Underwriting Specialist

Underwriting SpecialistCommitted.  Competitive.  Constructing our Future.  That's Travelers. We are one of the leading insurance companies in the United States.  Our superior financial strength and consistent record of strong operating returns mean security for our customers - and opportunities for our employees.  You will find Travelers to be full of energy and a workplace in which you truly can make a difference. We are currently looking for a Underwriting Specialist.  Please read on for more details regarding this position. JOB DESCRIPTION: PURPOSE1. Underwrite new and renewal business in a market segment including building productive relationships with assigned field offices.2. Assist field office in achieving their budgeted financial results (premium, loss ratio, retention, commissions, pricing, and new business) through execution of market segment strategies.3. Support sales goals and plans of field offices and help build producer relationships.4. Facilitate the communication of product information and strategies to field offices. RESPONSIBILITIES  UNDERWRITING1. Underwrite and assess risk for Bond products and accounts in a market segment.  Make appropriate decisions within own underwriting authority and make appropriate recommendations to referral Underwriter.2. Underwrite more complex and demanding accounts/risks and develop creative and prudent solutions which mitigate exposures e.g., pricing, retention, endorsements, limits, indemnity, security).3. Within authority, make timely, and prudent decisions consistent with Bond market segment requirements and standards and within submission timeframe.4. Understand and effectively communicate segment strategies to the field.  Execute strategies on their accounts to produce budgeted results.5. Portfolio Management - Maintain quality of business required by market segment strategy.6. Accountable for accurate underwriting documentation/ information in account management systems and adherence to documentation standards.  Sets the example for the field.7. May act as an industry/subject resident expert.8. As the referral Underwriter, assure that policies and accounts are effectively underwritten, handled and documented in compliance with market segment and regulatory standards and requirements. RESPONSIBILITIES  SALES MANAGEMENT1. Act as a partner with the Field to review sales plans and determine appropriate levels of Home Office visibility to support producer relationships. May work strategically and tactically with producers to ensure appropriate level of understanding of company goals and objectives.2. May participate with Field on account specific direct sales efforts to influence the outcome of the sale.3. May partner with the Field Office on sensitive account specific communication and participate in the communication if necessary.4. Support and encourage cross sell opportunities within Bond and St. Paul Travelers.5. Participate in producer functions to increase visibility in the marketplace, network with key players in the territory, and increase knowledge of the industry.6. Producer and account interaction focuses on meeting customer expectations regarding response time and knowledge of products and business. RESPONSIBILITIES - OPERATIONS1. Maintain a collaborative relationship with Field Office and Home Office (i.e. Claim, Legal) colleagues.2. Actively participate in market segment meetings.3. Demonstrate superior responsiveness to the Field (consistency, quick response, knowledge of products).4. Participate on projects having an impact on the business.5. Understand, embrace, execute, and foster policies, procedures, and strategies. COMPETENCIES  COMMUNICATION1. Strong communication (written and verbal), influencing, negotiating, listening, and interpersonal skills to effectively develop/maintain productive internal and external relationships.2. Effectively communicate and collaborate with Field and Home Office colleagues (Claim, Legal).3. Communicate decisions.  May require assistance to deliver more difficult messages.4. Adept at framing issues and solutions for Field.5. Communicate with confidence and influence outcome of interactions.6. May make presentations internally. COMPETENCIES  TEAM/INTERPERSONAL/DEVELOPMENT1. Work well in a team environment.  Assist team members to ensure customer needs are met.2. Communicate and collaborate with colleagues on team, Field and Home Office (including collaborative table).3. Promote the growth and development of less experienced staff members and foster an energized environment.4. Assist in development of less experienced Underwriters.  May conduct formal training on key functions of the position.5. Keep Home and Field team members and management apprised regarding business developments/ marketplace trends.6. Act as a technical resource to newer or less experienced employees and customer internal and external. COMPETENCIES  DECISION MAKING1. Ability to make timely, sound decisions within underwriting authority and recommendations with appropriate decision basis and negotiate terms and conditions.2. Think strategically to understand a situation (accounts, competitive environment, product changes) and develops a strategy to achieve the desired outcome. COMPETENCIES  TECHNICAL SKILLS1. Proficient in all segment products and/or market segment underwriting disciplines.2. Qualify for and utilize higher level of Home Office underwriting authority based on underwriting expertise.3. Solid Analytical Skills - Demonstrate the ability to analyze an account and identify all relevant risks/exposures.  Understands the type of information to research based on the account or industry and when additional information is required.  Makes a sound decision or recommendation based on findings and knows the outstanding issues that require guidance from a more experienced underwriter.4. Solid Financial Skills - Demonstrates the ability to analyze an account and accurately assess financial condition and risk factors.  Relating the financial situation to the size and exposure of the company’s obligation or the industry.  Within authority, ensures the financial condition justifies our limits exposed.5. Ability to use all applicable Bond technology tools proficiently. COMPETENCIES  SELF MANAGEMENT1. Possesses a strong work ethic.2. Ability to overcome obstacles/solve problems.3. Work well independently.4. Detail oriented.5. Demonstrate operational excellence by complying with policies, procedures, and strategies, and organizing and prioritizing workload.6. Proactively takes action to meet customer expectations.7. Highly motivated to meet requirements of position. Seeks opportunities to continuously develop skills.8. Conduct self in a professional manner when representing the organization both internally and externally. COMPETENCIES  CUSTOMER SERVICE1. Demonstrate superior customer service skills by acting as a consultant to the Field, recommending alternative solutions to an issue, meeting with customers as appropriate, and meeting timeframes. COMPETENCIES LEADERSHIP1. Demonstrate leadership characteristics and traits:2. Portfolio management3. Professional image4. Respect and trust of agents and colleagues5. Well organized6. Meet deadlines7. Consistently demonstrates integrity, and initiative8. Takes accountability for development9. Sense of urgency10.  Takes ownership and responsibility for decisions and outcomes11.  Share success with the team12.  Self motivated13.  Considered go to person14.  Strong production results15.  Willingness to accept and achieve challenging goals and assignments16.  Ability to train and mentor less experienced employees DEVELOPMENT/TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES1. Continue to expand/refine understanding of the dynamics of the organization.2. Developing collaborative approach with the field and learning to interact with external constituencies.3. Continuing to expand/refine knowledge of underwriting more complex products/accounts and increase underwriting authority.4. Developing sales and marketing skills based on experiences.5. Developing financial analysis and analytical skills for more complex products/accounts.6. Developing technical expertise to become an industry/subject expert.7. Learning to conduct portfolio management on portfolio of accounts.8. Developing leadership skills (re: training and mentoring less experienced colleagues).9. Develop presentation skills to present to internal audiences.10.  Developing ability to execute on market segment strategies on a portfolio of accounts.11.  Taking AFSB/RPLU/CPCU classes (optional). In addition to an exciting environment, we offer: * Competitive base salary with additional opportunities for variable pay through recognition programs and incentive awards * 401(k) with company match* Comprehensive health plans that include coverage for same sex/domestic partners* Strong work/family and employee assistance programs* Tuition reimbursement * Vacation Purchase Plan* Training/Development opportunities We are proud to provide comprehensive, high quality employee programs to meet employees' needs now and in the future, including a very competitive financial package. Explore what we have to offer.  For immediate consideration for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button at the bottom of this posting.  Travelers is an equal opportunity employer. We actively promote a drug-free workplace. Company: Travelers Companies, Inc.