Specialist, Underwriting Middle Market - Commercial Lines (Large Farm)

National Black MBA Association; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 159,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Specialist in Underwriting Middle Market – Commercial Lines. This role involves underwriting complex new and renewal business policies, providing technical direction, and enhancing customer relationships. Ideal candidates have significant underwriting experience and strong analytical skills. The position offers a flexible work environment and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and retirement plans.

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Coverage

Paid Time Off

401(k) Match

Pension Plan

Qualifications

• Usually six years of commercial lines underwriting experience.
• Completion of INS, AU, or similar designations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new business, renewals, and endorsements.
• Gather information for underwriting analysis.
• Manage larger, complex work requiring coordination.

Skills

Communication

Analytical

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

This Specialist, Underwriting Middle Market – Commercial Lines (Large Farm) will be part of the NWAG Large Farm Underwriting team. Qualified candidates can work remotely or in a hybrid environment if near an office. The individual in this role will have responsibility for both new and renewal business. Qualified candidates will have farm, agribusiness or commercial underwriting experience.

Compensation grade: F4

#LI-TH1

Job Description Summary

Success on our team requires a blend of customer service skill and analytical prowess. There’s no shying away from challenges here. Each account we work on is complex and interesting. Satisfaction comes from finding solutions that provide the best coverage and give our partner agents a way to differentiate themselves from the competition. If you are adaptable, responsive, love customers and really want to make a difference, we want to hear from you!

As a Specialist Middle Market Underwriting, you will accept, retain and price complex moderate to high exposure new, renewal and endorsement commercial business policies based on granted authority. We'll count on you to provide technical direction and account expertise in the development and guidance of the underwriting staff. You will review and make decisions regarding larger, more complex, and/or unusual business. You may also be asked to function as team lead depending on business need.

Key Responsibilities:

• Gather information from multiple sources according to company guidelines to perform underwriting analysis. This may involve verbal data collection, reports, or electronic means. Support unit objectives through research and participate in committees or special projects.
• Review individual risks for acceptability, handle those within authority based on underwriting guidelines, analyze risk quality and quantity, and prepare reports. Review agency books of business, profit/growth results, and trends to recommend action plans. Support portfolio analysis or additional underwriting analysis as needed.
• Manage larger, complex work requiring coordination with others to meet timelines and optimize workflow. Handle referral underwriting escalations, provide decision suggestions, ensure file quality, and assist in managing work inventories.
• Underwrite new business, renewals, and endorsements. Review additional variables, leverage relationships, inspection reports, and evaluate exceptions. Make acceptability decisions within guidelines and assist with audits.
• Plan and complete assignments within timelines, provide operational feedback, and identify business development opportunities. Offer technical expertise to agents and underwriting staff, advising on complex business acceptability, terms, conditions, and pricing.
• Communicate with agents and partners, request and provide information, and strengthen relationships through regular contact. Participate in agency performance reviews and handle escalated issues promptly.
• Educate and train internal and external partners on underwriting practices and tools, lead training initiatives, and identify training needs.

Other related responsibilities may be assigned.

Reporting relationships: Supervisor or Manager; typically no direct reports.

Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.

License/Certification/Designation: Completion of INS, AU, or similar designations; progress toward CIC and/or CPCU preferred.

Experience: Usually six years of commercial lines underwriting, with middle market experience preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills: Knowledge of commercial underwriting policies, practices, rating plans, insurance laws, processing systems, and company operations. Strong communication, analytical, training, and leadership skills are essential.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies, and experiences, may take precedence. Staffing exceptions require approval.

Values: Demonstrates Nationwide Values consistently.

Job Conditions:

Overtime eligibility: Not eligible (Exempt). Normal office environment. Occasional travel and extended hours may be required.

ADA: The statements describe principal functions; some duties may vary based on circumstances.

Application deadline: 05/30/2025, but early submissions encouraged.

Benefits

Includes medical/dental/vision, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, holidays, 401(k) match, pension plan, business casual attire, and more. Learn more about benefits.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Discrimination and harassment are prohibited.

This position can be filled in any of the lower 48 states. Smoking prohibited per Iowa Smokefree Air Act. For NY residents, see state law information.

Salary range: $77,000 - $159,000. Expected starting range: $85,500 - $128,500, influenced by skills, experience, location, and market conditions.