Underwriting Consultant, National Accounts Casualty Wholesale

CNA Insurance; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

CNA Insurance is seeking an experienced Excess Casualty Underwriter to join a high‑level team. You will manage complex risks, drive profitability, and build relationships with agencies and brokers.

The role offers a hybrid work model from our Chicago, IL office or Overland Park, KS, with 5+ years of underwriting experience preferred. Strong technical and negotiating skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Typically 5+ years underwriting experience.
• Carrier or brokerage experience preferred.
• Base pay ranges provided in certain jurisdictions.

Responsibilities

• Review applications and determine risk acceptability per guidelines.
• Determine pricing based on financial and competitive analysis.
• Prepare quotes and negotiate with agents for profitable outcomes.
• Notify agencies of decisions, rate appeals, and requirements.
• Develop agency/broker relationships and market CNA products.

Skills

Underwriting knowledge

Negotiation

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Independence

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CNA systems

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Join this elite team of Excess Casualty Underwriters who are high level individual contributors handling wholesale lead umbrella and excess accounts. Recognized as a technical expert, you will drive business results through strong sales, marketing and relationship building skills with external and internal business partners. You are responsible for overall management, business development, growth and profitability of a book business.

This position works from our office in a hybrid capacity from our office in Chicago, IL or Overland Park, KS. The ideal candidate will come with carrier and/or brokerage experience.

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.

May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

Underwriting Director

Skills Knowledge & Abilities

• Proven 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

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Professional designations preferred.
• Typically a 5+ years underwriting experience.

As determined by CNA and depending on the applicant’s experience and/or qualifications, candidates may be hired into one of three Underwriter positions: Underwriting Specialist, Underwriting Consultant, or Underwriting Consulting Director. Typically, 3-10+ years of related 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 $72,000 to $141,000 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]