Small Business Home Office Underwriting Specialist

Company Details:

Acadia Insurance is a regional property casualty insurer with offices throughout the Northeast.  As a member of W.R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: WRB), one of the largest property casualty insurance holding companies in the United States, our financial strength and integrity are two of the main reasons why Independent Agents place business with us.  Acadia is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, with an A+ claim paying ability rating by Standard & Poor’s. 

At Acadia, we value our employees, our customers and our communities.  Employees at Acadia are part of a progressive company where everyone can make a difference.  We promote an inclusive environment which encourages continuous learning and the chance to grow and develop. 

The Senior Home Office Underwriting Specialist is responsible for pursuing growth opportunities which contribute to profitability, competitive advantage and product management within the branch offices by providing expertise in the  Small Commercial lines of business. Oversees process and product improvement initiatives.  Assists in the design and implementation of profit and growth initiatives within the branch.  Analyzes, recommends and executes changes to pricing, underwriting and marketing to achieve profitability and growth objectives. 

• Provides technical expertise to the field underwriting staff.
• Oversees and is accountable for the continuous improvement of underwriting quality to achieve profitable growth goals for the company.
• Delivers a collaborative underwriting referral process to branch offices.
• Develops a collaborative branch/home office working relationship through personal interaction and visits.
• Supports the branch with development of their underwriting staff through coaching, training, and providing ongoing and constructive feedback.
• Oversees the quality review process and branch underwriting audits with review of underwriting files for compliance with company guidelines.
• Collaborates with actuarial on the rate review process working in conjunction with actuarial, branch staff and management to set rates that will position all lines for profitable growth.
• Compiles pertinent product data and generates meaningful management reports in conjunction with findings and recommendations.
• Monitors growth and profit of any applicable lines of business and communicates results and trends to branch and management.
• Contributes to Acadia’s success by developing departmental and individual staff goals, measuring results, rewarding achievements or taking corrective action, as necessary.
• Supports product development initiatives, working with the branch, marketing, loss control and claims to add new products to Acadia's portfolio.
• Supports product development initiatives on a Regional basis, working with other HO Representatives to add or amend products, rates, marketing materials or systems.
• Contribute to the development of Regional Systems that will affect daily underwriting process, rating or workflow.
• Supports rate and product filing needs.
• Oversees the technical systems training and staff development for proprietary and vendor software.
• Keeps abreast of industry developments, particularly those which impact his or her area(s) or responsibility.
• Understands Acadia’s business and the factors that affect its success.
• Communicates regularly and effectively with staff, both as a team and individually and other Regional HO counterparts.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5-10 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated success in developing and maintaining positive relationships.
• Excellent communication skills, including listening for solutions.
• Demonstrates a willingness to collaborate with colleagues and present in a way that influences others.
• An ability to think analytically about business problems, make recommendations and propose solutions.
• High energy self-starter, who is resilient and has an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Goal-oriented achiever who delivers results.
• Advanced professional insurance coursework (i.e., CPCU or AU) or completion of other insurance related classes is preferred.
• 5-10 years of experience working in the insurance industry preferably in Commercial Lines
• Consistently sets clear direction by defining goals and priorities.
• Acts in a decisive manner to achieve appropriate results.
• Demonstrates organizational skills while working on multiple projects.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.