Senior Commercial Insurance Underwriting Specialist (SBDS) - Grand Rapids to Mid- Michigan Market

SUMMARY

The Senior Commercial Insurance Field Underwriting Specialist (internal title: Senior Business Development Specialist) drives profitable growth, retention, and agency engagement for Accident Fund Commercial Markets Small Business across Western to Mid-Michigan. This field-based role develops and manages independent agency relationships, evaluates and underwrites complex commercial insurance risks within assigned authority, and identifies new business opportunities. Working closely with internal partners, the specialist delivers responsive solutions, supports territory strategy, and serves as a key market representative through regular agency visits and business development activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

- Evaluates prospective and existing accounts for eligibility, insurability, exposure, and pricing; prepares quotations and accepts or declines business within assigned underwriting authority and corporate guidelines.
- Underwrites new business, renewals, and endorsements to support profitable growth and retention within the assigned territory or region.
- Develops and manages agency relationships, creates agency plans in partnership with internal teams, and addresses agent and policyholder needs.
- Communicates the value and benefits of commercial insurance products and services to agents, policyholders, and prospective customers.
- Analyzes production, loss trends, and territory performance; develops corrective action plans and prepares reports as needed.
- Partners with internal departments to resolve issues, coordinate responses to agents, policyholders, and regulatory entities, and maintain strong business relationships.
- Appoints and trains new agents and agency employees on company systems, products, processes, and services.
- Participates in promotional plans, trade associations, exhibits, and other market activities that support company and agency growth.
- Gathers and shares competitive, market, and product intelligence from the field.
- Conducts agency audits and supports special committees, task forces, and projects as assigned.
- Provides training, technical guidance, and mentorship to team members, business development staff, business units, agents, and policyholders.
- Serves as a technical resource for the assigned territory or region and supports the Regional Manager as needed.

This position description identifies the responsibilities and tasks typically associated with the performance of the position. Other relevant essential functions may be required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Relevant combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, insurance or related field. MBA or other advanced degree is preferred.
- Industry related designations or certification, or progress toward, highly preferred and encouraged.
- Seven (7) years of experience in an insurance organization with demonstrated technical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: underwriting, marketing, loss prevention, auditing or similar knowledge that provide the necessary skills and abilities.
- Continuous learning required, as defined by the Company’s learning philosophy.
- Commercial insurance experience required.
- Management experience preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

- Demonstrated superior judgment and analytical ability to evaluate commercial insurance risks, determine appropriate pricing, and accept or reject business in accordance with corporate underwriting guidelines.
- Extensive knowledge of commercial insurance laws, regulatory requirements, industry trends, underwriting techniques, and their business impact.
- Ability to research commercial insurance laws, regulations, and issues and provide sound guidance to others.
- Strong knowledge of departmental procedures, processes, workflows, insurance operations, and state jurisdictional requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze territory or regional performance, identify trends, and implement corrective actions aligned with business strategy.
- Demonstrated expertise in assigned territories, market segments, risk management techniques, and new business acquisition and renewal retention strategies.
- Ability to understand customer and business needs and develop pricing, service, processes, and procedures that support business strategies and enterprise profitability goals.
- In-depth knowledge of rating plans and pricing mechanisms, including retrospective rating, retention plans, and large deductibles.
- Knowledge of claims and loss control concepts, including allocated loss adjustment expense treatment and market differentiators.
- Ability to communicate the carrier’s value proposition and formally present programs and concepts to senior contacts at agencies, brokerages, and risk management customers.
- Demonstrated leadership ability, including taking a lead role, training, mentoring, and providing technical guidance to others.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a virtual office setting (home based) with no unusual hazards. Travel is required with occasional overnight stays. Must possess a valid driver's license with a record that meets corporate standards.

Pay Range

Actual compensation decision relies on the consideration of internal equity, candidate’s skills and professional experience, geographic location, market and other potential factors. It is not standard practice for an offer to be at or near the top of the range, and therefore a reasonable estimate for this role is between $107,000 and $179,300.

The qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum education, experience, skills, knowledge and ability levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form. Candidates for the position stated above are hired on an "at will" basis. Nothing herein is intended to create a contract.

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