Territory Contract Underwriter

Merchants Bonding Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid/remote options

Free health insurance

Volunteer time off with matching gifts

Infants in the Workplace Program

Job summary

Merchants Bonding Company in Chicago, IL is seeking an experienced underwriting professional for full-time roles. The position focuses on risk evaluation of surety submissions, agency relationship management, and leadership in production goals.

The role involves analyzing financial statements, project exposure, and credit reports to inform decisions; leading agency discussions and building strategic partnerships; and owning territory initiatives with data-driven strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. Fields of study such as business, finance, accounting, or economics are especially relevant.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in contract surety underwriting or equivalent financial risk evaluation role.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate financial strength, identify key risk indicators, and apply underwriting guidelines.
• Experience leading agency relationships and representing underwriting decisions in client-facing environments

Responsibilities

• Reviews and underwrites contract surety submissions within assigned authority, applying sound judgment and seeking input from colleagues when collaboration can enhance decision quality.
• Conducts thorough analysis of contractor financial statements, project exposure, and credit reports to assess risk and inform underwriting decisions.
• Prepares well-reasoned underwriting positions for referral or review. Anticipates potential concerns and proactively addresses them within recommendations.
• Leads account discussions and decision-making during agency meetings, jobsite visits, and presentations.
• Develops strategic relationships with key agency partners to grow premium and ensure consistent pipeline.
• Manages agency interactions, including resolving service issues and collecting market intelligence.
• Establishes and pursues quarterly and annual production goals in collaboration with manager.
• Takes ownership of territory-level initiatives and outcomes, using data and feedback to refine strategies.

Skills

Underwriting

Risk evaluation

Agency relationships

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/finance/economics

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: CHICAGO, IL 60608Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $70,000.00 - $120,000.00 Base+Commission/yearJob Purpose:

Responsibilities

Underwriting Analysis & Risk Evaluation (50%)

• Reviews and underwrites contract surety submissions within assigned authority, applying sound judgment and seeking input from colleagues when collaboration can enhance decision quality.
• Conducts thorough analysis of contractor financial statements, project exposure, and credit reports to assess risk and inform underwriting decisions.
• Prepares well-reasoned underwriting positions for referral or review. Anticipates potential concerns and proactively addresses them within recommendations.

Agency and Market Development (40%)

• Leads account discussions and decision-making during agency meetings, jobsite visits, and presentations.
• Develops strategic relationships with key agency partners to grow premium and ensure consistent pipeline.
• Manages agency interactions, including resolving service issues and collecting market intelligence.

Leadership & Development (10%)

• Establishes and pursues quarterly and annual production goals in collaboration with manager.
• Takes ownership of territory-level initiatives and outcomes, using data and feedback to refine strategies.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. Fields of study such as business, finance, accounting, or economics are especially relevant.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in contract surety underwriting or equivalent financial risk evaluation role.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate financial strength, identify key risk indicators, and apply underwriting guidelines.
• Experience leading agency relationships and representing underwriting decisions in client-facing environments

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 athttps://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 visitingwww.merchantsbonding.com/careers.