Agribusiness Portfolio Underwriter

Job Title:Agribusiness Portfolio Underwriter
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-time 
Location:Hybrid - defined as three days in office if residence is within 50 miles of Westfield Center, OH or Remote - if residence is over 50 miles from Westfield Center, OH
 

About Us:
You’re ready to make your mark where people care about each other. Where your work is meaningful. And where your unique perspectives are welcome. Think about joining Westfield, a company focused on what’s most important – the people behind our policies.  

Westfield was founded in 1848 by a small group of hard-working farmers who believed in the promise of the future and the power of the individual. Today, as one of the nation’s leading property and casualty (P&C) companies, we remain true to their vision and are dedicated to making a positive difference in our customers’ lives.

Responsibilities :

• Manages a book of business for assigned agencies and is responsible for overall profit and growth of the book. Utilizes all present and future underwriting tools and resources.
• Reviews and underwrites primarily renewal business (large and/or complex Commercial Lines accounts with package premium of $40,000 and under). Evaluates exposures to loss, determines pricing, and determines acceptability of risk in accordance with company guidelines and the limits of authority established for them. Documents details of underwriting decisions, while maintaining all supporting information, records, and data in accordance with audit standards.
• Orders and analyzes investigative reports (MVR’s, loss control reports and surveys, financials, D&B’s, Predictive Underwriting, etc.) on present or potential customers. Reviews and takes action on business income worksheets, estimates of value, statements of value, and other key underwriting information.
• Supports field manager in the assessment and set up of new business quotes.
• Delivers quotes, terms and conditions, and Premium Value Statement (including information surfaced at the monthly renewal meeting) to the agent. Have ongoing negotiations with the agent until the renewal order is received and then sends the renewal to be processed. Whenever possible, for key customers, delivers the renewal to the policyholder along with the agent.
• Reviews results of Commercial Underwriting Office audits, makes needed file/process adjustments, and applies lessons-learned moving forward.
• Develops, maintains and builds upon strong relationships with key producers, agency personnel, and external/internal customers and team members. Participates in agency meetings, monthly renewal meetings, meetings with insureds, and visits to the insured’s location.
• May support Field Manager on renewals by ordering and analyzing reports, gathering information, and providing a checklist of what the underwriter needs to address at renewal. Coordinates renewal file information with the appropriate renewal underwriters and examiners when it is sent to them from an agency.
• Keeps current on state/territory issues and regulations, industry activity and trends, internal processes and procedures, and shares this information with team members. Relied upon to provide training and support to new underwriting assistants that are hired. Shares company best practices and procedures with new team members.
• Cooperates and collaborates with others in the unit and company in executing business strategies and plans.
• Maintains an operating knowledge of Westfield Group standardized hardware, software programs, third-party software (MS Office), and processing procedures.
• Travels occasionally in order to foster relationships with agencies/customers, participate in meetings, special assignments, training, and/or travel between office locations.

Qualifications: 

• 3+ years of experience in the property and casualty industry OR completion of Graduate Development Program
• Proven ability to use experience and independent judgement to complete file documentation including pricing rationale.
• Proven ability to adjust quotes and endorsements to new or renewal policies based on the assigned underwriting authority.
• Effectively demonstrates negotiation and sales management skills.
• Possesses a CPCU, CIC, CRM, AFIS or AU designation OR in the process of attaining one of these designations.
• Proven ability to perform strong customer service and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills resulting in the ability to effectively interact with all levels of management and employee population.
• Proficient in analyzing and utilizing analytics.
• Effective understanding and application of change management skills/tactics.
• Proven ability to utilize experience to mentor and train team members.
• High School diploma, GED, OR commensurate experience.
• Physical  essential functions: ability to work 40 hours in an office environment (sitting, standing, on a computer, etc.), operate office related technology (computer, phone, etc.), travel as required.

Westfield offers a Total Rewards program that focuses on compensation, benefits and wellness, and includes perks like 401(k), pension plan, annual incentive, education reimbursement, flex-time, onsite fitness center or gym reimbursement and casual dress. Work/life balance, recognition, and learning and career development are all part of a rewarding career with Westfield. 

Learn more about current opportunities at www.westfieldinsurance.com/careers.

We are an equal opportunity employer/minority/female/disability/protected veteran.

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