Underwriter Specialist, Small Business

CNA Insurance; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 54,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

CNA Insurance seeks an experienced underwriter to assess complex risks, determine pricing, and guide agency relationships in a dynamic market.

The role emphasizes independent judgment, strong analytical skills, and leadership in cross-sell opportunities while ensuring compliance with regulations. Local market knowledge in Illinois is a plus, with a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; professional designations preferred.
• Typically 3–5 years underwriting experience.

Responsibilities

• Reviews applications and financial requirements for complex risks.
• Determines pricing based on financial and competitive analysis.
• Prepares quotes and negotiates with agents for profitable outcomes.
• Notifies agencies of decisions and declinations.
• Analyzes risk quality and profitability; prepares management reports.
• Markets products through agencies and maintains broker relationships.
• Guides other underwriters on cross-sell opportunities.
• Keeps current on state regulations and industry trends.
• Utilizes CNA systems for day-to-day activities.
• Collaborates with senior underwriters on high-authorization risks.

Skills

Underwriting expertise

Communication and negotiation

Independent worker

Analytical thinking

Microsoft Office proficiency

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Professional designations preferred

Job description

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.

Under technical direction, responsible for underwriting risks in a book of business. Works within specific limits of authority on assignments requiring significant technical complexity and coordination. Utilizes underwriting policies and guidelines, rating manual rules and insurance laws and regulations.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Reviews applications and financial requirements for risks requiring complex underwriting skills. Determines acceptability of risk in accordance with company guidelines and standards. Also, determines the need for additional evidence of insurability and appropriate strategy.
• Determines appropriate pricing based on financial and competitive analysis in line with compliance requirements.
• Prepares quotes and answers questions from agencies, policyholders or other external contacts and escalates issues to management along with proposed solutions as necessary. Negotiates with agents to reach positive and profitable outcomes.
• Notifies agencies of adverse underwriting decisions, rate appeals, underwriting requirements, status and declinations.
• Analyzes quality, quantity, and profitability of risks underwritten and prepares reports for management review.
• Markets products and services through agencies or through the brokerage community and makes field visits. Develops and maintains agency and/or broker relationships.
• May provide guidance and assistance to other underwriters and to other functional areas, particularly when related to cross-sell opportunities.
• Keeps current on state/territory issues and regulations, industry activity and trends and freely shares information with others.
• Utilizes advanced functionality in relevant CNA systems to perform day-to-day activities.
• Works with more senior underwriters or management on risks exceeding authority level or requiring special handling.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of underwriting and insurance industry theories and practices.
• Demonstrated high level of technical expertise and product specific knowledge.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills. Ability to effectively interact with all levels of CNA's internal and external business partners.
• Ability to work independently.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and to make critical business decisions effectively.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite as well as other business-related software.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Professional designations preferred.
• Typically a minimum three to five years underwriting experience.

In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $54,000 to $103,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.

CNA utilizes AI-enabled technology during the recruiting process. For more information, please visit our careers page.

CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail].