Sr. Contract Underwriting Territory Manager

Merchants Bonding Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid and remote opportunities

Free health insurance option

Paid volunteer time off

Infants in the Workplace Program

Job summary

A premier surety bond company in Chicago is seeking experienced underwriters to join their dynamic team. The role involves evaluating surety risks, preparing bond quotes, and developing strong relationships with agents. Ideal candidates will have strong analytical skills and a Bachelor's degree in finance or related fields, along with 5-10 years of experience. The company emphasizes a collaborative work environment, offering competitive benefits including flexible work arrangements and health insurance options.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of experience in underwriting or related fields.
• Ability to evaluate surety risks and assess profit/loss potential.
• Strong analytical skills and detailed focus.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate surety risks and determine appropriate rates.
• Prepare bond quotes and communicate with agents.
• Seek new business opportunities through marketing.

Skills

Financial analysis

Detail-oriented

Exceptional communication

Team collaboration

Customer service

Strategic negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or finance

Job description

Say Yes to the Best Career Opportunities

Merchants Bonding Company™ is hiring professionals who value clarity, collaboration, and opportunities to make an impact. Our team is growing, and we’re looking for people who thrive in a fast-moving environment built on common sense underwriting and first‑class experiences. If you're ready for the next step in your career with a team that says yes to the best, this is your opportunity.

BUILD YOUR CAREER AT MERCHANTS

Are you a determined individual and creative problem‑solver looking to join a collaborative team? We value communication and purpose‑driven work, so we are excited to find someone like you who thrives in an environment where they can make a real impact. If you are passionate about your work and want to be part of an innovative team that values your input, then we have exactly what you're looking to build your career.

About The Team

The Contract Underwriting department is unique as we solely focus on surety bonds, while offering best‑in‑class customer service to our agencies and accounts. Our common sense underwriting philosophy allows us to look at the whole picture while having flexibility to see each account on its own merits. Nationwide, our underwriting team has a collaborative culture with a diverse work environment of motivated, fully invested individuals who bring people together and strengthen bonds.

Job Responsibilities

Underwriting – Evaluate surety risks based on authority and strategy, review agent submissions and documentation, assess profit/loss potential, and determine appropriate rates.

Quoting and Communication – Prepare bond quotes, respond to inquiries, and develop positive relationships with agents and major accounts through regular on‑site visits.

Business Development – Seek out new business opportunities through prospecting and marketing efforts, and represent the company professionally at industry events while networking with peers.

Skills

Possess strong analytical and research skills, and the ability to shift focus quickly to handle a variety of bond applications.

Your Qualifications

Successful underwriters typically have a Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or finance, or equivalent work experience in the bond industry and/or commercial banking/real estate. Ideally, they have 5‑10+ years of experience in underwriting positions. However, we are open to candidates who bring unique experience and skills to the table, and who are eager to learn and develop themselves further.

• Financially Savvy – You can confidently read and analyze financial documents with ease.
• Detail‑Oriented – You have a keen eye for detail and strong critical thinking and analysis skills.
• Communication Master – You possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills, and you know how to tailor your message to different audiences.
• Collaborative By Nature – You're able to work independently while also being an effective team player.
• Customer Service Champions – You have a track record of providing first‑class experiences to everyone around you.
• Strategic Thinkers – You approach negotiations with a strategic mindset, always keeping the bigger picture in mind.

We're excited to hear from candidates who are driven, adaptable, and open to learning new things. If you have the foundational qualifications listed above, and a passion for growth and development, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits At Merchants

At Merchants, we value balancing the needs of our associates and their families. We're proud to offer a wide range of benefits designed to help you achieve a healthy work‑life balance and support your personal and professional growth. In addition to competitive pay, bonus programs, and paid‑time off, here are just a few of the amazing benefits:

• 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.