Senior Broker Specialist - Construction

Vela Insurance Services (a Berkley Company); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Wellness program

Paid time off

401(k) and Profit-Sh Sharing plans

Job summary

Vela Insurance Services is seeking a Broker Specialist / Construction Underwriter in the Atlanta, GA or Chicago, IL area. You will own new business production, manage broker relationships, and shape market strategy within the E&S construction space.

The role combines underwriting expertise with strategic partnership responsibilities, offering growth in a dynamic, market-facing environment and travel to strengthen presence with wholesale brokers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Insurance, Risk Management, or a related field (preferred).
• 5–8+ years of experience in E&S underwriting or broker-facing insurance sales.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of E&S market dynamics and wholesale broker distribution.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead underwriting for assigned market segment and drive new business production.
• Build and deepen broker relationships through proactive engagement and visits.
• Serve as primary contact for wholesale brokers with responsive underwriting guidance.
• Partner cross-functionally to deliver timely, competitive solutions.
• Negotiate pricing and terms to secure profitable business.
• Manage and grow a robust new-business pipeline and meet production goals.
• Support renewal retention and contribute to portfolio health.
• Represent the organization at industry events and conferences.
• Travel regularly to strengthen relationships and drive market presence.

Skills

Negotiation

Relationship management

Presentation skills

Strategic underwriting

Portfolio management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Insurance, Risk Management, or related field

Job description

Company Details Vela Insurance Services provides specialized Excess and Surplus Lines Casualty and Professional Liability insurance solutions in the following market segments: Construction, Specialty Casualty, & Professional Liability. We offer national service and local knowledge to our exclusive wholesale broker network and the businesses they serve. LI #Remote

Responsibilities Broker Specialist / Construction Underwriter

Location: Atlanta, GA or Chicago, IL.

Are you a relationship‑driven underwriter who thrives at the intersection of sales, strategy, and underwriting expertise? This forward‑facing role puts you at the center of new business growth, giving you ownership of broker relationships, market strategy, and portfolio performance within the E&S construction space.

As a Broker Specialist / Construction Underwriter, you’ll act as both a trusted underwriting expert and a strategic partner to wholesale brokers—driving profitable new business, influencing product direction, and representing the company in the marketplace.

What You’ll Do

• Own new business production by serving as the lead underwriter for your assigned market segment.
• Build and deepen broker relationships through proactive engagement, strategic planning, and in‑person visits.
• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned wholesale brokers, delivering responsive service and thoughtful underwriting guidance.
• Partner cross‑functionally with internal underwriting and support teams to deliver timely, competitive, and customized solutions.
• Negotiate pricing and terms to secure profitable, sustainable business.
• Manage and grow a robust new‑business pipeline, consistently meeting or exceeding production goals.
• Support renewal retention efforts and contribute to long‑term portfolio health.
• Shape efficiency, productivity, and decision‑making by leveraging technology and AI tools
• Contribute to underwriting growth strategies by monitoring rate adequacy, productivity metrics, and portfolio performance.
• Provide insight on underwriting guidelines and product enhancements based on market trends and broker feedback.
• Represent the organization at industry events, broker meetings, and conferences.
• Travel regularly to strengthen relationships and drive market presence.

Why This Role

• High‑visibility, market‑facing position with real influence on growth and strategy
• Strong balance of underwriting authority and relationship ownership
• Opportunity to shape portfolio direction and product evolution
• Career growth within a collaborative, forward‑thinking organization

Qualifications

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Insurance, Risk Management, or a related field (preferred).
• 5–8+ years of experience in E&S underwriting or broker‑facing insurance sales.
• Proven success in new business production and relationship management demonstrating strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of E&S market dynamics and wholesale broker distribution.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment.

Additional Company Details

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:

• Eligible to participate in annual discretionary bonus.
• Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, Wellness, Paid Time Off, 401(k) and Profit-Sharing plans.

This role includes a base salary range between $130,000 - $150,000. 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.

The application window for this role is estimated to be open through July 1, 2026, but may be extended, if necessary, please submit your application as soon as possible prior to July 1, 2026.

Sponsorship Details

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role