Sr Commercial Surety Underwriter

UFG is currently hiring for a Sr. Commercial Surety Underwriter who will be responsible for the profitable growth, selection, and retention of commercial & non-contract surety business within an assigned territory. This role partners closely with agents and internal stakeholders to identify profitable opportunities, provide expert underwriting consultation, and deliver an exceptional agency experience. The position assesses financial analysis, market knowledge, and relationship management skills to drive growth while maintaining portfolio quality and underwriting discipline.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Underwrite new and renewal commercial surety accounts within delegated authority.
• Analyze complex financial statements and organizational structures.
• Develop underwriting strategies to achieve profitable growth objectives.
• Monitor portfolio performance and agency profitability.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to less experienced underwriters.
• Identify trends within the surety marketplace and recommend actions accordingly
• Manage an assigned agency portfolio to achieve growth, retention, and profitability objectives.
• Develop agency business plans and territory strategies.
• Build and strengthen relationships with agency partners through regular virtual and in-person engagement.
• Conduct agency planning meetings and business reviews.
• Represent the company at industry events, association meetings, and agency functions.
• Communicate underwriting appetite, capabilities, and market positioning.
• Significantly contribute to process improvement and technology innovation.
• Keep up to date on current laws, statutes and regulations to assess risk.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications: 

Education:

• Four-year college degree is required.
• Equivalent combinations of education, professional designations, and relevant experience will be considered.
• Obtained or working toward an MBA, AFSB, or CPCU is a plus.

Certifications/Designations:

• Pursuing additional degrees, designations and other course work may be required.

Experience:

• 5 years of commercial surety underwriting experience.
• Experience managing agency relationships and operating within underwriting authority required.

Knowledge, skills & abilities:

• Utilize underwriting, CRM, and workflow management systems effectively.
• Embrace digital tools and data analytics to improve underwriting decisions and agency management.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and automation initiatives
• Serve as a technical resource for underwriting team members.
• Share market intelligence and underwriting best practices across the organization.
• Participate in training and development initiatives.
• Effectively evaluates complex business situations, identifies key risk factors, and applies critical thinking to develop appropriate underwriting solutions.
• Strong analytical and financial assessment skills with the ability to make timely underwriting decisions and negotiate mutually beneficial outcomes with agency partners and clients.
• Builds trusted relationships with agents, customers, and internal partners by delivering responsive service, professional expertise, and a consistently positive customer experience.

Working Conditions:

• This position may be performed remotely within approved U.S. locations. Candidates should be able to effectively manage agency relationships through virtual and in-person interactions. Periodic travel is required for agency visits, conferences, and internal meetings.
• Travel expectations are approximately 10% to 20%, primarily for agency visits, industry meetings, conferences, and team events.

Pay Transparency Statement:

UFG Insurance is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position is $103,221 - $136,105 annually, which represents the typical range for new hires in this role. Individual pay within this range will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, internal equity, geography and market data. 

In addition to base salary, UFG Insurance offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:

• Annual incentive compensation
• Medical, dental, vision & life insurance
• Accident, critical Illness & short-term disability insurance
• Retirement plans with employer contributions
• Generous time-off program
• Programs designed to support the employee well-being and financial security. 

This pay range disclosure is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws.