Overview

Umialik Insurance Company, a member of the Western National Insurance Group, is looking to add an experienced Commercial Lines Underwriting Leader to our Anchorage team. This position is responsible for developing, recommending, and leading the direction of property-and-casualty underwriting activities.  We are looking for an experienced leader who can manage the commercial underwriting function through profitable growth and staff development.

The hiring range for this role is: $125,000-187,000 annually; however, the base pay offered may vary depending on the job-related knowledge, skills, credentials, and experience of each candidate as well as other factors such as the scope and location of the role. Candidates outside of the range listed above are encouraged to apply and will be considered based upon their individual qualifications and/or may be considered for other positions. This person is expected to be on-site.

Responsibilities

• Selects, coaches, develops, and retains staff to achieve company, departmental and individual goals.
• Develops a commercial lines portfolio underwriting process to ensure profitable premium growth.
• Develops and implements commercial lines underwriting strategies to achieve a balanced and profitable book of business.
• Partners with Product Managers to help identify, assess, and recommend solutions and enhancements for commercial lines products; monitors commercial product performance and pricing.
• Participates in the development of agency review processes, including seizing market opportunities.
• Participates in initiatives to develop and improve processes and policies.
• Networks within the insurance community to stay abreast of marketplace changes and emerging industry issues.
• Sets and executes regional plan for retention, rate, exposure management, and new business commensurate with overall group business plan.
• Motivates staff to drive profitable premium growth to the Company.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of property-and-casualty industry best practices, standard and commercial lines underwriting concepts.
• Able to multitask and solve complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, direct, and develop individuals.
• Prior experience managing teams of insurance professionals.
• Proven ability to use business analytics for strategic planning, development and decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong business relationships.
• Strong negotiations skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency for sound judgment and technical underwriting acumen.
• Proven ability to take initiative and follow through to appropriate conclusion.
• Proven ability to deliver appropriate, constructive feedback when warranted.
• Proven ability to build resilience and engagement with teams and individuals.
• Must be able to work onsite in our Anchorage office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Insurance or Finance or equivalent related experience.
• CPCU, CIC or CRM certification.

CULTURE AND TOTAL REWARDS:

Currently ranked as the 37th largest private company by revenue in Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal), Western National has earned accolades year-over-year as an employer of choice and garnered multiple awards for wellness in the workplace including the Wellness by Design Platinum +Green award from Hennepin County and is a mspWellness Champion. Western National was also named a Star Tribune Top Workplace in 2021 and 2022. The company is also consistently recognized as a Ward’s 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results.

Western National has long been known as “The Relationship Company®,” and caring for our employees is a part of that relationship commitment. Western National values connectiveness, empowerment, and accountability.  Western National offers competitive pay, advancement opportunities, a generous benefits package, a robust wellbeing program, and a commitment to a healthy work/life balance. These attributes are just some of the reasons why nearly half of our employees choose to stay on the Western National team for ten years or more!

Western National offers full time employees a significant Total Rewards Package, including:

• Medical insurance Plan options
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Flex Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Plan (plus company match)
• Wellbeing Program
• Onsite Fitness Studio
• Paid volunteer time
• Time Off – including vacation and holiday pay
• 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk & Insurance Education)
• Discounts on personal auto and homeowner's insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Bonus Incentive Plan
• Other standard employee benefits – including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more.

Western National believes in supporting balance between work and life by providing a flexible work environment, which may include a combination of in-office and work from home designed to balance individual, job, department, and company needs.

Western National provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.