Commercial Surety team is seeking an Underwriting Specialist to join our Central Region. This role is based in the Midwest, with a preference for candidates located in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, or Michigan. We offer flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and fully remote optionswithin those states, along with travel throughout the Midwest to support agency relationships, drive market development, and participate in key business meetings.

THIS IS A FULL-TIME, EXEMPT ROLE.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Commercial Surety Department is seeking an experienced Underwriting Specialist to join the Central Region team. This role is responsible for the profitable underwriting growth, and management of a commercial surety portfolio through strong technical expertise, agency relationships, and strategic business development.

IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:

• Independently manage and grow an assigned book of commercial surety business with moderate to high technical complexity.
• Identify, solicit, underwrite, and retain profitable new and renewal surety accounts aligned with underwriting appetite and portfolio objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong agency, broker, and client relationships to support business growth and retention.
• Analyze financial statements, operational exposures, bond obligations, and risk mitigation factors to make sound underwriting decisions.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to evaluate complex submissions and obtain appropriate approvals.
• Apply underwriting principles related to risk selection, exposure analysis, bond form review, loss analysis, and pricing.
• Clearly communicate underwriting decisions, terms, and recommendations to agents and brokers.
• Manage portfolio performance against premium, profitability, retention, product mix, and new business objectives.
• Utilize marketplace and competitor intelligence to enhance decision-making and strengthen producer relationships.
• Proactively market Hanover's surety capabilities and identify opportunities for cross-selling across business units.
• Stay current on industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory developments affecting the territory.

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

• AFSB designation preferred
• 2-5+ years of Commercial Surety underwriting experience.
• 2-4+ years of successful agency relationship management and business development experience.
• Strong understanding of commercial surety underwriting principles, financial analysis, pricing, and portfolio management.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and negotiate complex surety risks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to confidently deliver technical underwriting decisions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and relationship-management capabilities.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing business conditions and embrace new approaches and ideas.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT:

It's not just a job, it's a career, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We want you to be successful and fulfilled. Through on-the-job experiences, personalized coaching and our robust learning and development programs, we encourage you - at every level - to grow and develop.

BENEFITS:

We offer comprehensive benefits to help you be healthy, build financial security, and balance work and home life. At The Hanover, you'll enjoy what you do and have the support you need to succeed.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401K with a company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• PTO
• Company paid holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Awareness Day in support of IDE
• On-site medical/wellness center (Worcester only)
• Click here for the full list of Benefits

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this role may vary based on geographic location and other factors, including merit or performance, demonstrated proficiency, skills for the role, education, travel requirements, and experience. Additional compensation may include an annual bonus (which could take the form of a general bonus, sales incentive, or short-term incentive), long-term incentive or spot recognition awards. The posted range reflects our ability to hire at different position titles and levels depending on background and experience.