Commercial Underwriter (Tampa, Florida)

Overview: 

If you're looking for the stability of a profitable, growing company with the entrepreneurial spirit of a startup, we’re hiring. SageSure, a leader in catastrophe-exposed property insurance, is seeking a Commercial Underwriter will be responsible for analyzing property risk exposures and make data-driven decisions to select and price commercial residential property policies by working closely with brokers and agents to provide comprehensive insurance solutions to our clients that adhere to company standards and guidelines as established and modified from time to time.  

This role will be onsite for a minimum of 3 days a week in our Tampa, FL office.  

What you’d be doing: 

• Evaluate submissions received from producers for completeness and accuracy, including ensuring the data provided is the most current available. 
• Collaborate with agents, brokers, and other underwriters to develop appropriate coverage and pricing for each policy, including understanding current placement and desired terms and conditions for submissions as received. 
• Conduct individual risk assessments per company-established guidelines and pricing parameters, communicate regularly with producer regarding submission status, and explain underwriting requirements and philosophy.  
• Review and approve or deny policy applications and endorsements within assigned authority. 
• Conduct and update renewal policies in advance of regulatory notice periods to determine desire to offer renewal or non-renew the risk based on current risk characteristics and loss experience.  
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of underwriting decisions and risk assessments. 
• Continually evaluate portfolio of policies accepted and work with other departments to ensure the book of business is optimized in accordance with company-established parameters and guidelines. Conduct numerical analysis and make recommendations on exposure management issues. 
• Maintain market currency by continually seeking information regarding competitor actions, placements, and activities. Report and update other departments (e.g., Marketing, Claims, etc.) of opportunities or threats based on these findings.  
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and other industry professionals to expand our network and ensure a positive customer experience.  
• Provide guidance and support to less experienced underwriters and participate in training and development programs.  
• Execute underwriting project research to develop and improve underwriting policies, practices, procedures, workflows, and systems. Coordinate with other departments as needed.  
• Aid with developing business requirements and performing user acceptance testing in support of system initiatives.  
• Conduct policy audits, ensuring compliance with underwriting rules, policies, practices, procedures, and all laws and regulations. 
• Provide underwriting and technical training to other departments. 
• May perform other related duties and special projects as assigned or requested. 

We’re looking for someone who has: 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.
• At least 2 years’ experience in property and casualty underwriting.
• Strong knowledge of commercial business owners’ coverage, property risk exposures, underwriting procedures, and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate risk eligibility, review loss experience, interpret property inspection reports, and make sound risk-based decisions.
• Familiarity with catastrophe modeling, commercial residential construction types, and exposure management.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain producer and customer relationships.
• Proficiency with insurance software, MS Office Suite, and tools for managing data and underwriting workflows.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with minimal supervision.
• Experience mentoring and providing training to less experienced team members and contributing to improving underwriting practices.
• Knowledge of market conditions, competitor actions, and the ability to adjust strategies in response to evolving market trends.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make informed, calculated risk decisions and solve complex underwriting issues.

Highly preferred candidates also have: 

• Advanced insurance industry designations such as CPCU, CIC, or ARM.
• Experience with commercial residential construction types and understanding of coastal state insurance markets.
• Demonstrated ability to recommend innovations or new product offerings based on market trends.