Underwriting Specialist-National Accounts Casualty West Coast

JOB DESCRIPTION

Our team of Large Account Primary Casualty Underwriters are high level individual contributors responsible for overall management, business development, growth and profitability of a book of Large Account Casualty business spanning a wide range of industry segments and revenue bands (Manufacturing, Distributors, Education, Real Estate, Technology, Wholesale, Retail, Service classes). You will have a heavy emphasis on new business production of risk management primary casualty accounts utilizing our Standard Lines operating model focusing on underwriting performance, exposure-based pricing, and building strong producer and customer relationships.

This position can be located from any of the following offices : San Francisco, Los Angeles, Irvine, San Diego, Denver, Scottsdale or Seattle offices.

• Please note the posted compensation range is a national average and not indicative to local cities listed

Position Summary

As the Underwriting Specialist, you will be required to have loss sensitive experience within the large account casualty space, be responsible for using technical, sales and analytical skills to provide insurance solutions that help CNA’s customers manage risk. With a thorough understanding of CNA’s strategies and appetites, you will use internal and external data to make appropriate individual and portfolio risk decisions. Additionally, you will be responsible for the profitable growth of an assigned book of business, utilizing underwriting policies and guidelines, rating rules and insurance laws and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.

Other duties may be assigned.

1. Underwriting Expertise

Reviews applications and financial requirements to determine acceptability of risk in accordance with CNA’s guidelines and standards

Understands pricing components and rating methodology as well as use of the predictive modeling tools; prices risk based on financial and competitive analysis

Uses all appropriate underwriting tools (, disciplines and knowledge of strategies to ensure underwriting guidelines are followed

Analyzes coverage and limits of underlying policies to properly structure the CNA Umbrella or Excess attachment and coverage.

Completes underwriting write ups to detail the underwriting thought process including analysis of operations, exposures, coverage and losses.

Demonstrates technical underwriting skills thorough account reviews and file documentation

Adheres to guidelines and underwriting discipline to minimize exposure and appropriately price

Keeps current on state / territory issues, regulations and trends

2. Portfolio Management

Manages assigned portfolio to achieve gross written premium, profitability, rate, retention, product mix, new business and portfolio management goals

Prioritizes time and resources to effectively manage and optimize producer performance

Operates with an Enterprise perspective to identify cross sell opportunities and create growth within other lines of business and customer segments

Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of CNA’s products and appetite while clearly communicating CNA’s position at the point of sale

3. Sales & Distribution Management

Builds / maintains rigorous sales practices using all CNA systems including SalesForce.com and other sales tools and disciplines

Develops producer relationships to build pipeline, agency intelligence, and drives performance to meet and exceed results

Develops and implements distributor specific plans, monitors performance, and adjusts plan to ensure a substantial pipeline for future profitable growth

Drives effective relationship management and customer activities to build trust, facilitate negotiation and secure commitment with the customer

Proactively identifies cross-sell opportunities and partners with other underwriters to deliver comprehensive insurance solutions for the customer

In all responsibilities and interactions, all employees are expected to adopt and align with CNA’s Winning Behaviors – to be externally focused, accountable, collaborative, innovative, and continuously learning.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of underwriting processes, coverages, and tools to gather and evaluate information in order to reach appropriate decisions on renewals and new business

Ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels of external and / or internal business partners within scope of responsibility, team and / or matrix environment

Ability to uncover customer needs, position specific solutions, handle objections and close deals

Ability to exercise judgment, negotiate and make sound business decisions effectively based on level of authority

Strong ability to identify, analyze and solve problems as well as the ability to learn rapidly, adapt quickly to change, exercise influence, and manage and prioritize multiple concurrent projects

Reporting Relationship

Manager or above

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Advanced technical expertise, underwriting skill and high level of knowledge of insurance and underwriting principles, practices and procedures.

Strong communication, negotiation and presentation skills. Ability to effectively interact with all levels of CNA's internal and external business partners.

Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.

Ability to deal with ambiguous situations and issues.

Creativity in resolving unique and challenging business problems.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software.

Demonstrated leadership skills.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Professional designations preferred.

Typically, a minimum of three years’ underwriting experience.

As determined by CNA and depending on the applicant’s experience and / or qualifications, candidates may be hired into one of two Underwriter positions : Underwriting Specialist or Underwriting Consultant. Typical experience is 3-7+ years based on the role.