Underwriting Supervisor in Oriskany, New York at Utica First Insurance Company

Job Summary

The Commercial Lines Underwriting Supervisor is responsible for leading and developing a team of commercial lines underwriters to ensure profitable growth, underwriting discipline, and exceptional service. This role oversees day-to-day underwriting operations, provides technical guidance, ensures compliance with company guidelines, and partners with sales, operations, and leadership to execute underwriting strategy.

Reports To: Manager of Underwriter

Duties/Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise, coach, and mentor a team of commercial lines underwriters across various experience levels
• Set performance expectations, conduct regular one-on-ones, and complete annual performance reviews
• Identify training needs and lead ongoing underwriting education and skill development
• Foster a collaborative, accountability-driven, and service-oriented team culture

Underwriting Oversight

• Review and approve underwriting decisions within assigned authority, including new business, renewals, endorsements, and non-renewals
• Ensure underwriting decisions align with company appetite, pricing adequacy, and risk selection standards
• Monitor compliance with internal underwriting guidelines, regulatory requirements, and audit standards
• Escalate complex, high-risk, or out-of-appetite submissions as appropriate

Operational & Portfolio Management

• Manage workflow to ensure timely turnaround and service level adherence
• Monitor portfolio performance, including loss ratios, premium growth, and retention
• Analyze underwriting data and trends to identify risks, opportunities, and corrective actions
• Partner with underwriting leadership to support profitability, growth, and retention goals

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Marketing, Claims, and Operations to support distribution strategies and customer needs
• Serve as a point of contact for agency relationships related to underwriting questions and escalations
• Support product, pricing, and process improvement initiatives

Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Assist in implementing underwriting strategies, initiatives, and organizational changes
• Participate in system enhancements, automation efforts, and workflow optimization
• Contribute feedback on underwriting guidelines, appetite changes, and market conditions

Competencies & Skills

• Leadership and people development
• Decision-making within authority and accountability
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Organization and time management
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Customer and agency relationship management
• Adaptability in a changing market environment

Technical Skills

• Strong underwriting judgment and analytical skills
• Working knowledge of underwriting systems, rating platforms, and policy administration systems
• Ability to analyze loss data and financial information
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook); experience with reporting tools preferred

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of commercial lines underwriting experience
• 2+ years of underwriting leadership, supervisory, or senior-level underwriting experience
• Broad knowledge of commercial lines products (e.g., BOP, Package, Auto, GL, Property, WC, Umbrella)
• Professional Designations (Preferred) CPCU, ARM, AU, or other relevant insurance designations

Utica First Offers:

• Competitive starting salary
• Medical (first of following month)
• Dental
• Vision
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Company paid LTD
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Matching 401(k) Plan
• Roth 401k Plan
• Bonus program
• Generous Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
• Generous holidays (to include Birthday)
• Business casual environment

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer, both in a home and office environment. The role involves frequent use of a headset, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment. Occasional movement within the office may be required, such as walking to meetings or accessing shared equipment.

Pay Range

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of Utica First’s total compensation package for employees.