Underwriting Specialist - Contract Surety

01460 Continental Casualty Company; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Continental Casualty Company (CNA) seeks an experienced underwriter to manage risks within a Surety book under technical direction. The role requires complex analysis, pricing, and coordination with agencies and brokers, while adhering to guidelines and regulatory requirements.

You will build and maintain agency relationships, review applications, price risks, and prepare quotes. Collaboration with senior underwriters and cross-functional teams will be common as you navigate approvals and market

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Reviews applications and financial requirements for risks requiring complex underwriting skills. Determines acceptability of risk in accordance with company guidelines and standards.
• 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

Advanced underwriting knowledge

Interpersonal communication

Independent work

Analytical problem solving

Judgment in business decisions

MS Office proficiency

Leadership

CNA systems familiarity

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. CNA seeks to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees that helps them - and their family members - achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA's benefits, check out our Candidate Guide.

Under technical direction, responsible for underwriting risks in a Surety 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.

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.

Reporting Relationship Manager or Director

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

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

Education and Experience

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

Title is subject to change based on experience and skillset. Alternate titles include the following: "Underwriter" or "Underwriting Consultant" #LI-KE1 #LI-Hybrid

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]

At CNA, we are focused on success, individually and collectively. We pride ourselves on promoting a culture that challenges and engages people. We strive to connect people, departments and business areas, to function as a team, and to serve our customers and communities with professionalism and respect. Our dedication to employee engagement, continuous learning and the open exchange of ideas is the cornerstone of our business. These ideals, combined with our focus on the customer, enable us to explore new market opportunities and build on our success. Our values, culture and financial strength are what differentiates us from other employers and make CNA the place you want to work. At CNA, we are committed to advancing a culture of inclusion - one that attracts talent from all walks of life, fosters respect and collaboration, and enables all of our colleagues to do their best work. At CNA, we have a long standing commitment to the diverse communities in which we live and work. We actively make a difference for the greater good through partnerships, sustainability, initiatives, and working together for a better tomorrow. Corporate Social Responsibility is not one person, or one department, it's the entire enterprise coming together to make the world a better place.