Renewal Underwriter

The major fuctions of this position are focused on supporting Grand River Account Executives, Production Underwriters, and Grand River agencies with the underwriting, pricing, file documentation, and policy processing & servicing across all lines of small commercial business for delegated renewal accounts across multiple territories and states.

In addition to handling assigned renewals with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness, the position entails responsibility for the effective administration of the routine, associated policy transactions (including endorsements, audits, cancellations, billing, reinstatements, WC premium audits) for all assigned renewal accounts.  

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Will engage and interface with Grand River agencies and internal staff with daily routine email and telephone communications attendant with the handling of the delegated book of renewal accounts.
• In harmony with Grand River’s business plans, will support the achievement of targeted annual financial objectives for renewal retention, loss ratio, commission ratio, and rate management.
• Within delegated Grant of Authority, responsible for risk selection, rating, and pricing of commercial lines accounts across all lines of business within delegated pool of renewals. This includes negotiation of renewal pricing, and completion of the Risk Analysis Worksheet and all associated underwriting documentation required for an account (including but not limited to ordering MVR reports, loss control inspections, and Workers Compensation premium audits). Accounts and underwriting matters outside the delegated Grant of Authority will be referred to the Renewal Underwriting Team Lead.
• Identify account rounding opportunities and work with agency partners to add supporting policies to existing accounts.
• Meet or exceed service goals as determined by territory assignment(s).
• Will routinely confer with Account Executives and Production Underwriters on sensitive underwriting matters that may have material impact on agency relationships.
• Projects a very positive, professional and favorable brand image to agents and customers.
• Develops and maintains effective and efficient relations within the distribution network and creates a strong, loyal agency following that positions the Grand River brand as the easy-to-do business with and preferred placement facility for agents.
• In conjunction with the Account Executives and Production Underwriters, will assist with the execution of defined underwriting, agency management, and product marketing strategies.
• Knowledge of the independent agency system is required; understands and participates in the execution of the strategic and tactical elements of Grand River’s agency distribution operating plans.
• Through ongoing professional development, maintains a high level of interpersonal skills and technical expertise across all systems and designated lines of business.
• Acts as dynamic liaison with Audit, Accounting, Claims, and outside service vendors to ensure effective integration of service leading to a superior customer experience.  
• Performs other miscellaneous tasks, projects, and duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/CORE COMPETENCIES

• Four-year college degree or equivalent experience required.
• AU professional industry designation very highly preferred. Continuing professional development (in programs such as CPCU, ARM, CIC, etc.) is expected for growth in the role.
• At least 3+ years of multi-line commercial lines underwriting experience with an insurance carrier is required. Prior agency experience is a plus.   Mastery of fundamental underwriting principles and basic commercial insurance coverage and rating knowledge is required.  
• Consistent with Company culture, projects a high degree of maturity and self-management with unimpeachable business ethics and personal integrity.
• Must be able to comprehend and effectively leverage the underwriting process in support of the Company risk appetite and underwriting philosophy.
• Must possess superior desk management skills and be highly-organized in order to effectively multi-task while prioritizing and handling a very high volume of diverse policy transactions.
• Demonstrates a high level of customer responsiveness, and exude a self-starting, high-energy, “can-do” positive attitude with a rolled-up-shirtsleeves work ethic.
• Must possess high professional standards with a bent for innovation. Consistently seeks out new or better methods in process improvement & workflows.   
• An effective change agent, will constructively speak out against the status quo when appropriate.
• Must be comfortable and self-directed to work independently in a remote, virtual office environment.
• Requires general knowledge of computer operating systems; knowledge of Microsoft Office software (OUTLOOK, WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT) and Office 365 highly desirable.
• Nominal travel will be expected for this position, generally limited to infrequent Company and industry functions, as well as agency visits with Account Executives and Production Underwriters.
• Valid driver’s license is required.

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