Excess & Surplus Senior Underwriter

About Us

At Selective, we don't just insure uniquely, we employ uniqueness.

Selective is a midsized U.S. domestic property and casualty insurance company with a history of strong, consistent financial performance for nearly 100 years. Selective's unique position as both a leading insurance group and an employer of choice is recognized in a wide variety of awards and honors, including listing in Forbes Best Midsize Employers in 2025 and certification as a Great Place to Work® in 2025 for the sixth consecutive year.

Employees are empowered and encouraged to Be Uniquely You by being their true, unique selves and contributing their diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives to our shared success. Together, we are a high-performing team working to serve our customers responsibly by helping to mitigate loss, keep them safe, and restore their lives and businesses after an insured loss occurs.

Overview

This opportunity is with Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company (MUSIC), Selective's Excess & Surplus (E&S) division. MUSIC specializes in underwriting complex commercial risks through a nationwide network of wholesale distribution partners, offering innovative solutions for business that falls outside the standard admitted market.

Handle the daily service demands of our agents in support of individual and team goals. Provide exceptional service to agents by having an excellent understanding of coverage, products, underwriting system transactions, and state specific laws/issues. Work independently within a letter of authority and accurately handle assignments of high complexity, hazard, exposure and premium in a variety of business segments. Review agency book of business as well as profit/growth results and trends. Provide responsive support, service and guidance to agents and internal staff. All job duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage, underwrite, and drive new business growth in accordance with company goals. Gather, analyze and evaluate complex risk exposure for submissions that fall outside agent authority. Document through appropriate risk documentation and work within stated authority to provide quotes that support growth and profitability goals. Identify and adopt proactive actions and provide recommendations to improve agent premium and/or profitability.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of coverage forms, loss trends/development and guidelines in the selection and pricing of individual risks. Evaluate risk hazards and ensure adequate pricing of individual risks through proper classification, accuracy of information, and adherence to company underwriting standards/pricing philosophy. Determine appropriate solutions for agents and take necessary measures to obtain information needed to resolve inquires/transactions.
• Work in unison with Managing General Agents and other departments to grow and maintain a profitable book of business. Work with renewal staff supporting company goals of premium and retention.
• Provide guidance to General Agents and other departments regarding various underwriting information. Effectively communicate underwriting decisions and appetite to agents within assigned territory. Reinforce the ease of doing business with MUSIC by meeting or exceeding agent expectations and service quality on a consistent basis.
• Develop, build, and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers. Work collaboratively with the regional teams to provide a seamless experience for our agency partners. Participate in the development of team goals and work diligently to achieve them.
• Conduct continuous profit and growth analysis by territory and agency as assigned making recommendations when necessary to improve outcomes. Monitor premium retention with the use of electronic reporting tools. Provide internal reports for management as required.
• Effectively manage workflows to ensure submissions are resolved within SLA (Service level agreement) and open quotes are handled efficiently to bind new business accounts.
• Frequently improve knowledge of industry, products, coverage and market competition. Provide technical advice and training to lower level associates and other functional areas.
• May participate in any pricing meetings, budget reviews, or company/agent sponsored events as may be required.
• Conduct independent agency visits that include creation of agendas and training materials (i.e. Power points) that support company initiatives. Must have a valid license and be able to drive an automobile to support company travel within territory. Car travel represents approximately 15% of employee’s time.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Requirements

• Proficient in usage of all supplied desktop tools, including the automated underwriting and email systems. Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external customers/peers. Ability to adapt to change as the company moves forward in its strategic vision. Must have valid state-issued driver’s license in good standing and be able to drive an automobile.

Education and Experience

• College degree preferred
• 3+ years of underwriting experience

Total Rewards

Selective Insurance offers a total rewards package that includes a competitive base salary, incentive plan eligibility at all levels, and a wide array of benefits designed to help you and your family stay healthy, achieve your financial goals, and balance the demands of your work and personal life. These benefits include comprehensive health care plans, retirement savings plan with company match, discounted Employee Stock Purchase Program, tuition assistance and reimbursement programs, and 20 days of paid time off. Additional details about our total rewards package can be found by visiting our benefits page.

The actual base salary is based on geographic location, and the range is representative of salaries for this role throughout Selective's footprint. Additional considerations include relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, performance, and business needs.

Pay Range

USD $79,000.00 - USD $103,000.00 /Yr.
Additional Information

Selective is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. That means we respect and value every individual’s unique opinions, beliefs, abilities, and perspectives. We are committed to promoting a welcoming culture that celebrates diverse talent, individual identity, different points of view and experiences – and empowers employees to contribute new ideas that support our continued and growing success. Building a highly engaged team is one of our core strategic imperatives, which we believe is enhanced by diversity, equity, and inclusion. We expect and encourage all employees and all of our business partners to embrace, practice, and monitor the attitudes, values, and goals of acceptance; address biases; and foster diversity of viewpoints and opinions.

For Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.