Senior Workers' Compensation Underwriter (Hybrid)

Howden; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Howden North America is seeking a Senior Underwriter for the Workers Compensation division. You will underwrite complex risks, manage a portfolio, and drive profitability while mentoring peers and collaborating with brokers.

The role requires 5–8 years of underwriting experience and strong analytical and negotiation skills. Location: Philadelphia, PA; Hybrid work arrangement with travel as needed for client meetings and industry events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, finance, business, or a related field preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CPCU, AU, or similar designations preferred.
• 5–8 years of relevant underwriting experience.
• Strong understanding of technical underwriting principles and risk assessment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Underwrite complex insurance risks within granted level of authorities by identifying and analyzing risk exposures, loss frequency and severity against desired coverage
• Ensure submissions meet underwriting standards for the program and are profitable
• Curate a portfolio of business in accordance with Underwriting Guidelines and prescribed pricing tools, but has more discretion in curating the portfolio than an underwriter
• Identify changes in account/ market risk exposures and loss trends to maximize profitability
• Work with Manager to define and execute team production goals
• Review referrals from Underwriters and Associate Underwriters
• Provides technical guidance, coaching, and mentoring to others on the team and within the company; may formally manage 1-2 direct reports but is not required
• Execute on annual new and renewal business goals by achieving agreed premium income and hitting quote numbers with desired hit ratios and retentions
• Foster relationships with key producers by traveling to connect and attend events/meetings as needed
• Gather and compile information required to quote and/or bind an account
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of technical underwriting principles and risk underwriting characteristics in their line of business which could include key components of risk factors and how these progress over time, understanding basic exclusions and understanding more nuanced risks as well; may begin expanding knowledge of other lines of business as well
• Assist on specialty projects such as testing rating models and new systems
• Keep up to date on market dynamics, competitive landscape, and product differences - communicate market intelligence to the broader group
• Negotiate with producers within the limits of delegated authority and in accordance with established underwriting standards to achieve profit objectives

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation

Decision making

Broker relationships

Education

Bachelor’s degree in risk management, finance, business, or related field

CPCU/AU or similar designations

Tools

MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Job description

Howden North America is seeking a Senior Underwriter for the Workers Compensation division. You will underwrite complex risks, manage a portfolio, and drive profitability while mentoring peers and collaborating with brokers.

The role requires 5–8 years of underwriting experience and strong analytical and negotiation skills. Location: Philadelphia, PA; Hybrid work arrangement with travel as needed for client meetings and industry events.