- Underwrites non-admitted and specialty risks that require advanced analysis, creative problem solving, and customized coverage solutions
- Evaluates complex, hard-to-place risks across targeted E&S classes while maintaining adherence to underwriting authority and profitability objectives
- Minimum 5 years of underwriting experience with demonstrated expertise in E&S and specialty lines underwriting preferred
- Property & GL experience preferred
- Strong analytical and risk assessment capabilities
- Knowledge of E&S market dynamics and non-admitted regulations
- Ability to negotiate terms, conditions, and pricing with brokers and agents
- Experience managing agency relationships and territory performance
- Ability to balance growth and profitability objectives
This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization.Nationwide does not participate in the StemOPT Extension program.
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Job Description Summary
Are you a critical thinker who can analyze complex risk and find insurance solutions that balance customer needs with business goals? If you can take initiative, use both your analytical and creative abilities to make sound decisions and have a desire to help people solve real challenges, we want to hear from you!
Our Excess & Surplus/Specialty (E&S/S) lines allow us to provide insurance that other carriers may not offer. It27s a fast-paced environment in a collaborative, team-oriented culture, working in an always-changing, growing industry.
As an Underwriting Specialist in Contract you determine individual risk acceptability, pricing, coverage, terms and conditions, by developing, analyzing and evaluating information and exposures on risks of a complex technical nature for the assigned line of business. In addition, you27ll achieve production and loss ratio goals with assigned general agents or program managers by reviewing and analyzing claims, loss history and taking appropriate action on accounts. General agent assignments are more complex in terms of coverage and general agent relationships. It27s important to establish and maintain effective relationships with general agents to generate premium dollars and profitability. You will work independently with a high level of authority and judgment. Determining appropriate reinsurance placement, if any, on individual accounts is an important element of this role. We will count on you to foster positive business relationships with co-workers, general agents and reinsurers. You will also assist with research, development and presentation of new products, forms and manuals and have opportunities to assist in the training and mentoring of Underwriters and Underwriting Assistants.
Job Description
Key Responsibilities:
Reviews individual risks with assigned agents or programs within assigned territory and either declines or accepts business based upon information necessary to make the decision. The underwriter analyzes, with a high level of technical expertise, exposures to loss, develops an adequate premium charge for the exposure and determines appropriate endorsements and exclusions to address loss exposures for the insurance contract. Within department guidelines, places reinsurance, if any, for the account.
Achieves individual production and loss ratio goals within assigned territory through sound territory management and marketing. Achieves production, profitability and service objectives.
Quotes, prices and underwrites new and renewal policies and endorsements, primarily for complex or service sensitive accounts.
Monitors risk selection and pricing decisions for assigned agency portfolio or book of business, both on a book of business and individual account level basis.
Works with more complex issues concerning coverage, programs, agents and program managers. The underwriter continually analyzes premium and loss results in their territory or assigned agents by agency, state, major class of business and by program. Continually assess quality of submissions and makes corrective action recommendations. Development and implementation of specific action plans may be required
Handles policy maintenance items and other mid-term requests. Reviews endorsement requests and processes necessary changes to the policy. Reviews loss control reports and makes recommendations to the agent and/or changes to the policy. Follows up on outstanding information as required. Reviews claim activity and takes appropriate action. May review agency books of business as well as profit/growth results and trends to recommend and implement action plans.
Fosters positive business relationships with general agents through daily contact with assigned agents by developing and maintaining good rapport and resolving agency conflicts. Travels to agency offices as required for audits, training or marketing visits. Maintains and strengthens agency relationships through meetings, presentations, and business development activities. Assists with development of marketing ideas and strategies for underwriting seminars and other marketing campaigns.
Places reinsurance per department guidelines based upon the appropriate use of all reinsurance facilities used by the department, including various treaty semiautomatic and facultative reinsurance. Maintains good working relationship with reinsurers.
Markets Nationwide products and services to help drive agency and company results, including all enterprise products that may enhance offerings. Assists agency with strategies for pipeline management, producer development and to develop new business in targeted industries and preferred markets. Responds effectively to assess accounts and develop business propositions that win the business.
Other responsibilities as assigned may include program research and development, form development, rate development, technical assistance to Agents, Underwriting Assistants, and other Underwriters. Proactively develops technical and business knowledge through internal and external venues
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Reporting Relationships: Reports to Department Manager
Typical Skills and Experiences:
Education: Undergraduate degree preferred. Equivalent work experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
License/Certification/Designation: Completion of general insurance courses such as CPCU, CIC, AU, ARM, CPIW, CWIS, or ASLI is preferred.
Experience: Six years related experience or five years as an underwriter, excess & surplus lines preferred.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: Knowledge of lines underwriting policies, practices and procedures, insurance law and underwriting marketing principles and techniques, rating plans and plan concepts, Treaty & Facultative reinsurance concepts, general agency system and company operations, regulatory issues, the general agency system, market conditions and company operations. Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing, interpersonally with individuals and groups through written, virtual, and in-person communications. Demonstrates advanced negotiation skills. Ability to manage the assigned line or lines of business, which may include monitoring of aggregates. Ability to work with the wholesale/general agency distribution system. Ability to analyze insurance risks to determine acceptability including policy language, various commercial rating plans and methodologies, reinsurance. Ability to use/learn job related computer software. Ability to devise business solutions to problems, implement the most appropriate, and monitor its effectiveness. Ability to make decisions with minimal supervision.
Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.
Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager27s leader and HR Business Partner.
Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.
Job Conditions:
Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)
Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Travel out of state as required several times a year. In-town entertaining required as necessary after 5:00 P.M.
ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or requisitions some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.
We currently anticipate accepting applications until 08/21/2026. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.
Benefits
We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision,life insurance, short and long term disability coverage,paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer,click here.
This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.
