Manager, Underwriting | Small Business

Manager, Underwriting | Small Business

Lead. Develop. Drive Results.

Are you an experienced underwriting leader who thrives on developing people, building agency relationships, and driving profitable growth? Great West is seeking a Manager, Underwriting to lead our Small Business Underwriting team.

In this role, you'll provide leadership, coaching, and direction to a team of underwriters while ensuring underwriting quality, profitability, and exceptional customer service. You'll play a key role in developing talent, partnering with agents, and supporting strategic business objectives through sound underwriting practices and effective team leadership.

If you're passionate about mentoring others, making informed business decisions, and helping teams achieve results, we'd like to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team

• Provide coaching, mentoring, and performance management for assigned underwriters.
• Establish goals, expectations, and development plans that drive individual and team success.
• Conduct file reviews and audits to ensure underwriting quality, consistency, and compliance.
• Monitor team performance metrics and implement corrective action when necessary.
• Create a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training team members.

Drive Underwriting Excellence

• Review underwriting performance, loss trends, pricing adequacy, and portfolio results.
• Provide underwriting guidance and approvals within established authority limits.
• Partner with internal departments including Claims, Risk Control, and Marketing to support business objectives.
• Identify underwriting trends, troubleshoot challenges, and implement process improvements.

Build Strong Agency Partnerships

• Serve as a trusted partner to agents and insureds.
• Assist with agency marketing efforts, training opportunities, and business development initiatives.
• Collaborate with Marketing Representatives to strengthen agency relationships and support profitable growth.
• Travel to agency locations as needed to support training, account management, and business development efforts.

Support Business Operations

• Answer questions related to policy coverage, billing, and underwriting issues.
• Participate in departmental meetings and strategic initiatives.
• Provide underwriting support and backup assistance when necessary.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and related professional experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of insurance industry experience, preferably in underwriting or marketing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance license.
• Strong understanding of commercial insurance underwriting principles.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous leadership or management experience.
• Insurance-related coursework, professional designations, or advanced degree.
• Experience managing underwriting portfolios and agency relationships.
• Knowledge of complex commercial insurance programs, loss-sensitive products, and transportation-related exposures.

What Makes You Successful

• Strong leadership and coaching abilities.
• Commitment to developing people and fostering team success.
• Ability to make sound business decisions and take ownership of outcomes.
• Confidence in resolving conflict and navigating challenging conversations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent relationship-building and negotiation capabilities.
• Adaptability and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• A customer-focused mindset and commitment to service excellence.

Why Great West?

At Great West, an Old Republic Company you'll join an organization that values integrity, accountability, innovation, and teamwork. We are committed to developing our employees, supporting professional growth, and providing opportunities to make a meaningful impact on our business and customers.

If you're ready to lead a talented underwriting team and help drive the continued success of our Small Business operation, apply today.

Great West Casualty Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.