Underwriter - Specialty (Kentucky)

Recognized as aMilwaukee Journal SentinelTop Workplace for 14 consecutive years, including three years of being honored as number one! Join us at West Bend, where we believe that our associates are our greatest asset. We hire talented individuals who are conscientious, dedicated, customer focused, and able to build lasting relationships. We create and maintain an environment where you feel a sense of belonging and appreciation. Your diversity of thought, experience, and knowledge are valued. We're committed to fostering a welcoming culture, offering you opportunities for meaningful work and professional growth. More than a workplace, we celebrate our successes and take pride in serving our communities.

We are growing at West Bend! Our Specialty Lines Underwriting team plays a critical role in our journey towards profitable growth. Our Underwriters are relationship focused with strong communication skills, motivated, and work in a fast-paced team environment. West Bend is an industry leading carrier that works solely through the independent agency system. We are looking for the right individual to join our team!

This position offers a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office) for collaboration days, team meetings or other in-person events. The position can be based in Madison, West Bend, or Appleton.

The internal deadline to apply is 3/30/2026. External applications will be accepted on a rolling basis while the position remains open.

The Underwriter is responsible for underwriting and managing a portfolio of commercial insurance accounts with moderate to high complexity. This role involves applying advanced underwriting knowledge to assess risk, determine appropriate coverage, and ensure profitability. The Underwriter collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, supports agency relationships, and contributes to enterprise initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Underwrite new business submissions, renewals and endorsements
• Oversee growth and profitability of an underwriting territory
• Use internal and external data and reporting to support decision-making
• Document underwriting files with sufficient detail and clarity
• Provide territory performance reports and action plans to leadership
• Collaborate with sales, claims, loss control, and agency partners
• Lead agency visits and promote product line benefits and growth/incentive efforts. Support agency action plans
• Maintain compliance with underwriting guidelines, best practices, rate plans, and the Letter of Authority
• Mentor new associates, Underwriter I, and support training
• Participate in committees and enterprise initiatives
• Navigate conflict and contribute to team solutions

Preferred Experience and Skills

• 3 years of experience in commercial multi-line underwriting
• Analytical, communication, and organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to mentor and support team development
• Comfortable with underwriting systems and continuous learning

Preferred Education and Training

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Insurance or related field
• Completion of certificate in General Insurance and Associate in Underwriting program

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The salary range for this position is $68,933 - $96,505.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal equity. Compensation decisions are made by West Bend and are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

West Bend offers a comprehensive benefit plan including but not limited to:

• Medical & Prescription Insurance

• Health Savings Account

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Short and Long Term Disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Life and Accidental Death & Disability

• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match

• Pet Insurance

• Paid Time Off. Standard first year PTO is 17 days, pro-rated based on month of hire. Enhanced PTO may be available for experienced candidates

• Bonus eligible based on performance

• West Bend will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for Colorado employees, in accordance with its plans and policies.

West Bend provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, and promotion.