Senior Underwriter, Farm

About the Role

Day-to-day, you will utilize your expertise in insurance finance and actuarial concepts, as well as your knowledge of commercial insurance products and underwriting guidelines, to make informed decisions about risk selection and policy pricing. You will also be expected to collaborate with colleagues to share best practices, identify opportunities for continuous improvement, and contribute to the overall success of the underwriting team.

As a strategic account manager, you will be responsible for ensuring a profitable book of farm and ranch insurance business, writing new accounts of all sizes, and growing successful agent and broker relationships. Your ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, agents, and brokers will be critical to your success in this role.

What You Will Do

• Develop and maintain a diversified book of farm and ranch insurance business, working closely with agents and brokers to assess risks and determine premiums.
• Analyze data and market trends to identify opportunities for growth and improvement in the farm and ranch insurance sector.
• Collaborate with underwriting assistants, junior underwriters, and other colleagues to share best practices and contribute to the overall success of the underwriting team.
• Negotiate deals and obtain approvals from agents, brokers, and internal stakeholders to maximize profitability and meet business goals.
• Document account reviews, state-compliant sign-offs, and referrals, ensuring that all paperwork is complete and accurate.
• Utilize Excel and other software tools to manage and analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions about risk selection and policy pricing.
• Stay up-to-date on industry developments, regulatory changes, and market trends, and apply this knowledge to improve underwriting practices and contribute to the success of the team.
• Mentor underwriters in a technical and professional capacity, sharing knowledge and expertise to support their development and growth.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and contribute to the development of new underwriting guidelines, procedures, and best practices.

What We Are Looking For

• 3-5+ years of commercial lines or farm and ranch underwriting experience, with a strong track record of success in managing complex insurance accounts.
• Analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to leverage data and market trends to inform underwriting decisions.
• Strong territory management skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with agents, brokers, and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate deals, present proposals, and collaborate with colleagues.
• Knowledge of insurance finance and actuarial concepts, as well as commercial insurance products and underwriting guidelines.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field, with a Chartered Property Casual Underwriter (CPCU) or other professional insurance designation preferred.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment, with a strong focus on self-motivation and discipline.
• Proficiency in Excel and other software tools, with the ability to manage and analyze complex data sets.

Nice to Have

• Experience with multi-line insurance products and underwriting guidelines.
• Knowledge of regulatory issues and compliance requirements in relevant territories.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement processes and tools, with the ability to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Professional insurance designations, such as CPCU or AFIS (Agribusiness and Farm Insurance Specialist).
• Prior experience in a leadership or mentoring role, with the ability to guide and support the development of junior underwriters.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive compensation package, with a salary range determined by skills, experience, education, and location.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off.
• Flexible, remote work arrangement, with the ability to work from home or a remote location.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth, with access to training, mentorship, and continuing education programs.
• Collaborative, dynamic work environment, with a focus on teamwork, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
• Recognition and reward programs, with opportunities to earn bonuses, incentives, and other forms of recognition.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and software tools, with the ability to leverage data and analytics to inform underwriting decisions.

• To stand out as a candidate, be sure to highlight your experience in managing complex insurance accounts, as well as your proficiency in Excel and other software tools.
• When preparing for an interview, review the company's underwriting guidelines and procedures, and be prepared to discuss your approach to risk selection and policy pricing.
• Consider obtaining professional insurance designations, such as CPCU or AFIS, to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
• To succeed in a remote work environment, be sure to establish a dedicated workspace, set clear boundaries and priorities, and maintain regular communication with colleagues and stakeholders.
• When negotiating salary, be prepared to discuss your experience, skills, and qualifications, and be open to considering alternative forms of compensation, such as bonuses or incentives.
• Be wary of companies that lack transparency or clarity around underwriting guidelines, procedures, or compensation packages, as this can be a red flag for potential issues or challenges down the line.
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to continuous improvement and professional development, and be open to learning and growth opportunities.