Commercial Lines Market Facing Underwriter

Today, NJM Insurance Group, is a leading mid-sized U.S. property and casualty insurance company with 90 consecutive years of A+ financial strength ratings by AM BEST. Due to exceptional employee experience, NJM has been included on the latest Forbes List of Best Employers in New Jersey for the fourth year in a row. The NJM reputation for being a top provider of outstanding customer service was reaffirmed by the most recent J.D. Power Auto Insurance Claims Survey.

Over the last five years, the Company has focused on a strategic plan that calls for it to become a regional property & casualty insurer and has transitioned away from its affinity-based membership model. To that end, the Company has added an independent agency model for new lines of middle and large commercial and has more than doubled its product offerings. NJM now offers its various products to businesses across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Delaware, and Connecticut.

NJM’s Commercial Lines department conducts business for policyholders and preferred agencies within the Mid-Atlantic region, specifically NJ, PA, NY, MD, DE, CT. Products include Commercial Auto, G/L, Workers Comp, BOP, Excess/Umbrella, and Package. The Commercial Lines function encompasses Underwriting, Sales, Operations, Premium Audit, Product Management, Product Development, Loss Prevention and Business Process Unit.

Underwriting responsibilities include evaluating, accepting, rejecting or modifying Commercial accounts within established underwriting guidelines.

For the benefit of NJM’s Commercial Lines policyholders and brokers, the CL Senior Technical Representative (official NJM title) is responsible for new and renewal Commercial Lines underwriting decision making, as well as authorizing mid-term changes.  Responsible for corresponding with customers regarding complex policy inquiries and any additional information needed.  Work must be completed within the department’s established guidelines for time and quality of work.  Lead in developing and training newer underwriters, as well as developing training materials for cross training in multiple lines of business. 

The CL Senior Technical Representative will act as a point person in initiating and maintaining a good relationship with brokers directly to foster future broker engagement.  They will be responsible for handling the highest volume and complex assignment of accounts based on brokers, policies, account premium, products and/or jurisdictions.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, self-directed individual with an entrepreneurial mindset.  This position requires regular agency visitation within the Rocky Hill, CT area (2 - 3 visits weekly average) once the training period is complete.  Time management and organizational skills (AKA desk management) are also keys for success in this role.

Vehicle mileage reimbursement (at the prevailing IRS rate) and travel expense reimbursement are provided.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Essential functions of this job are listed below in order of priority. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential duties. Regular and predictable onsite attendance is an essential function of the job.

• • Assignment of an agency partner group to help develop Commercial Lines new business opportunities, including Commercial Package, Workers Compensation, Auto and Umbrella.
  • Identify and capture new business opportunities using consultative marketing and sales skills.
  • Manage the profitability and growth of an assigned book of business.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with producers and customers to understand their needs and sell products that respond to their needs.
  • Partner with the Commercial Sales Team in exceeding NJM’s business growth, profitability, and retention targets.
  • Negotiate renewal terms.
  • Comply with all legal and regulatory requirements to ensure obligations are met.
  • Stay abreast of all rate, forms and coverage changes for all commercial lines and jurisdictions, as well as CL strategic initiatives.
  • Proactively take lead in mentoring, training, and development of existing underwriting staff.
  • Participate in department projects and perform other duties as assigned. 
  • Provide expert underwriter testimony on disputed coverage and premium cases as needed.
  • Communicate regularly with policyholders and agents on accounts.
  • Collaborate with Claims and Special Investigation Unit regarding possible fraud cases.

Required Qualifications: Knowledge, skills & abilities, experience, minimum & desired education, certification and/or license requirements.

• • Property & Casualty Agent/Producer License is required or must be willing to obtain after hire.
  • Middle or Large Market experience is required.
  • Has a minimum of 6-8 years’ experience underwriting commercial lines accounts.
  • Extensive knowledge of Commercial Multi-line underwriting with a strong focus and thorough knowledge of Workers Compensation, Property and General Liability assessment, controls, rules, guidelines, pricing, rating and coverage.
  • Umbrella underwriting experience required
  • Working knowledge of Facultative Reinsurance, as well as loss sensitive plans such as Retrospective Rating and Large Deductible.
  • Ability to analyze and resolve complex risks, review coverage requests and independently make risk decisions and recommendations based on company appetite, guidelines, risk characteristics and levels of authority. Refers risks as required for additional review.
  • Maintains thorough knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and governance, target industry and class trends, emerging market needs, issues, and competition as it relates to Commercial Lines.
  • May support related product development ideas and intelligence.
  • Experience developing broker relationships and profitable book of business for assigned agency partners.
  • Service-oriented self-starter possessing an excellent professional demeanor. Accountable for accurate and timely work products.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, problem solving and team building skills. Ability to work with sales, loss prevention, premium audit, product development staff and the broker community.
  • High level of motivation: self-starter, ability to quickly organize materials, prioritize and coordinate tasks.
  • Must be detail oriented to ensure accuracy and quality of underwriting development.
  • Strong analytical skills and ability to multi-task.
  • Must possess valid driver’s license and vehicle.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • High School Diploma/GED Required
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned territory and surrounding areas several times per week.
• Travel to our headquarters in West Trenton for Staff meetings and events on a quarterly basis – at a minimum.  

 Preferred Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
  • Completion of general insurance courses such as CPCU, AU, ARM or CIC are a plus.
  • Experience utilizing an automated insurance processing system preferred
  • Knowledge of Guidewire is a plus

Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials.

Eligible full-time employees receive a competitive Total Rewards package, including but not limited to a 401(k) with employer match up to 8% and additional service-based contributions, Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, Life and Disability coverage, generous PTO, Paid Sick Leave, and paid parental leave in addition to state-mandated leave. Employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.

Legal Disclaimer: NJM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, retaining and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that is fully representative of the diversity that exists in the communities in which we do business.