Senior Underwriter

Mem Ins; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Life and disability benefits

401k with match

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

MEM Insurance, based in Columbia, SC, seeks a Senior Underwriter to evaluate complex risks in workers' compensation and property & casualty lines. You will manage a diverse portfolio, make sound risk decisions, and mentor junior underwriters while leading specialized underwriting initiatives.

You will collaborate with producers, analyze exposures, communicate coverage options, and uphold MEM's standards of service, integrity, and partnership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Bachelor's in Business Administration, Insurance & Risk Management, or related field preferred.
• INS or AU coursework preferred; CPCU encouraged.
• Valid driver's license required.
• 5+ years of workers' compensation and/or P&C underwriting experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex underwriting decisions on workers' compensation and property & casualty accounts of varying size and complexity.
• Proactively manage renewals and large accounts to support retention and profitability.
• Partner with producers to assess risks, identify exposures, and recommend coverage solutions.
• Mentor and support less experienced underwriters through training and coaching.
• Ensure underwriting decisions comply with regulations and company standards.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Insurance & Risk Management, or related field

Job description

Are you an experienced underwriting professional who thrives on evaluating complex risks, building trusted business relationships, and influencing strategic decisions? At MEM Insurance, we're looking for a Senior Underwriter to play a key role in driving profitable growth while delivering exceptional service to our policyholders and agency partners.

In this role, you'll leverage your expertise in workers' compensation and property & casualty underwriting to manage a diverse portfolio of complex accounts, make sound risk decisions, and serve as a trusted advisor to producers and internal stakeholders. You'll also have the opportunity to mentor fellow underwriters, lead specialized underwriting initiatives, and contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization.

At MEM, we believe great job opportunities are about more than responsibilities. We are committed to providing meaningful work, opportunities for professional growth, collaborative leadership, and a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make an impact. This approach aligns with candidate preferences for career growth, transparency, and a strong employee value proposition.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lead Complex Underwriting Decisions

• Manage a portfolio of workers' compensation and property & casualty accounts of varying size and complexity.
• Evaluate operational exposures, loss trends, financial performance, and risk characteristics to determine account acceptability and pricing.
• Utilize predictive modeling, forecasting tools, and other underwriting analytics to support sound risk selection and profitability.
• Apply underwriting philosophy, rating methodologies, and company guidelines consistently and effectively.

Drive Profitable Growth and Retention

• Proactively manage key renewals and large accounts to support retention and long-term profitability.
• Partner with producers to assess risks, identify emerging exposures, and recommend coverage solutions.
• Determine appropriate underwriting actions, including pricing adjustments, schedule ratings, and coverage modifications.

Build and Strengthen Producer Relationships

• Serve as a trusted consultant to agency partners and policyholders through regular communication and relationship management.
• Clearly communicate underwriting decisions, coverage recommendations, endorsements, and policy changes.
• Provide responsive, high-quality service that reinforces MEM's reputation for expertise, integrity, and partnership.

Provide Advanced Technical Leadership

• Serve as a subject matter expert for underwriting-related questions, complex account reviews, and unique risk scenarios.
• Mentor and support less experienced underwriters through training, coaching, and technical guidance.
• Review and approve underwriting decisions within delegated authority and provide referral support as needed.
• Participate in workflow improvement efforts that enhance efficiency, consistency, and service excellence.
• Coordinate the Large Account Review process, including renewal evaluations, cross-functional collaboration, documentation, and quote preparation.
• Manage Intermediate Deductible Accounts as part of a specialized Senior Underwriter group.
• Collaborate with underwriting leadership and business partners on strategic projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Maintain Compliance and Professional Standards

• Ensure underwriting decisions comply with applicable regulations, workers' compensation laws, and company requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive business information.
• Conduct all work in alignment with MEM's mission, values, and commitment to ethical business practices.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Insurance & Risk Management, or a related field preferred.

Certifications

• Insurance industry coursework such as INS or AU is preferred.
• Progress toward CPCU designation is encouraged.

Licenses

• Valid driver's license required.

Experience

• 5+ years of workers' compensation underwriting and/or insurance underwriting experience required.
• Property & casualty underwriting experience strongly preferred.
• Experience managing complex accounts and making independent underwriting decisions preferred.

Company Culture and Values

At MEM Insurance, we are committed to our vision, mission, and values. We foster a culture of collaboration, integrity, and innovation. Our team is passionate about delivering exceptional service to our customers while supporting each other’s growth and success. We believe in accountability, continuous learning, and creating an environment where employees feel valued and empowered.

Diversity Statement

MEM Insurance is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We believe that varied perspectives drive innovation and strengthen our ability to serve our customers and communities.

Total Rewards Overview

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision

Includes fertility benefits, fully paid preventative care, and adult orthodontia.

• Employer-Paid Life and Disability Benefits:

Life Insurance (3x base salary), AD&D, Short and Long-term Disability.

• Wellness and Recognition Program: Employer-paid incentives for employees and spouses.
• Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care options
• Time Away from Work:

Generous PTO, 9 Holidays + 4 Early Releases, 16 Hours Volunteer Time Off, 20 Days Paid Parental Leave, Marriage, Bereavement, and Jury Duty leave.

• Employee Assistance Programs
• 401k Retirement Plan: Employer match and profit sharing.
• Adoption Assistance and Tuition Assistance

Notice Regarding Use of Artificial Intelligence

MEM may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to more efficiently facilitate and assist in decisions involving recruitment, hiring, promotion, renewal of employment, selection for training or apprenticeship, discharge, discipline, tenure, or the terms, privileges, or conditions of employment. Any such use of AI tools will comply with all applicable laws.