Core Responsibilities

Note: Core Responsibilities headings are preserved as in original content; sections below use proper lists.

Training & Development

• Gain practical, on-the-job experience by assisting in the review of new business applications and renewals under the guidance of senior underwriting staff and a team leader.
• Develop knowledge of underwriting guidelines, risk assessment, and pricing through day-to-day learning and mentorship.
• Assist in evaluating new business submissions and renewals for risk acceptability.
• Support compliance efforts by applying company standards and state insurance regulations.
• Prepare documentation and maintain accurate records in underwriting systems.

Agent & Customer Interaction

• Communicate underwriting decisions and guidelines clearly to independent agents.
• Respond to agent inquiries regarding coverage, rates, and service-related issues.

Progressive Responsibilities

• Gradually assume underwriting authority for low-complexity risks under supervision.
• Collaborate with team members to resolve underwriting and service-related challenges.

Cultural Competencies

• Innovation & Initiative: Approaches problems with curiosity and a willingness to take appropriate risks.
• Customer Orientation: Understands and responds to the needs of both internal and external customers.
• Communication: Presents ideas clearly and effectively, ensuring stakeholders are well-informed.
• Accountability & Reliability: Completes tasks accurately and on time, following through on commitments.
• Technical Competence: Applies industry knowledge to address challenges and opportunities.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively with others, respecting diverse perspectives.
• Drive for Results: Manages multiple projects, meets deadlines, and adapts to changing priorities.

Leadership

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands

• Remain in a stationary position for extended periods.
• Operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate and exchange information with team members and stakeholders.

Position Type/Hours of Work

This is a full-time hourly position.

Travel

This position requires a valid NYS Driver’s License. Travel may be required to meet customer and business needs.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn core underwriting systems.

Preferred Skills

• Basic knowledge of insurance principles and risk assessment.
• General familiarity with property and casualty insurance concepts.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Education/Experience

• Candidates with a degree in Risk Management or related fields are encouraged to apply
• Prior property & casualty underwriting experience is not required

Work Environment

Wayne Cooperative Insurance Company is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on age, creed, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, gender identity or expression, domestic violence victim status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, military status, favorable resolved arrest record, conviction record, predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.