Underwriting Specialist - Small Commercial Underwriting

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. 

CNA seeks to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees that helps them — and their family members — achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals.

For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, check out our Candidate Guide.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This role can be based out of our Overland Park, KS or Lake Mary, FL office or can be 100% remote

Under technical direction, responsible for underwriting risks in our Small Commercial Business Unit. Responsible for underwriting the Connect (BOP), Workers Compensation, Auto and Umbrella segments. Works within specific limits of authority on assignments requiring significant technical complexity and coordination. Utilizes underwriting policies and guidelines, rating manual rules and insurance laws and regulations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

 Underwriting Expertise

• A positive and engaged team member with a growth mindset who works with assigned agencies to write profitable business for the Small Business Unit

• Reviews applications and financial requirements to determine acceptability of risk in accordance with CNA’s underwriting guidelines and documentation standards

• Understands pricing components and rating methodology as well as use of predictive modeling tools; prices risk based on underwriting analysis

• Uses all appropriate underwriting tools, disciplines and knowledge of strategies to ensure underwriting guidelines are followed

• Demonstrates technical underwriting skills through strategic, thorough referrals, account reviews and file documentation

• Prepares or analyzes information on adverse underwriting decisions, pricing, underwriting requirements, large loss reviews, and declinations in order to drive results within the assigned territory

• Adheres to CAT guidelines and underwriting discipline to minimize exposure and appropriately price risk

• Keeps current on state/territory issues, regulations and trends

Portfolio Management

• Manages assigned portfolio to achieve gross written premium, profitability, rate, retention, product mix, new business and portfolio management goals

• Prioritizes time and resources to effectively manage and optimize agent performance

• Operates with an enterprise perspective to identify cross sell opportunities and create growth within other lines of business and customer segments

• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of CNA’s products and appetite while clearly communicating CNA’s position at the point of sale

Sales & Distribution Management

• Builds/maintains rigorous sales practices using all CNA systems including SalesForce.com and other sales tools and disciplines

• Develops strong agency relationships to build pipeline, agency intelligence, and drives performance to meet and exceed results

• Develops and implements agency-specific plans, monitors performance, and adjusts plan to ensure a substantial pipeline for future profitable growth

• Drives effective internal and external relationship management and customer activities to build trust, facilitate negotiation and secure commitment with the customer

• Proactively identifies cross-sell opportunities and partners with other underwriters to deliver comprehensive insurance solutions for the customer

May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

Underwriting Director 
 

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of underwriting and P&C insurance industry theories and practices

• Ability to work efficiently in a high paced environment where hard work is rewarded

• Demonstrated high level of technical expertise and product specific knowledge

• Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills 

• Ability to effectively interact with all levels of CNA's internal and external business partners

• Ability to work both independently and collaborate with others

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and to make critical business decisions effectively

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite as well as other business-related software

• Demonstrated leadership skills

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Professional designations preferred.

• Typically, a minimum of three to five years of underwriting experience

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CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact leaveadministration@cna.com.