Underwriting Specialist

MSIG USA; New Jersey; On-site; USD 140,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

MSIG USA is looking for a skilled Underwriter to assess cargo and ocean marine risks, ensuring sustainable profitability and growth. This role involves managing relationships with brokers, analyzing complex risk submissions, and staying updated on marine insurance trends.

Ideal candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and have experience in commercial P&C underwriting. The role offers a competitive salary range from $140,000 to $215,000 based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Experience underwriting cargo, ocean marine, or related commercial P&C lines.
• Professional designations such as CPCU, AMIM, or ARM are preferred.
• Knowledge of international trade, logistics, and maritime operations.

Responsibilities

• Assess and underwrite cargo and ocean marine risks.
• Manage a book of cargo/ocean marine business.
• Develop and maintain relationships with brokers and agents.
• Ensure underwriting files are complete and compliant.
• Stay current on global trade and marine insurance trends.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Negotiation

Relationship building

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, risk management, or related field

Tools

Underwriting systems

Rating tools

Job description

MSIG USA is the U.S.-based subsidiary of MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings, Inc., one of the world's top P&C carriers and a global Class 15 insurer, with A+ ratings and a reach that spans 40+ countries and regions. Leveraging our 350-year heritage, MSIG USA brings the financial strength, expertise, and global footprint to offer commercial insurance solutions that address your business’s unique risks.

MSIG USA continues to grow!

Key Responsibilities

Underwriting & Risk Evaluation

• Assess and underwrite cargo and ocean marine risks in accordance with company guidelines, authority levels, and profitability targets.
• Analyze submissions including vessel details, cargo type, routing, loss history, and insured operations.
• Determine appropriate pricing, terms, and conditions based on risk quality and market dynamics.
• Structure tailored insurance solutions for complex or specialized marine exposures.

Portfolio & Business Management

• Manage a book of cargo/ocean marine business with a focus on sustainable profitability and disciplined growth.
• Monitor account performance, loss trends, and market conditions to adjust underwriting strategies.
• Collaborate with actuarial, claims, and risk engineering teams to refine underwriting approaches and improve results.

Broker & Client Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and key clients.
• Provide responsive, knowledgeable service to distribution partners to support new business and renewals.
• Represent the company in market meetings, industry events, and client presentations.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure underwriting files are complete, accurate, and compliant with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain clear documentation of underwriting rationale, pricing decisions, and coverage structures.

Market & Industry Insight

• Stay current on global trade patterns, supply chain issues, vessel safety standards, and marine insurance trends.
• Contribute to product development, appetite refinement, and strategic initiatives within the marine segment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, risk management, or related field.
• Experience underwriting cargo, ocean marine, or related commercial P&C lines.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex risks and make sound decisions.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to build and maintain productive broker relationships.
• Proficiency with underwriting systems, rating tools, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Professional designations such as CPCU, AMIM, or ARM.
• Knowledge of international trade, logistics, and maritime operations.

Salary: The base pay range is $140,000 - 215,000.00. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location.

It is the policy of MSIG USA to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, MSIG USA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.