Underwriter, Professional Risks

Hiscox; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonus

401(k) matching

Comprehensive health insurance

Paid time off

Sabbatical after 5 years

Parental leave

Headspace subscription

Fitness program reimbursement

Job summary

Hiscox USA in Chicago, IL is seeking a dynamic Underwriter for Professional Risks to drive new professional liability business and complex renewals within the A&E sector. You will underwrite, price and negotiate accounts while building broker relationships across the East Coast and collaborating with the national A&E team.

The role emphasizes customer service, accurate risk assessment and profitable underwriting, with two in-office days weekly and travel up to 25% to industry events and broker

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in contractors, real estate developers and design professional E&O coverage.
• Customer-centric mindset and passion for superior customer service.
• Strong understanding of sales principles and ability to negotiate.
• Team-oriented with ability to collaborate across divisions.
• Proven underwriting profit track record.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to identify business needs and act on them.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite, price and negotiate accounts per guidelines for product lines.
• Develop broker relationships and grow production in the East Coast region.
• Collaborate with the national A&E team to share knowledge.
• Maintain excellent customer service standards.
• Exceed minimum quote output numbers when required.
• Travel regionally for industry events and broker visits.

Skills

Underwriting

Negotiation skills

Sales principles

Teamwork

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Business needs

Education

B.A./B.S degree preferred

Job description

Job Type:

Permanent

Build a brilliant future with Hiscox

Drive growth with an ambitious team of A&E Underwriters at Hiscox

Position: Underwriter, Professional Risks

Reporting to Regional Manager – A&E

Location: Chicago, IL

The Role:

Hiscox USA is currently searching for a dynamic, engaging and solutions-oriented Underwriter to drive new professional liability business and complex renewal business within the A&E sector in the East Coast region. This position provides a unique opportunity for a professional liability generalist or an A&E/contractor specialist to join a fast paced, dynamic team to write policies tailored to the specific requirements of the A&E sector. Lines of business include commercial general liability, professional liability (E&O) and cross-sold Cyber from time to time. In addition to insuring architects and engineers, we also specialize in contractors (interior & exterior), real estate developers, construction managers, land surveyors, draftsman, and more! Risks vary greatly in size and complexity (from start-ups to large, multinational entities). We provide an entrepreneurial climate that values and rewards thoughtful risk taking, excellence in execution and ownership in body of work.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Underwrite, price and negotiate accounts consistent with the quality of the risk and according to the company’s strategy and guidelines for the product lines: https://www.hiscox.com/brokers/tailored-coverage/architects-engineers

• Develop new broker relationships and increase depth of existing broker relationships throughout the East Coast region to drive production

• Engage with the national A&E team to learn and teach collaboratively

• Maintain excellent customer service standards

• Consistently exceed minimum quote output numbers established by A&E manager

• At times, Regional travel required including industry events and broker visits

• 2+ years of experience in contractors, real estate developers and design professional E&O coverage; experience preferred

• Customer-centric mind-set and passionate about the power of superior customer service and offerings

• Strong understanding of sales principles, presentation, negotiation skills and demonstrate a competitive drive

• Team-oriented, ability to collaborate and desire to share information across divisions and teams to further the overall goals of the company

• Proven track record of understanding and delivering meaningful underwriting profit

• Outgoing, driven, high attention to detail and results focused mentality

• The ability to identify business needs

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently in a collaborative environment

• Innate service focus which enables one to effectively interact with all levels of internal and external customers and partners

• B.A./B.S degree is preferred

• Willingness to develop business, with travel throughout the Mid-West & West Coast up to 25%, required

Hiscox Values:

At Hiscox our spirit is in Challenging Convention and everything we do is guided by our Values.

• Courage: Dare to take a risk

• Ownership: Passionate, commercial and accountable

• Integrity: Do the right thing, however hard

• Connected: Together, build something better

• Human: Clear, fair and inclusive

What Hiscox USA Offers:

• Competitive salary and bonus (based on personal & company performance)

• 401(k) with competitive company matching

• Comprehensive health insurance, vision, dental and FSA plans (medical, limited purpose, and dependent care)

• Company paid group term life, short- term disability and long-term disability coverage

• 24 Paid time off days, 2 Hiscox Days, 10 paid holidays, and ability to purchase 5 PTO days

• Paid parental leave

• 4 week paid sabbatical after every 5 years of service

• Financial Adoption Assistance and Medical Travel Reimbursement Programs

• Annual reimbursement up to $600 for health club membership or fees associated with any fitness program

• Company paid subscription to Headspace to support employees’ mental health and wellbeing

• Recipient of 2024 Cigna’s Well-Being Award for having a best-in-class health and wellness program

• Dynamic, creative and values-driven culture

• Modern and open office spaces, complimentary drinks

**Please note that this position is hybrid and requires two (2) days in our office weekly**

Salary Range: $70k - $90k

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

About Hiscox USA:

Hiscox USA underwrites small- to mid-market commercial risks through brokers, other insurers and distribution partners and directly to businesses. In 2026, gross written premiums for the segment will represent over $1bn. Circa 50% of the portfolio comprises small commercial business sold either online or through intermediaries, and the remaining 50% represents traditionally traded business intermediated through broking partners including Professions, Crisis Management and Specialist lines such as Media & Entertainment. Hiscox USA has built the digital business since 2010 through ongoing investment in the brand, technology and operational capabilities. The business has pursued an omni-channel approach since inception, and so are less constrained by the channel conflict which affects some competitors. Customers have a choice of buying policies online end-to-end, by connecting with a Hiscox agent over the telephone, or alternatively through a third-party broker or insurance carrier partner. The business follows an ‘all roads lead to Hiscox’ philosophy, ensuring it is available to do business with target customers whichever way they choose.

#LI-RM1

Work with amazing people and be part of a unique culture