Who are we?

Western National Insurance Group is a private mutual insurance company with over 120 years of experience serving policyholders' property-and-casualty insurance needs in the Midwestern, Northwestern, and Southwestern United States. Known as “The Relationship Company®,” we have always defined success as a measure of the relationships we’ve built over time. In everything that we do, we know that delivering a friendly and helpful interaction makes for a better experience for everyone involved. That’s the power of “nice”. At Western National, nice is something we work to bring to every person and organization with whom we partner and serve.

Does this opportunity interest you?

Umialik Insurance Company, a member of the Western National Insurance Group, is seeking an Underwriter to join our team!

We are seeking a candidate that will develop a book of business by writing and retaining commercial lines accounts through assigned agencies. In this role a candidate will review, classify, evaluate, and price business within an established level of authority.

This role:

• Develops a commercial lines book of business with assigned agencies.
• Uses established practices, processes, procedures, and underwriting authority level to analyze the operations and exposures of different types of risks to write, renew, or modify business.
• Uses research and analysis to develop practical underwriting solutions which are consistent with organizational objectives.
• Assesses risk and exposures on new and existing business to identify opportunities to maximize assigned territory loss ratio and growth objectives.
• Meets business goals through new business growth, renewal retention, and overall profitability for assigned agencies.
• Travels to assigned agencies to promote commercial lines products, build agency partnerships, and promote higher agency ranking position.
• Understands commercial lines rating methodology and coverages.
• Understands the commercial lines insurance marketplace and emerging industry issues.

Decision Making/Authority Level

• Identifies and analyzes medium-complexity accounts and makes sound underwriting decisions.
• Typically makes decisions independently.
• Executes policies and procedures within assigned authority level. Makes decision recommendations to Team Lead when authority level is to be exceeded.

Problem Solving/Critical Thinking

• Applies knowledge to help solve problems of medium scope and complexity.
• Recommends solutions when outside of authority level.

Customers/Contacts

• Contacts other departments and/or external organizations or parties frequently.
• Communication includes persuasion and negotiation, involving creation and delivery of varying messages and information types.
• Builds and maintains strong agency relationships.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.

What is a must have?

• A strong understanding of industry practices, standards, and underwriting concepts.
• Ability to multitask and solve problems.
• Proficient oral and written communication skills.

Critical Skills

• Strong negotiation and relationship building skills.
• Analytical with ability to exercise sound business judgment.
• Strong time management skills.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in insurance or finance or equivalent related experience.
• Working toward CPCU, AU, or CIC certification.

Technical Skills

• Intermediate with working in Word/Excel programs.
• Basic/intermediate skills working with ImageRight.

Compensation overview

The full hiring range for this role is $64,500 – $96,800. 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 looking for compensation outside of the posted range are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on their individual qualifications and/or may be considered for other positions.

Culture and Total Rewards

Western National has long been known as “The Relationship Company®” and caring for our employees is part of that relationship commitment. We value connectiveness, empowerment, and accountability, and we believe that our employees are our biggest assets. Nearly half of our employees choose to stay at Western National for ten years or more!

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. Western National was also named a Star Tribune Top Workplace in 2021 and 2022. The Group is consistently recognized as a Ward’s 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results.

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

• Medical insurance Plan options and other standard employee benefits, including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more!
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flex Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Plan (plus company match)
• Wellbeing Program, including onsite fitness studio
• Time Off – including vacation, volunteer, and holiday pay
• 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk & Insurance Education)
• Paid parental leave
• Bonus opportunities

Western National believes in supporting balance between work and life by providing a flexible work environment, with includes a variety of hybrid and remote work arrangements designed to balance individual, job, department, and company needs.

Western National provides 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.

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