Position Summary
The Senior Underwriter is responsible for managing and growing a profitable book of Workers’ Compensation business, providing advanced technical underwriting expertise, and ensuring strict adherence to underwriting guidelines and regulatory requirements. This role develops and executes strategies to drive new business production and maximize retention across complex WC accounts. The position also plays a key role in cultivating long-term broker relationships and mentoring junior underwriting staff.
What will your job entail?
Job Responsibilities:- Manage and underwrite new and renewal Workers’ Compensation accounts, demonstrating strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and adherence to company underwriting guidelines and state regulations.
- Analyze and evaluate submissions including loss runs, experience mods, payroll classifications, industry exposures, and safety controls to select profitable risks.
- Determine appropriate pricing, coverage structures, limits, and terms to ensure profitability while maintaining competitiveness in the market.
- Assess key Workers’ Compensation risk factors such as workplace safety programs, claims history, job classifications, multi-state exposures, and return-to-work programs.
- Actively manage a complex book of WC business, focusing on portfolio profitability, retention, and growth targets.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions with brokers and agents, while identifying cross-sell opportunities across other commercial lines.
- Build, maintain, and expand strong relationships with brokers, agents, and internal stakeholders to drive new business opportunities and maximize retention.
- Partner with claims, loss control, and actuarial teams to deliver a comprehensive underwriting approach and improve risk selection.
- Provide accurate forecasting, participate in business planning, and contribute to achieving underwriting and financial performance goals.
- Mentor and support junior underwriters, providing guidance on WC underwriting practices, classification accuracy, and regulatory considerations.
- Stay current on Workers’ Compensation market trends, regulatory changes (particularly California WC), rate filings, and emerging risks, and adjust underwriting strategies accordingly.
- Support process improvements and leverage technology to enhance underwriting efficiency and decision-making.
Work Experience and Education:- Minimum of 6+ years of dedicated Workers’ Compensation underwriting experience (8+ preferred), with demonstrated success managing complex accounts.
- Strong knowledge of California Workers’ Compensation regulations and rate environment strongly preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree required; preferred areas include Risk Management, Business Administration, Finance, or related disciplines. Equivalent professional experience will be considered.
Licenses & Certifications:- Required: Active state Property & Casualty license (California preferred).
- Preferred: CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter), ARM, CIC, or other relevant industry designations.
How We Support Our Teammates
Ryan Specialty seeks to offer our employees a comprehensive and best-in-class benefits package that helps them — and their family members — achieve their physical, financial, and emotional well-being goals. In addition to paid time off for company holidays, vacation, sick and personal days, Ryan offers paid parental leave, mental health services and more.
The target salary range for this position is $103,565.00 - $120,000.00 annually.
The wage range for this role considers many factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, licensure and certification, business needs, and market demands. The pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. Full-time roles are eligible for bonuses and benefits. For additional information on Ryan Specialty Total Rewards, visit our website
