Sr. Contract Underwriter

Merchants Bonding Company; Fulton (MD); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid/remote opportunities

Free health insurance

Volunteer time off with matching gifts

Infants in the Workplace

Job summary

Merchants Bonding Company seeks a Senior Contract Underwriter to manage complex accounts, drive high-quality underwriting decisions, and strengthen agency relationships. The role requires sound judgment, strategic influence, and the ability to present risk and opportunity clearly.

Responsibilities include evaluating complex submissions, leading agency relationship growth, and mentoring junior underwriters. This is a hybrid role based in Fulton, MD, with a focus on collaboration and operational

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; backgrounds in business, finance, accounting, economics, or related disciplines are highly relevant.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in surety underwriting or related risk evaluation.
• Proven ability to underwrite complex accounts, manage agent relationships, and apply judgment under ambiguity.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Underwriting & Risk Evaluation: evaluates complex submissions and makes informed decisions within underwriting authority.
• Agency Leadership & Relationship Growth: leads relationship strategy, onsite visits, and agency planning.
• Team Development & Strategic Contribution: mentors underwriters and participates in cross-functional projects.

Skills

Underwriting

Risk assessment

Agency relationships

Presentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: Fulton, MD 20759Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 Base+Commission/yearJob Purpose

The Senior Contract Underwriter manages complex accounts, drives high-quality underwriting decisions, and strengthens agency relationships. This role requires sound judgment, strategic influence, and the ability to present both risk and opportunity clearly. Associates are expected to mitigate objections, support team development, and represent the company with confidence and professionalism.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Underwriting & Risk Evaluation (60%)

• Evaluates complex contract surety submissions and makes informed decisions within underwriting authority, using sound judgment while regularly collaborating with peers to strengthen decision quality.
• Analyzes contractor financials, project schedules, and broader market conditions to assess risk.
• Prepares and presents underwriting recommendations, providing a clear rationale and proposed path forward.

Agency Leadership & Relationship Growth (30%)

• Leads relationship strategy for assigned agencies.
• Conducts onsite visits, presentations, and strategic planning meetings with producers and key agency personnel.
• Develops new agency relationships through prospecting, referral, and industry engagement.
• Gathers and communicates market insights, shaping underwriting approach at the territory or regional level.

Team Development & Strategic Contribution (10%)

• Mentors and provides informal guidance to other underwriters on case analysis and relationship handling.
• Collaborates with managers and peers to refine underwriting practices and solve challenges.
• Participates in cross-functional projects, pilots, and initiatives that support innovation and operational improvement.

QualificationsEducation and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. Backgrounds in business, finance, accounting, economics, or related disciplines are highly relevant.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in surety underwriting or a related financial/risk evaluation role.
• Proven ability to underwrite complex accounts, manage agent relationships, and apply judgment under ambiguity.

BENEFITS AT MERCHANTS

• Flexible hybrid and remote opportunities with 37.5 hour work week
• Free health insurance option
• Paid volunteer time off with matching gift program
• Infants in the Workplace Program with family resources

Discover more benefits at https://www.merchantsbonding.com/careers#nav-link-3

MERCHANTS BONDING COMPANY

Join the Merchants team and experience the difference of working for a surety-only company. At Merchants, we believe in the power of collaboration and teamwork, and we're committed to the success of our associates and customers by creating an inclusive culture that sets us apart and drives our success.

Our company is built on a foundation of providing common sense solutions and first-class experiences. From underwriting to claims and technology to marketing, every department and team collaborates together to achieve our common goal to be the most trusted team in surety.

Learn more about building your career at Merchants by visiting www.merchantsbonding.com/careers.