The Underwriter Trainee at Continental Western Group has the unique opportunity to participate in a dynamic, structured underwriting training program. Working under direct guidance of a manager and a coach, the Underwriter Trainee will launch a career in insurance by learning the fundamentals of commercial underwriting while taking on challenging case studies and projects designed to accelerate skill development and increase expertise.
The structured professional development program combines field training and classroom-based technical and sales training to actively develop commercial property and casualty underwriting skills and learn about commercial property and casualty insurance underwriting philosophy. Training and education on property and casualty insurance products and business strategies are also included in the program curriculum.
The Underwriter Trainee learns to produce and to underwrite new and renewal property and casualty insurance business while gaining experience in building and maintaining productive relationships with agencies and insurance professionals. The Underwriter Trainee will interact and collaborate with teams of business unit colleagues on skill building exercises, leadership opportunities, special projects, case studies, and critical thinking exercises in order to develop a holistic understanding of the business and a well-rounded approach to underwriting.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Demonstrate financial and business acumen and solid understanding of company’s underwriting philosophy necessary to become an underwriter.
Successfully complete program training and assignments to demonstrate the ability to assess risks, perform financial analysis to determine eligibility, desirability and proper classification of risks to ensure adequate pricing and matching of products to the customer in accordance with business strategies and within delegated authority level, per program guidelines. Acquire knowledge of all assigned product lines and associated forms.
Effectively partner and collaborate with program mentors and employees to develop productive agency and agent relationships to support business objectives of profitability, growth and retention of existing business.
Successfully complete program training and assignments to understand the workflow, guidelines and processing steps associated with the business systems / platforms.
Successfully complete program training and effectively partners with mentors and employees to develop and demonstrate strong customer service skills (consistency, quick response, knowledge of products).
Successfully complete program training and assignments to identify potential uses of analytics and tools to assist in the sales and pricing of accounts and effectively implement their use, when appropriate.
Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Risk Management, Insurance majors desired but not required); or a minimum one year of relevant property casualty work experience (risk control, claims, finance, underwriting support); or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Commitment to develop knowledge and understanding of underwriting philosophy, business processes and systems
Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal interactions as well as verbal and written communications, including presentation skills
Demonstrated business problem analysis and problem resolution skills
Strong sales aptitude and customer orientation
Ability to effectively work with all levels of the organization and external business partners
Ability to use analytical tools to make business decisions (e.g., using spreadsheets to analyze data and make recommendations)
Ability to organize and accomplish tasks efficiently
Ability to work both independently and with a team
Adaptability, flexibility and openness to feedback
Commitment to continuous learning
Ability to travel within regional footprint
Regularly and consistently demonstrates commitment to company values and guiding principles
Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Legally eligible to work in the United States
Licenses/Certifications/Designations
Possess a current/valid driver’s license for travel. Completion of or working toward AINS, AU or similar designation.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be seated for sustained periods of time; use fingers to pick up, pinch, twist, or keyboard; express themselves by speaking includes conveying detailed or important spoken information accurately; distinguish sounds at normal levels (with or without correction); be able to receive detailed information orally; and move wrists, hands and/or fingers repetitively. The employee is occasionally required to move about on foot to accomplish tasks; extend their hands/arms in any direction; raise or lower objects or move objects from place to place; hold onto objects with their fingers/palms; and operate a motor vehicle.
The employee must occasionally lift or exert force up to 10 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
NOTES:
2 openings.
Additional Salary Information: Competitive salary and benefits offered to qualified candidates. Total Compensation for employee efforts consists of more than a competitive salary. CWG's contributions to benefits, including educational reimbursement programs, help take employee compensation levels to the top of industry averages.
About Continental Western Group, a Berkley company
A trusted partner in the Mid- and Mountain West since 1886,
Continental Western Group offers a broad array of commercial
products that meet the needs of small, main-street businesses,
as well as larger, multi-location corporations.
For more than 125 years, we have lived and worked in
communities alongside our customers. Our local presence
provides us a hands-on understanding of the busines...ses
we insure. Operating out of five regional offices, we employ
underwriting, claims, loss control and agribusiness staff located
in the cities and towns we serve.
Our local presence, deep technical knowledge, and valued
partnerships with our independent agents give us the
competitive edge needed to provide tailored insurance
solutions and superior service for our clients
Employees are CWG's greatest asset; their expertise and commitment to excellence provide us a competitive advantage. We are always seeking to add top candidates to our team of talented individuals. If you value integrity, challenging opportunities, positive results, effective communication, expanding technology and continuous professional development, you should look to CWG for your next career opportunity.
