Contract Surety Representative

JOB CATEGORY: Accounting/Finance/Insurance REQUISITION NUMBER: 3184 We focus on providing the insurance products that matter most to consumers - auto, homeowners and small-business policies. Our business helps people protect what they value and deal with the unexpected. At Safeco, we are intent on offering the best mix of insurance coverages and pricing, and fulfilling the promise of our products when a loss occurs. Our most visible product is the personalized service and support we provide when a customer files a claim - whether it's a fender-bender or the loss of a home. We have a history of thoughtful claims resolution, and we have earned a reputation for fairness that we work hard to uphold every day. We sell our products exclusively through a national network of independent agents and brokers who give consumers choice and advice. Our mission is to make the experience of buying, selling and owning insurance easier than anyone else. We do that by delivering our products over a Web-based sales-and-service platform that enables our distribution partners to quote and issue an insurance policy or surety bond in a matter of minutes. Contract Surety Representative Position Description:Safeco Surety, a top five surety provider, is looking for entrepreneurial, analytical-minded individuals for a position as a Contract Surety Representative working with middle market to large construction companies based out of our Houston office. As a Surety Representative you will market, underwrite and service our network of independent agents and contractor accounts within an assigned territory. You will use your excellent rapport building skills to build and maintain positive relationships with agents and accounts. Marketing duties are focused on relationship building rather than transactional sales. We are looking for self-motivated individuals to use their business acumen to perform primary credit underwriting and risk analysis, provide recommendations and make decisions on new and existing accounts. You will also service the ongoing bond requests of contract accounts within the assigned territory. The Surety Representative position requires a solid understanding of financial and accounting principals and the ability to demonstrate sound business judgment in the evaluation of the financial condition, credit history, experience and character of contract accounts. A candidate must possess good communication and excellent organizational skills as well as attention to detail. This is a highly responsible position that requires the ability to work independently and juggle many tasks simultaneously as well as a comfort level in interacting with people in small groups and social situations. Experience with computer applications is required. A minor amount of overnight travel and the ability to attend occasional evening functions is required. The ideal candidate will have at least two years of surety experience, preferably in a contract surety environment. We may also consider a trainee candidate with prior business experience, a financial/credit background and a four year degree