Commercial Underwriting Specialist

Berkley Agribusiness works with ambitious agribusiness and food industry clients to help them own their futures. Our culture is built on the belief that everyone has the power to create the future they deserve. Every Berkley Agribusiness team member must have the courage to challenge the status quo collaboratively working with our clients to find creative property and casualty insurance solutions that drive them to succeed. We depend on our ability to listen to our clients and our experience to help them make fact-based decisions that help their businesses thrive.

Berkley Agribusiness is part of the W. R. Berkley Corporation (WRBC). Founded in 1967 WRBC is one of the nations premier commercial lines property casualty insurance providers. WRBCs international business operates in selected regions throughout the world including Europe South America Australia and Asia.

This position is based in our Urbandale IA office which offers a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in the office; and 1 day remote where it makes sense to do so.

For the right candidate we would be open to a remote opportunity outside of Urbandale IA.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. #LI-hybrid #LI-LD1 #LI-remote

As an Underwriting Specialist you will accept retain and price Commercial Agribusiness insurance risks of significant size or technical complexity in accordance with established underwriting guidelines and within delegated authority level. Youll manage a book of business to achieve profitable growth objectives by properly classifying and pricing risks; build strong internal and external business relationships; analyze competitive marketing data and develop implement and monitor action plans as appropriate. Additionally you will serves as the point of contact for assigned agencies and be responsible for the agency relationship. Lastly you will serve as a technical underwriting resource to staff as well as advocating for innovation including use of AI tools where appropriate.

What you can expect:

• Culture of innovation teamwork supportive colleagues and leaders willing to invest in talent.
• Internal mobility opportunities - be a key part of the succession plan.
• Visibility to senior leaders and partnership with cross functional teams.
• Opportunity to impact change.
• Benefits competitive compensation paid time off comprehensive wellness benefits and programs employer funded health savings account profit sharing 401k paid parental leave employee stock purchase plan tuition assistance and professional continuing education.

Well count on you to:

• Assess new commercial agribusiness insurance risks and determine accurate classification of business policy contract forms and pricing of risk. Work within broad limits and authority on commercial underwriting accounts of significant size or high technical complexity. Evaluate property (COPE) information liability exposures fleet and safety programs loss history financial reports risk control reports etc. Accept and price risk in accordance with established underwriting guidelines and within delegated authority level.

• Review renewal accounts by examining business operations classification contract forms and loss activity. Determine price in accordance with established underwriting guidelines and within delegated authority level.

• Develop expand and/or enhances agency relationships to promote profitability and growth of new business and the retention of existing business. Travel and meet with agents and customers to enhance business relationships. Educate agency staff on pricing product set and risk selection philosophy. Participate in the agency management process. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of agencies and assist them in achieving the mutual goal of sustained profitable growth.

• Serve as a technical underwriting resource to underwriting staff and agents regarding products coverages and rating procedures. Provides professional development knowledge and guidance to Senior Underwriters Underwriters Underwriting Assistants and other functional areas.

• Identify and handle accounts that require placement of facultative reinsurance and facilitates placement through W.R. Berkley Corporation approved markets.

• Analyze agency results competitive marketing data and operating environment of territory/agency. Stay current on relevant insurance industry trends and issues.

• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What you need to have:

• Bachelors degree; 5 years commercial agribusiness underwriting experience.
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of commercial agribusiness underwriting guidelines insurance forms and coverages and a proven ability to exercise good judgment and creativity when assessing and accepting large and/or technically complex commercial risks.
• Ability to travel as needed; effectively and professionally respond to inquiries from external customers; organize prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment; communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Possess strong customer orientation; problem analysis and problem resolution skills; and effective interpersonal and communication skills including presentation skills.
• Regularly and consistently demonstrates commitment to company values and guiding principles.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word Excel PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Completion of or working toward AU CPCU or similar designation preferred.