Sr Consultant, Program Underwriting - E&S / Specialty

Sr Consultant, Program Underwriting - E&S / Specialty

If you're passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide's Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide, "on your side" goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we're looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

This posting is for the Property & Ocean Marine vertical for Programs.

Are you a problem solver who can analyze complex risk and find insurance solutions that balance customer needs with business goals? If you can take initiative, use both your analytical and creative abilities to make sound decisions and have a desire to help people solve real challenges, we want to know more about you! As a Sr Consultant, you will act as a high level individual contributor subject matter expert within the business unit. You will direct the rates and form filings development process. You'll develop and implement region or channel strategic program plans and objectives. You'll be responsible for ensuring account authorizations meet region or channel program strategies. In order to be successful, you will need to build and maintain strong effective relationships with internal business liaisons, external program managers, and other key partners. You'll be responsible for guiding, training and mentoring underwriting team members.

Key Responsibilities :

• High level individual contributor subject matter expert within the business unit. Responsible for driving the sales and underwriting relationship for Programs products and services. Responsible for establishment of program goals and metrics for a specific vertical; ensuring alignment with scorecards. Provides forecasting related to trends and profitability; takes action based on results as needed.
• Directs the program manager relationships and results and recommends corrective action if necessary. Understands business needs and identifies new business opportunities.
• Reviews highly complex individual risks, programs, or accounts. Some of the risks could be multinational or have alternative arrangements in place that make them unique. Approves accounts which exceed underwriting staff authority / program managers authority due to level of complexity, premium, class of business or coverage provided
• Administers and participates in discussions with reinsurers per department guidelines, verifying the appropriate use of all reinsurance facilities used by the department, including various treaty, semi-automatic and facultative reinsurance. Maintains good working relationship with reinsurers.
• Directs the development, implementation and monitoring of underwriting guidelines, rates, forms, product endorsements and procedures. Monitors and approves the preparation of rates, forms, and endorsement filings and authorizes the use of such rates, forms, and endorsements.
• Interacts with various business partners (i.e. claims, actuary, compliance, etc.) to achieve company goals and objectives. Communicates Program initiatives and performance goals. Builds alignment with teams within and across the organization.
• Responsible for audits of individual risks / programs for compliance with company guidelines, state regulations and reinsurance conditions. Development and implementation of specific action plans may be required. Responsible for the resolution of advanced complex technical issues.
• Independently establishes and maintains effective relationships with program managers in order to generate growth and profitably. Travels to existing and potential program manager offices as required for marketing visits. Frequently entertains program managers to market services and ensure strong relationships to write profitable business.
• Responsible for identifying new program opportunities, facilitating all steps involved in the due diligence process and making recommendations to senior management on new opportunities. Responsible for the implementation of all new programs from development of underwriting guidelines, form / rate filings, compliance / regulatory matters, finance, reinsurance, claims, legal, accounting, actuarial and marketing matters to ensure proper program integration.
• Attends industry functions to promote E&S / S Programs brand and capabilities of the programs team in order to help identify new program business opportunities.
• Acts as a resource for direction, training and guidance for less experienced staff. May be responsible for underwriting and support staff.
• Maintains knowledge of insurance regulations; provides consulting regarding legislation that impacts the organization.

Reporting Relationships : Reports to Director / AVP. Acts primarily as an individual contributor; may have two or less direct reports.

Typical Skills and Experiences :

Education : Undergraduate studies with focus in Finance, Accounting, Economics, and / or Risk Management. Graduate degree preferred.

Experience : Typically eight years related experience as a Professional, Financial and / or Specialty lines underwriter. Program leadership experience in professional lines of business is preferred. Experience in the technical aspects of data management, imaging and procedures and processes helpful.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills : In-depth knowledge of lines underwriting policies, practices and procedures, insurance law and underwriting marketing principles and techniques. In-depth knowledge of financial documents, financial analysis, investments, market conditions essential. Legal knowledge related to insurance, contract and business law preferred. Knowledge of employment principles and practices.

Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with internal / external business partners at all levels. Ability to work with the wholesale brokerage distribution system. Demonstrated advanced skills to influence and negotiate with internal / external business partners at all levels. Must possess interpersonal savvy and well-developed program leadership ability. Must have the ability to manage large programs; develop and apply innovative approaches to program initiatives and problem solutions. Must be able to analyze and interpret mathematical, statistical and logical data and evaluate its reliability and significance. Proven ability to analyze highly complex insurance risks to determine acceptability including policy language, various commercial and alternative rating plans and methodologies, reinsurance. Must have strong project and process management skills. Must have ability to evaluate, analyze and devise solutions to complex programs; implement the most appropriate business solution and monitor the effectiveness. Ability to support numerous internal / external business partners and make decisions that reflect the goals of the company, both financially and ethically. Ability to lead, train, motivate employees and set work priorities. Ability to establish region or channel objectives. Ability to apply / learn job related software.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the Sr. Leader and HR Business Partner.

Values : Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Job conditions :

Overtime Eligibility : Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions : Normal office environment. Ability to travel locally and overnight for client meetings as needed.

ADA : The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 11 / 23 / 2025. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.

Benefits : We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including : medical / dental / vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states. Smoke-Free Iowa Statement : Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247. For NY residents please review the following state law information : Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov) https : / / dol.ny.gov / system / files / documents / 2022 / 02 / ls740_1.pdf

NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES : We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.