Agribusiness Commercial Lines Underwriter

The Commercial Lines Underwriter, working under close supervision, represents the company among a defined territory of agencies, with responsibility for the management and servicing of a profitable renewal book of Commercial Lines business, while working to grow and strengthen technical underwriting ability. The role focuses on learning and mastering underwriting skills and actively participate in the monthly renewal strategy meeting. The role acts as an Account Steward for the customer and as a key point of contact for the agency, maintaining and implementing appropriate service strategies to deliver our customer service commitment to the customer. The role makes responsible decisions regarding risk acceptability and pricing and escalate issues as needed. The role also provides an agency service and maintain intra-company communications. Supports managing the underwriting profitability growth and retention of new and renewal business that is consistent with underwriting strategies. Analyzes new business & renewal accounts, including risk assessment, terms and conditions and pricing and recommends submissions/renewals for acceptance or declination within established appetite. Develops relationships with agencies, producers, and other distribution partners (producers) and works to understand their needs. Determines acceptability of risk in accordance with company guidelines and standards by reviewing the application and risk for exposure identification. Leverages portfolio underwriting of the book and territory leveraging analytics and information garnered through BI and other sources. Provides leadership with feedback on product, pricing and rate/rule activities of the competition and reviews high value inspections for assigned agencies. Strives to create and build effective communication externally (between agents and company) and internally (within the company) regarding underwriting procedures and practices, growth/profit goals and objectives, and agency relations. Negotiates with agents to reach positive and profitable outcomes and coordinates and owns agency business plans and key activities with oversight from Region Leader. Develops and maintains an operating knowledge of Westfield standardized hardware, software programs, third party software, and processing procedures. Influences current and prospective agencies, producers, and other distribution partners to represent and promote Westfield products and services to customers. Answers questions from agencies, producers, distribution partners policyholders or other external contacts and escalates issues to leadership as necessary. Collaborates with and leverages corporate shared services functions to bring the competitive strategy to life and achieve results; aligns with corporate governance while maintaining a singular focus on the customer. 0-2 years of Commercial Underwriting experience. Bachelor's degree in related field and/or commensurate work experience. Westfield celebrates diversity and is committed to inclusion. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or status as a protected veteran.