At Scottsdale Insurance Company, our vision starts with successful associates. We provide a vibrant, associate-friendly atmosphere with challenging work, leaders who value your contributions and the stability of being a market leader in the excess and surplus industry.

JOB SUMMARY: Underwrites individual risk for acceptability, pricing, coverage, terms and conditions, by developing, analyzing and evaluating information and exposures on risks of the most complex technical nature.  Responsible for supporting the Underwriting operations through supervision of underwriting and support staff.   Provides guidance and expertise in the development, improvement and implementation of the techniques, procedures, processes, workflow, guidelines and programs utilized to support staff in all lines of business.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Reviews individual risks or programs within assigned territory from agents, brokers or program managers and either declines or accepts business based upon information necessary to make the decision. The underwriter analyzes, with the highest level of technical expertise and accuracy, exposures to loss, develops an adequate premium charge for the exposure, determines appropriate endorsements and exclusions to address loss exposures for the insurance contract. Within department guidelines places reinsurance, if any, for the account.
2. Achieves individual production and loss ratio goals within assigned territory through sound territory management and marketing. Works with the most complex issues concerning coverage, programs, agents, brokers and program managers. The underwriter continually analyzes premium and loss results in their territory by agency, state, major class of business and by program. Performs audits of agents, individual risks and programs for compliance with company guidelines, state regulations and reinsurance conditions. Development and implementation of specific action plans may be required. Responsible for the resolution of technical questions of the highest complexity.
3. Handles policy maintenance items and other mid-term requests. Reviews endorsement requests and processes necessary changes to the policy. Reviews loss control reports and makes recommendations to the agent and/or changes to the policy. Follows up on outstanding information as required. Reviews claim activity and takes appropriate action.
4. Management and supervision of entry level underwriting staff and underwriting assistant and rating personnel.  Hires and trains candidates and subordinates in all technical aspects of their duties including pre-underwriting or underwriting within their assigned parameters.
5. Administers employee training and development, performance appraisals, progressive discipline procedures, and salary reviews for direct reports.
6. Responds to problems, questions and concerns from users, department management and others within and outside the department regarding Underwriting support and rating functions.
7. Assists in the administration of Company policies and underwriting philosophies to meet the objectives of the Department.  Prepares statistical reports as required by the Underwriting units such as weekly volume, renewal retention.
8. Responsible for preparing and administering performance and salary appraisals and coordinating vacation time, EDO?s and personal time.
9. Provides support in preparation for internal audits and those performed by reinsurers and internally reviews/audits policies and/or endorsements to monitor quality, completeness, accuracy and adherence to the authority levels of staff.
10. Coordinates with other user groups the establishment of procedures to expedite work processes and work flow to meet underwriting and agent requests to quote, bind and issue policies.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Knowledge: Undergraduate studies and completion of general insurance courses such as CPCU, CIC, AU, ARM, CPIW, CWIS, or ASLI is preferred. Knowledge of Excess and Surplus Lines insurance and the General Agency system. Knowledge of complex underwriting policies, practices and procedures, insurance law and underwriting marketing principles and techniques. Knowledge of Standard Bureau Rating plans and concepts such as catastrophe management. Knowledge of Alternative rating methods and plans and pricing theory. Knowledge of Treaty & Facultative reinsurance. Knowledge of regulatory issues, the general agency system, market conditions and company operations. Proven knowledge of technical processes, standards, and interdepartmental workflow.

Experience:

A minimum of eight years underwriting experience handling large or complex programs and accounts, excess & surplus lines experienced desired.  Previous supervisory or managerial experience in the E&S lines of business is preferred.  Proven ability to supervise, train, motivate employees and set work priorities in all aspects of multi-line underwriting support and rating.  Some experience in the technical aspects of data management, imaging and procedures and processes helpful.
Skills:  Ability to communicate interpersonally with individuals and groups via the telephone and in writing. Ability to promote professional attitude. Strong organizational and planning skills. Ability to set work priorities that conform to established standards. Ability to evaluate, analyze and recommend solutions to problems relating to underwriting support and rating. Ability to devise business solutions to complex problems, implement the most appropriate, and monitor the effectiveness. Ability to make decisions on highly complex issues and work with minimal direction. Ability to analyze and interpret mathematical, statistical and logical data, and evaluate its reliability and significance. Ability to train and mentor underwriters, underwriting assistants, raters.
Staffing exceptions to the above minimum job requirements must be approved by: VP Underwriting

ADA: 

The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job.  Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental, paid time off plus nine paid holidays, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, flexible work hours, on-site cafeteria, free underground parking and more.

To apply or learn more about us visit scottsdaleins.com/jobs

Scottsdale Insurance Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide®, benefiting from the backing of one of the largest insurance and financial service providers in the United States. EOE/M/F/D/V.