Sr. Underwriter Workers Compensation

Howden Group; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Howden Group in Philadelphia is seeking a Senior Underwriter for the Transactional Risk division. You will lead underwriting of complex risks and mentor a team. The role emphasizes profitability and strong broker relationships within a collaborative, global underwriter network.

Expect a hybrid work arrangement with up to 25% travel. Bachelor’s degree and professional designations preferred; 5–8 years of underwriting experience are typical for this level.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in risk management, finance, business, or related field preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CPCU, AU, or similar designations preferred.
• 5–8 years of underwriting experience.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite complex insurance risks within authority levels.
• Ensure submissions meet underwriting standards and profitability.
• Cultivate a portfolio per guidelines with pricing tools.
• Identify changes in risk exposures to maximize profitability.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to others on the team.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Decision-making

Relationship management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree (risk management/finance/business)

Professional certifications (CPCU/AU)

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint)

Job description

Who are we? Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries. People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Classification: Exempt/Full-Time Reports to: AVP Underwriting or above Travel: Up to 25% or more Salary: $100,000.00-$140,000.00 Location: Philadelphia, PA, Hybrid

Role overview

DUAL North America is seeking a Senior Underwriter for the Transactional Risk division. At DUAL, Sr. Underwriters play a key role in shaping the underwriting framework, managing a portfolio of complex risks, and expanding broker relationships. In this role, you will provide technical expertise to evaluate insurance submissions, balancing risk exposure, coverage needs, and profitability. Leading and collaborating with a team of underwriters in the workers compensation division, you will evaluate operational risks, safety programs, and claim trends to drive profitability in the workers\' compensation portfolio.

Role 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

Underwriting Authority: Has Underwriting authority as outlined in LOA

Key requirements

• 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
• In-depth understanding of technical underwriting principles and risk assessment
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills
• Proven ability to manage and build broker and client relationships
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Demonstrated ability to handle complex risks with sound judgment
• Highly self-motivated with strong attention to detail
• Ability to travel 10–25% as required for client meetings, conferences, or industry events
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position approximately 50% of the time, with occasional movement throughout the office to access files and equipment

If you do not meet all the qualifications for this role.

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us: Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We\'re committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours or hybrid working. If you\'re excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require. Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.

Permanent

Howden began in 1994, as just three people and a dog. Now there are 23,000 of us, and we\'re a leading global insurance group, managing $37bn of premiums for our clients. Our largest shareholder group is us – the people who work in the business – supported by three long-term, minority growth-equity partners who share our vision to build a business to last, one that will never be sold. The owner\'s mindset is something that\'s embedded in our culture; our people readily take ownership of their decisions, their actions, and their outputs. They’re invested in every sense. And we all know that by working together to drive the business forward, everyone will benefit from the extraordinary results we can achieve.