The Lead Underwriter is responsible for evaluating, pricing, and managing new and renewal business while serving as a key technical and relationship resource for internal and external producers. This role partners closely with Sales, Client Services, and Operations to support business development efforts, retain profitable accounts, and deliver exceptional service to prospects and existing clients. The Lead Underwriter plays a critical role in achieving growth, profitability, and client retention objectives through sound underwriting decisions and consultative sales supportUnderwriting Leadership
• Evaluate and underwrite new and renewal business in accordance with company guidelines, risk appetite, and profitability objectives.
• Analyze financial, operational, and claims-related information to assess risk exposure and determine appropriate pricing, terms, and conditions.
• Review underwriting submissions for completeness and accuracy and obtain additional information as needed.
• Exercise underwriting authority within established limits and provide recommendations for accounts requiring higher-level approval.
• Monitor portfolio performance and identify trends that impact profitability, retention, and growth.

Producer and Distribution Support
• Serve as one the primary underwriting contacts for internal and external producers, brokers, and agency partners.
• Provide timely underwriting guidance, product education, and technical expertise to support new business development and account retention.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with producers and distribution partners to enhance collaboration and drive profitable growth.
• Participate in producer meetings, webinars, training sessions, and strategic planning discussions.

Sales Support and Client Engagement
• Partner with the Sales team to support prospect presentations, proposal reviews, and business development initiatives.
• Directly engage with prospective clients to explain underwriting considerations, program features, pricing methodologies, and value propositions.
• Participate in renewal strategy discussions with existing clients and producers to improve retention and client satisfaction.
• Assist in developing customized solutions for prospective and renewal accounts.
• Provide underwriting insights and recommendations that support competitive positioning while maintaining profitability goals.

Renewal Management
• Lead the underwriting review process for assigned renewal accounts.
• Analyze account performance, claims activity, financial results, and exposure changes to develop renewal strategies.
• Conduct renewal meetings with clients, producers, and internal stakeholders as needed.
• Proactively identify retention risks and collaborate with sales and service teams to address client concerns.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Sales, Client Services, Claims, Finance, and Operations to ensure consistent client experiences and operational excellence.
• Support product development initiatives by providing underwriting and market feedback.
• Assist with developing underwriting procedures, workflow improvements, and best practices.
• Mentor and support junior underwriting staff as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, Risk Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5-7 years of underwriting experience, with demonstrated success managing complex commercial accounts.
• Experience supporting producers, brokers, or agency relationships.
• Experience participating in client-facing sales and renewal discussions preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong underwriting, risk assessment, and pricing skills.
• Excellent analytical and financial evaluation capabilities.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to effectively engage with prospects, clients, producers, and executive leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to balance growth objectives with underwriting discipline.
• Proficiency with underwriting systems, CRM platforms, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Key Performance Indicators
• New business growth and profitability.
• Renewal retention rates.
• Producer and client satisfaction.
• Quoting and turnaround time standards.
• Portfolio loss ratio and underwriting profitability.
• Sales support effectiveness and conversion of opportunities.