Team Lead, Underwriting Assistants

W. R. Berkley Corporation; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Berkley Human Services, a Berkley Company, seeks an experienced underwriting professional to support operations and lead a team of underwriting assistants in its Minneapolis office. The role involves rating and issuing accounts, ensuring compliance, and collaborating with underwriters across departments.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in underwriting, strong communication skills, and proficiency with underwriting software. A bachelor’s degree in business or insurance is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in insurance underwriting or a related administrative role.
• Strong knowledge of underwriting principles and documentation procedures.
• Proficient in relevant software and tools used in the underwriting process.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and mentor team members.
• Above average mathematical skills.
• ISO Commercial Multi-line rating knowledge and experience.
• Strong PC and keyboarding skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the operations and leadership within the underwriting department.
• Oversee the activities of underwriting assistants, ensure accuracy and efficiency of processes, and contribute to team goals.
• Rate and issue assigned accounts and provide functional support to underwriters.
• Assist in managing day-to-day operations of the underwriting assistants and mentor the team.
• Review documentation for completeness and compliance.
• Coordinate with underwriters and other departments to streamline workflows.
• Maintain records and prepare required reports for senior leadership.

Skills

Underwriting principles

Team leadership

Documentation procedures

Software proficiency

Communication skills

Mathematical skills

ISO rating knowledge

PC skills

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in business or insurance

Tools

Underwriting software

Job description

Company Details

Berkley Human Services, a Berkley Company, is devoted to meeting the needs of Human Services Organizations. Our insurance policies are written through our Berkley affiliates, each of which is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company with a Financial Category of XV.

We offer property and casualty coverages designed for the unique operational aspects of social service organizations. Our Human Services Program dates back to 1989, and has continuously evolved to meet the unique needs of the market we serve. We insure both nonprofit and for-profit social service organizations, such as child daycare, sheltered workshops, group homes, senior citizen centers, senior independent living, schools, counseling services, YMCAs, YWCAs, and Boys & Girls Clubs.

Responsibilities

Support the operations and leadership within the underwriting department. Oversee the activities of underwriting assistants, ensure the accuracy and efficiency of processes, and contribute to achieving team goals. Assist underwriting department through the handling of limited exposure accounts and to complete underwriting functions based on the underwriting guidelines and Letter of Authority. Rate and issue assigned accounts and provide functional support to underwriters.

• Assist the Underwriting Director in managing day-to-day operations of the underwriting assistants.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members to ensure accuracy and productivity.
• Review and approve documentation prepared by underwriting assistants for completeness and compliance.
• Coordinate with underwriters and other departments to resolve inquiries and streamline workflows.
• Monitor team performance and implement strategies for continuous improvement.
• Conduct training sessions to enhance team knowledge and skills in underwriting practices.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Assist in preparing reports and presentations for senior leadership as needed.
• Handle new and/or renewal accounts, as assigned by underwriters or manager.
• Review new submission material, assess risk and determine appropriate terms.
• Process assigned Automatic and non-Automatic renewals within delegated authority.
• Follow specific instructions of the underwriter.
• Review applications from agents and obtain missing information.
• Refer to underwriter or underwriting manager when outside assistant underwriter authority.
• Prepare proposals for agents.
• Follow up on all quotations in order to verify account status.
• Following guidelines or instructions, order inspections as needed for underwriting of risk.
• Maintain records and prepare required reports, as necessary.
• Meet or communicate with agents/marketing personnel.
• Maintain contact with and act as liaison between independent agents, insurance company, claims adjusters and other concerned parties in administering accounts where necessary.
• Maintain and update files for underwriting reviews.
• Rate and process business as assigned, to include manual, computer and experience rating.
• Set up policy order and instructions for issuance by Operations team.
• Handle endorsement requests within delegated authority.
• Handle routine inquiries from agents.
• May perform other functions as assigned.

Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in insurance underwriting or a related administrative role.
• Strong knowledge of underwriting principles and documentation procedures.
• Proficient in relevant software and tools used in the underwriting process.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and mentor team members.
• Above average mathematical skills.
• ISO Commercial Multi-line rating knowledge and experience.
• Strong PC and keyboarding skills.

Education

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in business, insurance, or a related field.

Additional Company Details

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting agencies or firms. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees including:

• Base Salary Range: $80k-$90k
• Benefits include Health, dental, vision, dental, life, disability, wellness, paid time off, 401(k) and profit-sharing plans

The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.