Familiarity with commercial surety products and bond forms.
Strong understanding of underwriting and surety bond lifecycle.
Responsibilities
Oversee submission intake and processing for timely underwriting support.
Ensure accuracy and completeness of submissions and documentation.
Manage account servicing throughout the surety bond lifecycle.
Troubleshoot complex operational issues and escalate as needed.
Partner with underwriters to meet service expectations for stakeholders.
Directly manage and develop the Underwriting Analyst team.
Identify and implement improvements to workflows and controls.
Benefits
Healthcare and retirement benefits.
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing.
Wellness incentive program.
Life and AD&D insurance.
Flexible spending programs.
Short-term and long-term disability plans.
Paid time off program.
Paid charitable leave.
Paid parental leave.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Personal insurance discounts.
Full Job Description
Job Summary
Serves as the Lead Underwriting Analyst supporting the Commercial Surety business. The role directly manages the Underwriting Analyst team, establishes workload priorities, oversees submission intake and account servicing, and ensures accurate and timely execution throughout the surety bond lifecycle. The Lead Underwriting Analyst partners closely with underwriters to resolve complex operational issues, improve processes and service levels, and support the continued growth of the business.
Key Responsibilities
Underwriting Operations & Account Support
Oversee the intake, clearing, assignment and processing of new and renewal submissions to ensure timely and accurate underwriting support.
Ensure submissions, account information and supporting documentation are complete, accurate and appropriately prepared for underwriting review.
Oversee account servicing throughout the surety bond lifecycle, including bond issuance, riders, continuations, renewals, cancellations and other bond-related transactions.
Oversee the accurate preparation and maintenance of underwriting and bond records, including account, principal, obligee and bond information.
Troubleshoot complex or non-standard account, bond and operational issues, escalating material matters appropriately.
Partner closely with underwriters to ensure operational needs are managed effectively and service expectations for brokers, agents and other stakeholders are met.
Support the proper execution and delivery of surety bonds and related documents in accordance with established underwriting authorities, procedures and controls.
Workflow & People Leadership
Directly manage, coach and develop the Underwriting Analyst team.
Establish priorities, assign and balance workloads, monitor progress, and hold team members accountable for timely and accurate execution.
Manage workflow and turnaround times across a high volume of submissions, bond requests and servicing activities, identifying bottlenecks and driving issues to resolution.
Provide ongoing feedback, training and development to strengthen individual and team capability.
Apply sound judgment and provide direction in situations where established procedures may not fully address the circumstances.
Promote effective coordination among analysts, underwriters, brokers and other internal stakeholders to maintain high service standards.
Process Improvement & Controls
Identify and implement practical improvements to workflows, procedures, tools and controls.
Promote consistent application of underwriting guidelines, documentation standards, bond issuance procedures and escalation protocols.
Help ensure compliance with established controls relating to underwriting authority, bond execution, powers of attorney and other surety documentation requirements.
Identify recurring errors, service delays and operational challenges and work with stakeholders to resolve root causes.
Support system enhancements, automation initiatives and operational changes as the Commercial Surety business evolves.
Help develop and maintain procedures, training materials and operational standards for the Underwriting Analyst team.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree preferred.
5+ years of relevant surety underwriting support, underwriting operations, insurance operations, credit or related experience preferred.
2+ years of direct people-management experience, including setting priorities, assigning work, coaching and developing employees preferred.
Commercial Surety experience strongly preferred; relevant Contract Surety or closely related product experience may be considered.
Experience managing high-volume, deadline-driven work and resolving complex or non-standard operational issues.
Familiarity with commercial surety products and bond forms, including license and permit, court, fiduciary, miscellaneous, financial and other commercial surety obligations.
Strong understanding of underwriting and surety bond lifecycle activities, with demonstrated ability to improve workflows and processes.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong people leadership, coaching and workload-management skills.
Strong judgment, problem-solving skills and ability to operate effectively in an evolving environment.
Excellent organization and prioritization skills with the ability to manage competing demands.
Strong attention to detail and understanding of the importance of accurate bond documentation and execution.
Strong ownership, initiative and accountability.
Strong service orientation and ability to partner effectively with underwriters, brokers, agents and cross-functional stakeholders.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to understand and apply underwriting authorities, operational procedures and controls in day-to-day business activities.
SALARY: The estimated salary range for this position is $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year. This is a good-faith assessment of the salary range for this position only. In determining the actual salary within this range, MSIG USA will consider a candidate's relevant experience, location, and other job-related factors.
Additional Benefits:
Healthcare and Retirement Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with a generous employer match and profit-sharing contribution
Wellness incentive program
Life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
