Underwriting Specialist

At Selective, we don't just insure uniquely, we employ uniqueness.

Selective is a midsized U.S. domestic property and casualty insurance company with a history of strong, consistent financial performance for nearly 100 years. Selective's unique position as both a leading insurance group and an employer of choice is recognized in a wide variety of awards and honors, including listing in Forbes Best Midsize Employers in 2024 and certification as a Great Place to Work in 2024 for the fifth consecutive year.

Employees are empowered and encouraged to Be Uniquely You by being their true, unique selves and contributing their diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives to our shared success. Together, we are a high-performing team working to serve our customers responsibly by helping to mitigate loss, keep them safe, and restore their lives and businesses after an insured loss occurs.

Underwrites renewal business, working with a high degree of autonomy and authority issued by the Underwriting Manager on assignments of varying complexity, hazard grade, and premium. Reviews agency book of business as well as profit/growth results and trends. Develops strategies to maximize territory results. Coaches and mentors new and less experienced peers. Acts as a subject matter expert to the underwriting team. Routinely participates in projects and initiatives. All job duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

• Underwrite and process assigned renewal policies with a high degree of independence. Gather, analyze and evaluate risk exposure through appropriate risk documentation. Adopt proactive actions and/or make proactive recommendations to improve risk profitability. Apply knowledge and understanding of coverage forms, rating plans and guidelines in the selection and pricing of individual risks. Ensure adequate pricing of individual risks through proper classification, accuracy of information and adherence to company underwriting standards and philosophy.
• Respond to agents' inquiries on coverage and adjust policy information based upon prescribed authority. Aggregates common agency questions/responses as a reference for the region.
• Work within a higher authority level to quote, accept, decline, modify and renew risks within territorial assignment in accordance with accepted underwriting guidelines. Work in collaboration with Agents, AMS, team members and other departments to grow and maintain a profitable book of business.
• Provide guidance to internal and external customers regarding various underwriting information. Independently and effectively communicate underwriting decisions and appetite at the individual account and portfolio level to internal and external customers. Reinforce the ease of doing business with Selective by meeting or exceeding customers' expectations and service quality on a consistent basis.
• Develop and maintain highly effective working relationships with internal and external customers, peers, and management. Conduct routine agency visits. Communicate openly and in a timely fashion. Work diligently to achieve individual and team goals. Act as an advocate for and early adopter of departmental initiatives.
• Conduct continuous profit and growth analysis by territory and agency as assigned. Monitor premium retention with the use of electronic reporting tools. Increase renewal premium by cross-selling additional coverage, products, or value-added services.
• Actively train and develop less experienced underwriters. Provide CLAS coverage and system training to both internal & external customers. Provide line of business or segment specific expertise to the department.
• Participate in or lead projects and initiatives. Actively support continuous improvement by routinely suggesting best practices and process improvements.
• Develop and maintain up to date knowledge of industry trends, company products/services and competitive activity within assigned territory.
• Must have a valid license and be able to drive an automobile to support company travel within territory. Car travel represents less than 5% of employee's time.

Knowledge and Requirements

• Highly proficient written and verbal communication skills.
• Possesses extensive underwriting technical skills and broad knowledge of company products and underwriting guidelines.
• Highly effective influencing and negotiation skills.
• Ability to solve problems and make sound decisions based on diverse perspectives and effective use of data in a timely manner, even when faced with imperfect information.
• Effectively manages and executes on the appropriate balance between strategic thinking and attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively coach and mentor. Highly effective ability to develop relationships with internal and external customers/peers.
• Fosters teamwork, collaboration, and a positive work environment.
• Acts as an early adopter and champion of new initiatives that align with organizational strategies.
• Highly proficient in use of all supplied desktop tools, including the automated underwriting and email systems.
• Must have valid state-issued driver's license in good standing.

Education and Experience

• College degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of commercial underwriting experience required.
• Completion of INS; AU; or completion or pursuit of CIC; or CPCU strongly preferred.

Selective Insurance offers a total rewards package that includes a competitive base salary, incentive plan eligibility at all levels, and a wide array of benefits designed to help you and your family stay healthy, achieve your financial goals, and balance the demands of your work and personal life. These benefits include comprehensive health care plans, retirement savings plan with company match, discounted Employee Stock Purchase Program, tuition assistance and reimbursement programs, and paid time off plans. Additional details about our total rewards package will be provided during the recruiting process.

The actual base salary is based on geographic location, and the range is representative of salaries for this role throughout Selective's footprint. Additional considerations include relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and business needs.

Selective is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. That means we respect and value every individual's unique opinions, beliefs, abilities, and perspectives. We are committed to promoting a welcoming culture that celebrates diverse talent, individual identity, different points of view and experiences - and empowers employees to contribute new ideas that support our continued and growing success. Building a highly engaged team is one of our core strategic imperatives, which we believe is enhanced by diversity, equity, and inclusion. We expect and encourage all employees and all of our business partners to embrace, practice, and monitor the attitudes, values, and goals of acceptance; address biases; and foster diversity of viewpoints and opinions.