Surety Underwriter

UFG is hiring for a Surety Underwriter who will actively working towards building and maintaining a profitable mix of new and existing surety business by developing and maintaining strong working relationships with the agency force. Demonstrate strong analytical skills to evaluate risks for acceptability within their authority and company underwriting parameters. Make regular agency visits and calls to assess growth and profitability of agents in their territory. Prospect and appoint new quality agents in the territory. Visit current and potential contractor's place of business to better assess acceptability and quality of the accounts.

The ideal candidate will reside in Chicago, Illinois/Greater Chicago area or the Milwaukee, Wisconsin territory

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Underwrite new submissions and existing accounts utilizing authority granted by head of Surety and with assistance from mentors. Evaluate and assess financial status, credit standing, and organization profile to analyze and determine acceptability of the risk within framework of UFG underwriting policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with agents/brokers.
• Oversee a book of contract surety business within defined territory. Meet production, marketing, and profitability goals and develop marketing plan using the territory management tool.
• Upload and update file information electronically and purge obsolete data per department guidelines.
• Handles all confidential information with discretion.
• Provide high quality customer service in all interactions with internal and external customers.
• Request underwriting information from agencies. Review and process information received.
• Perform annual review of accounts including financial analysis, obtaining current bank line of credit letters, preparing profiles, and recommendation of line of authority.
• Instruct, assign and review work completed by support staff.
• Create record of communications concerning activities per department standards.
• Provide training, direction, and assistance to associate underwriters and underwriter trainees.

Job Specifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree, or combination of education and surety experience
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, finance or accounting preferred

Certifications/Designations:

• Certified, or working towards, AFSB designation.
• Must have a valid and current drivers' license and must have acceptable driving record in accordance with Company practice.
• Employees are expected to participate in continuing education throughout their careers.

Experience:

• 3+ years of contract surety underwriting experience.

Working Conditions:

• General office environment.
• Up to 25% of travel is required, to visit agency force and contract accounts either independently or by accompanying surety representatives. Overnight trips included.
• May be exposed to weather conditions, and/or results and debris of adverse weather conditions, during agency/contract visits.