Commercial Lines Field Production Underwriter

Job DetailsJob Location: NE - La Vista, NE 68128Pay Philosophy  The typical starting salary for this position is determined by a number of factors, including, but not limited to, acquired skills, experience, education, and certifications/designations. This position may be eligible for annual merit increases and participation in our bonus program.   What are we looking for? Join our team as a Commercial Lines Field Production Underwriter. In this position you will be growing Columbia Insurance’s commercial property and casualty book of business by building strong, productive relationships with assigned agencies. This position service Nebraska. Ideal candidates would be located in the Lincoln/Omaha area.   Who we are and what we do? At Columbia Insurance, we believe our people are the heart of our success and our greatest strength. With robust benefits, a fun, family-like atmosphere, and a culture that thrives on real connections, Columbia truly is the place to be. Our vision is to lead the industry in people-first partnerships. The best way to achieve that is by bringing together a team of skilled, passionate, and talented individuals.   Why us? Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage 401(k) and company match Generous paid time off (PTO), paid company holidays, paid maternity/paternity leave, and supplemental sick leave Family-like culture Year-round wellness initiatives Company sponsored events Opportunities for professional development with conferences, events, and continued education Company Car Cell Phone Company History Our legacy has roots back to 1889 when we first became part of the mutual insurance movement in the Midwest. Today, our extensive heritage resonates nationwide, as we proudly serve customers in 14 states across the country.   BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY This role is responsible for growing Columbia Insurance’s commercial property and casualty book of business by building strong, productive relationships with assigned agencies. This role’s primary functions focus on growing premium and policy count within the book but necessitates additional responsibilities related to relationship management, making it different from a traditional sales role. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Make regular in-person visits to assigned agencies with the goal of growing Columbia Insurances brand awareness, building professional/personal relationships, soliciting new account submissions, facilitate mutually beneficial renewal strategies, and facilitate agency accountability discussions.  Develop and cultivate a new business pipeline of profitable risks for each agency and producer to be reviewed and quoted.  Evaluate risks and make critical underwriting decisions regarding insurability based on nature of operations, insured geographic location, risk controls, policy pricing, policy terms and conditions, and other third-party data as necessary.  Assist in Risk Control in the communication and resolution of recommended risk improvements for newly written accounts, as needed. Collaborate with renewal underwriters, as appropriate, to address key and challenging renewal account to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes for assigned agency partners and company.  Primary decision maker for setting premium on new business opportunities and collaborates with renewal underwriters to assist in achieving office and agency pricing objectives on renewal business. Responsible for training assigned agency personnel in the utilization of Columbia’s C-Port agency portal and, as necessary, assisting with the inputting of new business opportunities. Responsible for identifying the need for and securing facultative reinsurance on risks when appropriate. Maintain current knowledge of technical aspects of commercial insurance underwriting and applicable state and local statutes and laws. Participate in education and training of agents by presenting technical and corporate information regarding commercial insurance issues. Assist agents with policyholder presentations as needed. Accompany Loss Control representatives on inspections as needed. Communicate with internal and external parties including reinsurers, co-workers and agencies. Other duties as assigned. QualificationsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Minimum 5 years of commercial lines underwriting A thorough knowledge of commercial lines products and coverages Excellent communication, presentation and customer service skills Ability to travel on a consistent basis Acceptable MVR Travel expected up to 75%   EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS A CPCU designation and other supplemental insurance education are preferred Field Sales/Marketing experience preferred