Underwriting Specialist - Contract Surety

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For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, check out our Candidate Guide.

Under technical direction, responsible for underwriting risks in a Surety book of business. Works within specific limits of authority on assignments requiring significant technical complexity and coordination. Utilizes underwriting policies and guidelines, rating manual rules and insurance laws and regulations.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:
- Reviews applications and financial requirements for risks requiring complex underwriting skills. Determines acceptability of risk in accordance with company guidelines and standards. Also, determines the need for additional evidence of insurability and appropriate strategy.
- Determines appropriate pricing based on financial and competitive analysis in line with compliance requirements.
- Prepares quotes and answers questions from agencies, policyholders or other external contacts and escalates issues to management along with proposed solutions as necessary. Negotiates with agents to reach positive and profitable outcomes.
- Notifies agencies of adverse underwriting decisions, rate appeals, underwriting requirements, status and declinations.
- Analyzes quality, quantity, and profitability of risks underwritten and prepares reports for management review.
- Markets products and services through agencies or through the brokerage community and makes field visits. Develops and maintains agency and/or broker relationships.
- May provide guidance and assistance to other underwriters and to other functional areas, particularly when related to cross-sell opportunities.
- Keeps current on state/territory issues and regulations, industry activity and trends and freely shares information with others.
- Utilizes advanced functionality in relevant CNA systems to perform day-to-day activities.
Works with more senior underwriters or management on risks exceeding authority level or requiring special handling.

Reporting Relationship
Manager or Director

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
1. Advanced knowledge of underwriting and insurance industry theories and practices.

2. Demonstrated high level of technical expertise and product specific knowledge.

3. Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills. Ability to effectively interact with all levels of CNA's internal and external business partners.

4. Ability to work independently.

5. Strong analytical and problem solving skills.

6. Ability to exercise independent judgment and to make critical business decisions effectively.

7. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite as well as other business-related software.

8. Demonstrated leadership skills.

Education and Experience
1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Professional designations preferred.

2. Typically a minimum three to five years underwriting experience.

**Title is subject to change based on experience and skillset. Alternate titles include the following: "Underwriter" or "Underwriting Consultant"

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CNA utilizes AI-enabled technology during the recruiting process. For more information, please visit our careers page.

CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected]