Underwriting Manager - Middle Market

Sentry; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Home office equipment provided

Meal subsidy

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Sentry in Madison, WI is seeking an Underwriting Manager - Commercial Lines to lead a team of underwriters and drive strategy in our middle market business. This hybrid role focuses on process improvement, training, and cross-functional collaboration to win new accounts and strengthen client relationships.

You bring a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), 2+ years in middle market underwriting, industry courses, and strong analytical and communication skills; travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 2 years of related underwriting experience, middle market preferred.
• Completion of insurance courses such as IIA and CPCU preferred.
• Management coursework or experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of insurance concepts and terminology.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day underwriting operations with technical guidance to a team of underwriters.
• Recommend and implement changes to improve productivity, growth, profitability, and quality; monitor effectiveness.
• Interpret underwriting guidelines for larger or more complex files.
• Handle difficult underwriting inquiries directly.
• Coordinate and participate in underwriting training programs.
• Attend cross-functional meetings and collaborate with teams to pursue new accounts and build relationships with agencies/insureds.

Skills

Underwriting management

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Insurance courses (IIA, CPCU)

Job description

Manages a group of associates who have underwriting responsibility for all middle market lines, responsibly growing strategy, talent, and business.

This position will be located in our Madison, WI Regional office under a hybrid work model.

What You’ll Do

As an Underwriting Manager - Commercial Lines, you will oversee and guide the implementation and successful execution of our business strategy and uphold continuous improvement through leadership focused on process, problem solving, performance, partnering, purpose and people. In addition, you will:

• Manage the day-to-day underwriting operations while providing technical guidance to a team of underwriters.
• Recommend and implement changes to improve productivity, growth, profitability, and quality, as well as monitor effectiveness of these policies and procedures.
• Interpret underwriting guidelines for larger or more complex files.
• Handle difficult underwriting inquiries through direct personal action.
• Coordinate and participate in underwriting training programs
• Attend cross functional team meetings, present and work with other teams in pursuing new accounts, as well as agencies/insureds to develop and maintain effective business relationships.

What It Takes

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 2 years of related work experience, with experience in middle market underwriting preferred
• Completion of insurance courses such as IIA and CPCU preferred
• Previous courses in management or management experience preferred
• Thorough knowledge of specific insurance concepts and terminology
• Effective analytical, human relations and communications skills
• Ability to meet travel requirements of the job

What You'll Receive

At Sentry, your total rewards go beyond competitive compensation. Below are some benefits and perks that you’ll receive.

• Sentry is happy to offer flexibility through a scheduled Hybrid work model. Monday and Friday work from home if you choose to, Tuesday through Thursday in office. As a Sentry associate, you will have an in-office workspace and materials for your home office.
• In addition to the laptop, you will receive prior to your start, Sentry will provide equipment for your home office.
• Meal Subsidy available for associates who report to an office.
• 401(K) plan with a dollar for dollar match on your first eight percent, plus immediate vesting to help strengthen your financial future.
• Continue your education and career development through Sentry University (SentryU) and utilize our Tuition Reimbursement program
• Generous Paid-Time Off plan for you to enjoy time out of the office as well as Volunteer-Time off
• Group Medical, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, Parental leave, and our Health and Wellness benefits to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
• Well-being and Employee Assistance programs
• Sentry Foundation gift matching program to encourage charitable giving.

About Sentry

We take great pride in making Forbes’ list of America’s Best Midsize Employers since 2017. A lot of different factors go into that honor, many of which contribute to your job satisfaction. Our bright future is built on a long track record of success. We got our start in 1904 and have been helping businesses succeed and protect their futures ever since. Because of the trust placed in us, we’re one of the largest and financially strongest mutual insurance companies in the United States. We’re rated A+ by A.M. Best, the industry's leading rating authority. Our headquarters is in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with offices located throughout the United States. From sales to claims, and information technology to marketing, we enjoy a rewarding and challenging work environment with opportunities for ongoing professional development and growth. Get ready to own your future at Sentry. Opportunities await!

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sentry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy that there be no discrimination in employment based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, or sexual orientation.