Specialty Underwriting

Recognized as a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace for 14 consecutive years, including three years of being honored as number one! Join us at West Bend, where we believe that our associates are our greatest asset. We hire talented individuals who are conscientious, dedicated, customer focused, and able to build lasting relationships. We create and maintain an environment where you feel a sense of belonging and appreciation. Your diversity of thought, experience, and knowledge are valued. We’re committed to fostering a welcoming culture, offering you opportunities for meaningful work and professional growth. More than a workplace, we celebrate our successes and take pride in serving our communities.

The Underwriter (Associate or Underwriter I) evaluates insurance risks and supports profitable growth by underwriting new business, renewals, and policy changes in accordance with established guidelines. This role collaborates closely with agency partners and internal teams to deliver timely, accurate underwriting decisions and exceptional service. Level and scope of responsibility will be aligned to the selected candidate’s experience and demonstrated underwriting capability.

This position offers a hybrid schedule (3 days in the office) for collaboration days, team meetings or other in-person events.  The position can be based in Madison, West Bend, or Appleton.  

The internal deadline to apply is 3/10/2026.  External applications will be accepted on a rolling basis while the position remains open.

Key Responsibilities

Underwriter responsibilities will vary based on level and experience:

• Underwrite new business submissions, renewals, and endorsements within assigned authority.
• Review and analyze insurance applications, reports, and related data to evaluate risk and determine insurability.
• Process policy change requests and ensure accuracy and completeness of documentation.
• Communicate effectively with internal partners and external agency contacts to support underwriting decisions.
• Document underwriting files with sufficient detail and clarity to support decisions and compliance.
• Support written premium and profitability goals through timely, accurate underwriting.
• Maintain compliance with underwriting guidelines, rate plans, best practices, and the Letter of Authority.
• Participate in ongoing training and development to build underwriting knowledge and stay current with industry trends.
• (Underwriter I level) Assist Sales Manager with agency-level premium planning and production support.

Preferred Experience and Skills

Requirements are flexible based on level:

• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Confidence navigating underwriting systems, workflows, and tools.
• Ability to gather, evaluate, and analyze underwriting information.

Associate level: Entry-level or developing underwriting experience; commercial underwriting exposure preferred.
Underwriter I level: Minimum 1 year of commercial multi-line underwriting experience with a basic to intermediate understanding of P&C insurance principles.

Preferred Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Insurance or related field

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The salary range for this position is $54,956 - $76,936.   
  
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal equity.  Compensation decisions are made by West Bend and are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

West Bend offers a comprehensive benefit plan including but not limited to:   

• Medical & Prescription Insurance  

• Health Savings Account  

• Dental Insurance  

• Vision Insurance  

• Short and Long Term Disability  

• Flexible Spending Accounts  

• Life and Accidental Death & Disability   

• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance  

• Employee Assistance Program  

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match  

• Pet Insurance  

• Paid Time Off. Standard first year PTO is 17 days, pro-rated based on month of hire. Enhanced PTO may be available for experienced candidates 

• Bonus eligible based on performance  

• West Bend will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for Colorado employees, in accordance with its plans and policies.

West Bend provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, and promotion.