Excess & Surplus Sr. Underwriting Specialist

For more than 170 years, The Hanover has been committed to delivering on our promises and being there when it matters the most. We live our values every day, demonstrating we CARE through our values, Sustainability initiatives and inclusive corporate culture.

Our Specialty, Excess & Surplus team is seeking a strategic, sales-minded, and dynamic Senior Underwriting Specialist – Merit Specialty Property (Wholesale) to join our established and high-performing team.  This role will ideally be based in either Richmond, VA or Phoenix, AZ.  The ideal candidate must have the ability to travel for meetings and client visits as needed.  Other locations will be considered, but candidates must have the ability to travel to a Hanover office as needed. This is a full-time, exempt role.

The Hanover is a diverse and inclusive organization focused on hiring the best talent and we encourage all qualified professionals to apply.  We believe that an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace make us a better organization and creates a stronger community.

At the Hanover we also understand that life and the workplace have changed so we are reimagining the workplace and provide flexible work arrangements. This role may be hybrid or fully remote for the right professional.

The actual job title and level may be flexible dependent on candidate qualifications and experience (Executive Underwriter).

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Merit Specialty, a division of The Hanover Insurance Group, is seeking to add an Excess and Surplus Lines (E&S) Property Senior Underwriting Specialist to its growing Team. Merit Specialty transacts business with appointed wholesale trading partners and the position will be responsible for reviewing new and renewal mono-line commercial property risks to determine acceptability for quoting and binding business within the underwriting authority granted by the Company.  This position is a market facing role with frequent interaction with appointed wholesale trading partners.  This position requires strong communication, negotiation, relationship development and analytical skills to transact business within the fast-paced wholesale E&S environment. We are seeking an experienced E&S professional with a high technical acumen and a strong underwriting skill set.

This position works in a team environment and will collaborate to underwrite and service accounts for assigned wholesale trading partners. Business development activities include identifying key wholesale firms/brokers, executing on sales and marketing activities that demonstrate and support a strong customer focus that ultimately reinforces Merit Specialty’s E&S property appetite and strategy.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

• Analyze, evaluate, decline, accept, rate, quote and bind new and renewal E&S property business according to underwriting authority granted by the Company.
• Review mid-term endorsement requests and loss control reports.
• Drive production and marketing activities to achieve individual goals while maintaining underwriting integrity and overall profitability.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with appointed wholesale trading partner firms and brokers to generate a strong flow of quality new business opportunities, as well as execute on portfolio management objectives to manage the overall quality of the book of business handled.
• Exhibit working knowledge of sound underwriting principles, policies, procedures, and controls.
• Keep current on issues affecting the property lines of business, as well as competitors and overall marketplace intelligence; advocate for change as needed.
• Provide a high level of customer service by timely response to wholesale broker requests and deadlines.
• Create, drive, and execute on strategies for new and/or renewal accounts (prospective book management, executing on the territorial and wholesale trading partner plans, etc.).
• Ability to sell the Merit Specialty value proposition to wholesale trading partners.
• Further the Merit Specialty brand by attending and representing Merit Specialty at Industry sponsored events and/or conferences.
• Collaborate with other team members, as well as support and contribute to the development of more junior underwriters.
• Assure compliance with corporate and regulatory requirements and ensure the integrity of underwriting discipline by identifying underwriting issues
• Provide input and assist in broader strategy formulation with primary focus on execution of strategies.

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:

• A minimum of 5 years, but ideally more than 7 years, of commercial property underwriting experience required.
• College degree or equivalent work experience.
• Must be positive, self-motivated, and possess strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Possess strong technical, analytical, and quantitative skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Solution oriented team player with a strong relationship management skill set working with both internal and external stakeholders and customers.
• Must be customer focused.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products to include Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills.
• ASLI, CPCU, ARM or other relevant professional designation preferred, but not required.
• Some travel will be required.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT:

It’s not just a job, it’s a career, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We want you to be successful and fulfilled. Through on-the-job experiences, personalized coaching and our robust learning and development programs, we encourage you – at every level – to grow and develop.

BENEFITS:

We offer comprehensive benefits to help you be healthy, build financial security, and balance work and home life. At The Hanover, you’ll enjoy what you do and have the support you need to succeed.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401K with a company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• PTO
• Company paid holidays
• Flexible work arrangements
• Cultural Awareness Day in support of IDE
• On-site medical/wellness center (Worcester only)
• Click here for the full list of Benefits

EEO statement:

The Hanover values diversity in the workplace and among our customers.  The company provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants on the basis of experience, training, education, and ability to do the available work without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry or any other status protected by law.  

Furthermore, The Hanover Insurance Group is committed to providing an equal opportunity workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment based on national origin, race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law.” 

As an equal opportunity employer, Hanover does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities.  Individuals with disabilities who wish to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions, should contact us at:[email protected]and include the link of the job posting in which you are interested.

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