Associate Underwriter

Company Overview

Recognized as a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace for 14 consecutive years, including three years of being honored as number one! Join us at West Bend, where we believe that our associates are our greatest asset. We hire talented individuals who are conscientious, dedicated, customer focused, and able to build lasting relationships. We create and maintain an environment where you feel a sense of belonging and appreciation. Your diversity of thought, experience, and knowledge are valued. We’re committed to fostering a welcoming culture, offering you opportunities for meaningful work and professional growth. More than a workplace, we celebrate our successes and take pride in serving our communities.

Job Summary

We are growing at West Bend! Our Commercial Lines Underwriting team plays a critical role in our journey towards profitable growth. Our Underwriters are relationship focused with strong communication skills, motivated, and work in a fast-paced team environment. West Bend is an industry leading carrier that works solely through the independent agency system. We are looking for an underwriter to join our team!

Work Location

This position offers a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office) for collaboration days, team meetings or other in-person events.  The position can be based in West Bend, Madison, or Appleton.  Employees who are new to Underwriting will be required to work out of the West Bend office.

 

External applications will be accepted on a rolling basis while the position remains open.

Responsibilities & Qualifications

• Underwrite new business submissions, renewals, and endorsements across a range of complexity.
• Review and analyze applications, reports, and other data to evaluate risk according to guidelines.
• Determine appropriate coverage, pricing, and eligibility while ensuring timely, accurate decisions.
• Process policy changes and maintain clear, complete underwriting documentation.
• Communicate and collaborate with internal teams, sales, claims, loss control, and agency partners.
• Support written premium goals and contribute to the profitability of the portfolio or assigned territory.
• Use internal and external data, systems, and workflows to support underwriting decisions.
• Maintain compliance with underwriting best practices, rate plans, and the Letter of Authority.
• Participate in training and skill development; more experienced underwriters may:
  • Manage the performance of an underwriting territory.
  • Lead agency visits and support growth initiatives.
  • Mentor new or developing team members.
  • Contribute to committees, initiatives, and team problem-solving.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• 0–3+ years of monoline workers compensation or commercial multi-line underwriting experience, depending on level.
• Foundational to advanced understanding of P&C insurance and underwriting principles.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to gather and evaluate underwriting information and make informed decisions.
• Confidence navigating underwriting systems, workflows, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; higher levels may support team development.
• Commitment to continuous learning and adapting to evolving business needs.

 

Preferred Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Insurance or related field
• Completion of certificate in General Insurance and Associate in Underwriting program

Salary Statement

The salary range for this position is $63,000 - $108,000.  The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal equity.  Compensation decisions are made by West Bend and are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

Benefits

West Bend offers a comprehensive benefit plan including but not limited to:   

 

• Medical & Prescription Insurance  

• Health Savings Account  

• Dental Insurance  

• Vision Insurance  

• Short and Long Term Disability  

• Flexible Spending Accounts  

• Life and Accidental Death & Disability   

• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance  

• Employee Assistance Program  

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match  

• Pet Insurance  

• Paid Time Off. Standard first year PTO is 17 days, pro-rated based on month of hire. Enhanced PTO may be available for experienced candidates 

• Bonus eligible based on performance  

• West Bend will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for Colorado employees, in accordance with its plans and policies.

 

 

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EEO

West Bend provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, and promotion.