Senior Commercial P&C Underwriter

Introduction

At Zenith Agribusiness Solutions (ZAS), we specialize in providing P&C insurance products and services to California agricultural businesses. From dairies to berries, from almonds to wine, from vegetables to cattle ranches, we recognize the importance of agriculture and the effort it takes to compete in the global agriculture industry. That's why we employ talented insurance professionals who are eager to get to know our policyholders, understand their operations, and help protect their businesses. Values such as collaboration, work-life balance, and integrity are placed at the center of all our operations. In addition, ZAS supports career advancement through a dedication to ongoing learning and development.

Overview

Solicit, underwrite, and price Commercial business consistent with the Company's Underwriting Philosophy.

Responsibilities

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manages an assigned book of Agencies including assisting in development and management of agency business plan.
• Operates with increased independence, such as taking a lead role in development of agency business plans.
• Expected to be regarded as a commercial insurance expert by assigned agencies.
• Coordinates account activity across departments for assigned book.
• Manages significant volume of large and complex commercial P&C accounts in a fast-paced environment.
• Manages book of individual accounts and maintains pricing discipline regardless of market pressures.
• Develops relationships with agents & brokers through telephone interactions and perform external marketing activities (Agency calls, Agency meetings, Point of Sale meetings, etc) clearly articulating and selling the Zenith difference as needed.
• Takes an active lead role in face-to-face meetings with agencies.
• Coordinates growth of major producers with marketing department.
• Handles major accounts as part of underwriting territory, with majority of book being large and complex accounts.
• Manages underwriting territory. Knows and analyzes profitable producers. Selects new business with producer awareness, utilizing this information in underwriting and pricing. Is aware of company goals and trends and builds territory accordingly.
• Engages with product team to support development of products, rates or rules.
• Assists in the development and coaching of support and professional staff.
• May lead training courses for support and professional personnel.
• Engages in company or industry training and report learnings to underwriting team. Presents decision to management and producer clearly and concisely.
• Provides necessary training to others in branch at direction of Underwriting Manager.
• Independently negotiates and secures facultative reinsurance on accounts with property exposures exceeding Zenith's reinsurance treaty.
• Independently negotiates and secures Equipment Breakdown reinsurance on accounts that exceed Zenith's in-house letter of authority.
• Understands and effectively utilizes judgement rating for property exposures.
• Work requires independence within assigned Letter of Authority; however it is expected that one will seek guidance on any problems or issues.
• Presents thought process so that underwriting conclusions are a logical result. Presents flexibility within parameters of underwriting criteria.
• Identifies priorities; utilizes whatever time is necessary to accomplish major priorities. Handles pressures of everyday business decisions. Responds with tact and clarity to all concerned with territory management.
• Provides direction to Underwriting Assistants or Associate Underwriter.
• Applies principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Works productively and harmoniously with others on a consistent basis.
• Responds positively to direction and feedback on performance.
• Consistently maintains professional and appropriate demeanor.
• Performs other duties/projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of training/experience required.
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of training/experience required.

Work Experience

• 4+ years multi-line P&C underwriting experience required
• Commercial insurance experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of P&C policy and underwriting rules.
• Understanding of Zenith's underwriting philosophy a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required (including ability to discern when to use telephone, email, or more formal means of communication).
• Demonstrated presentation and negotiation skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to present persuasive verbal or written argument of all constituents (agent, peer, insured).
• Strong math and reading skills required.
• Computer literacy required.
• Valid Driver License in good standing.
• Periodic overnight travel may be required.
• Strong understanding of Farm and Commercial P&C products, including Farmowners, General Liability, Commercial Property, Commercial Auto and Commercial Umbrella lines of business.
• Demonstrated creativity and problem-solving.

Pay, Benefits, and Other Information

The expected salary range for this position is $108,765.59 - $135,956.98. Actual pay will be adjusted based on experience, geographic location, and other job-related factors as permitted by law.

Qualifications may warrant placement in a different job level.Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D and Disability Insurance
• 401(k), Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Education and Training Reimbursement
• Paid Leave: 3 weeks/year Vacation, 2 weeks/year Sick Leave
• 10 paid Company Holidays, 2 Personal Days, 2 Floating Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• For more information, review details on the Benefits page of our Career Site:

Zenith typically posts jobs for a minimum of 8 to 14 calendar days. If you are interested in any of our open positions, we encourage you to submit your application promptly.Zenith Insurance Company is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. In compliance with California law, we are committed to fair hiring practices. Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act (AB 1008), we will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the law. Additionally, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, we will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional offer of employment has been made.If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and need assistance accessing our career center or applying for a position due to your disability, you are entitled to request an accommodation. To make a request, please contact a Human resources representative at Zenith Insurance Company.#LI-EF1#LI-Hybrid