Underwriter, Professional Risks

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

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Health insurance

Paid time off

Sabbatical after 5 years

Headspace for wellbeing

Job summary

Hiscox USA is seeking an Underwriter for Professional Risks in Chicago. The role focuses on new professional liability and complex renewals for A&E, with exposure to E&O, GL and cyber lines when needed.

You will build broker relationships, deliver strong underwriting profit, and participate in national A&E initiatives. The position is hybrid with travel up to 25% and strong service expectations.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in E&O for contractors, developers or design professionals.
• Customer-centric mindset and strong service orientation.
• Sales, presentation and negotiation skills with a competitive drive.
• Team player who shares information across divisions to hit goals.
• Proven track record of underwriting profit.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite, price and negotiate accounts per guidelines for A&E lines.
• Develop new broker relationships and deepen existing ones in the East Coast region.
• Engage with the national A&E team to learn and teach collaboratively.
• Maintain excellent customer service standards.
• Exceed minimum quote output numbers set by the A&E manager.
• Regional travel for industry events and broker visits.

Skills

Broker relationships

Customer service

Underwriting profit

Communication skills

Education

B.A./B.S degree preferred

Job description

Job Type: Permanent

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

Requirements:

• 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:

• 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

Salary Range: $70k - $90k

This position is hybrid and requires two (2) days in our office weekly.

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.