Underwriting Specialist, Primary Casualty in Chicago, Illinois at IFG Companies

POSITION SUMMARY

The Underwriting Specialist, Primary Casualty ("UWS") reviews and analyzes new business, renewal submissions and mid-term endorsement requests to determine acceptability for quoting/binding within their granted Letter of Authority and established underwriting unit guidelines. The Underwriting Specialist is responsible for growing and maintaining a profitable book of business through careful risk selection and alignment with IFG risk appetite and target book mix objectives. All IFG underwriters must demonstrate discipline with respect to risk classification, rate management, terms and conditions as well as compliance standards across their entire book of business. The UWS must also closely manage their production metrics and maintain high standards of service and responsiveness to assigned agents and/or brokers.

This position plays a pivotal role in driving profitable growth, ensuring our offerings remain competitive and compelling to customers while maintaining underwriting discipline. The Underwriting Specialist will serve as the critical link between underwriting strategy and sales execution. The UWS will be the team’s coverage, industry sector or class of business subject matter expert. Expanded responsibilities include contributing to strategic initiatives, authoring white papers and designing and delivering employee training programs. The UWS will partner with the actuarial, product development, claims and operations teams to evaluate risk, set appropriate pricing and ensure alignment with underwriting guidelines. The UWS’ insights will help shape offers that are both market relevant and financially sound.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDING

• Effectively contributing to the implementation of underwriting strategies such as pricing models and solutions including product development, underwriting tools and process enhancements for a defined portfolio.
• Monitoring underwriting strategy relating to performance metrics, data and actionable insights.
• Providing technical underwriting expertise and resolving technical problems by referring to established policies and procedures.
• Operating within established IFG Companies’ risk appetite and underwriting governance policies, ensuring all decisions align with regulatory and internal standards.
• Supporting the creation and refinement of technical underwriting guidelines and best practices to enhance consistency and quality.
• Developing and maintaining strong relationships with assigned agents/brokers through regular communication, problem resolution and clear explanation of underwriting policies while effectively writing and retaining accounts.
• Visiting agencies and brokers as needed, with travel up to 25% of the time. Participating in agency training and educational initiatives to strengthen partnerships.
• Performing other duties, as required.

For New Business:

• Selecting, pricing, classifying and determining program structure and coverage terms for individual risks in accordance with line-specific guidelines, strategies and underwriting philosophies.
• Monitoring key performance metrics to meet individual and business unit goals.
• Applying customized underwriting strategies to optimize long-term profitability, including pricing, retention, endorsements, limits, defense strategies, coverage triggers, indemnity structures and security requirements.
• Meeting producer and marketing goals while maintaining underwriting integrity and overall profitability of the product line.
• Developing agency sales/business plans and frequently partnering with the Regional Manager to shape region/group sales strategies for profitable growth.
• Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with brokers, providing education on IFG product offerings and promoting the IFG brand.
• Supporting marketing efforts by offering insights into competitor activity, product trends and broader market dynamics.
• Working with the Regional Vice President to establish procedures and processes where necessary to ensure timely service and create efficiencies.
• Staying informed on industry trends, emerging liabilities and developments impacting the primary casualty business.
• Collaborating with team members and colleagues across IFG to achieve service, technology and workflow objectives.
• Working with less experienced underwriters to develop and provide guidance.
• Attending industry conferences and events as required.
  

For Renewal Business:

• Evaluating individual renewal risks within established processes to determine appropriate pricing and coverage actions, in alignment with company guidelines and underwriting philosophy.
• Ensuring producers clearly understand the Business Unit (Line of Coverage) objectives and coverage trends/issues related to the renewal portfolio. Supporting overall communication regarding unit product offerings and risk appetite.
• Collaborating with the Business Unit Production staff to ensure consistent producer experience is achieved across all transactions within the Business Unit.
• Ensuring premium audits are reviewed promptly to determine if any potential actions may be required based on changes in operations or exposures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong working knowledge of Primary Casualty lines of business, classification, pricing and coverage options.
• Thorough knowledge of sound underwriting principles, policies, procedures and controls.
• Working knowledge of and contacts within the wholesale agency distribution system strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and analyze data and make informed, calculated risk decisions.
• Strong computer skills (Excel, Word and SharePoint), with demonstrated ability to produce highly accurate work.
• Strong problem-solving, reasoning and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks while meeting established goals and deadlines.
• Ability to demonstrate planning and organizational skills.
• Proven team player with a positive attitude.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Required: a bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college/university with a major or coursework in insurance or related fields.
• Required: at least 10 years of experience underwriting commercial general liability insurance.
• Required: established wholesale producer contacts and relationships.
• Preferred: CPCU designation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Position is hybrid and requires the ability and the willingness to work in an IFG Companies office at least three (3) days per week if residing within a one-hour commuting distance.
• Physical demands are considered those of a climate-controlled office environment with minimal physical exertion.
• Position requires prolonged sitting, extensive utilization of computers and interactions with others in person and via phone.
• Position requires the ability and the willingness to travel when required to meet business needs.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $200,000. Additionally, the position may be eligible to earn incentive compensation.

IFG Companies offers competitive compensation and benefits, currently including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), flexible spending, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, vacation and other paid time off.

WHY IFG COMPANIES

Founded in 1985, IFG Companies is one of the oldest privately held insurance groups in the United States. It combines a specialty carrier focus with long-term stability and thinking, while promoting a culture of underwriting rigor, collaboration, strategic thinking, superior technology and strong producer partnerships.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

IFG Companies is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.