Commercial Underwriting Specialist - Southern Ohio

Hastings Mutual is currently looking for a Commercial Underwriting Specialist to join our Field Underwriting team! We're looking for an experienced Commercial Underwriter to deliver effective underwriting guidance and support to our agents and policyholders across the State of Ohio.
Position Overview
The Commercial Underwriting Specialist generates new commercial business by review/acceptance or denial of commercial insurance risks based on Hastings Mutual product and coverage guidelines while maintaining commercial business written to ensure our continued profitability and growth.
Position Location & Work Format
This position is a remote-based role, with the individual working from home and traveling to locations regularly (travel is typically same-day). A company vehicle, laptop, cell phone, and other necessary equipment will be provided.We're looking for talent who can support our agents and policyholders in partnership with our field and corporate office-based understanding teams.
Given the territory served, candidates must be able to provide in-person service to our agents across southern Ohio. The ideal candidate will reside in this region, in or around either the Cincinnati, Columbus, or Dayton metro areas.
PositionDuties & Responsibilities

• Reviews, approves, and processes applications that are acceptable in relation to underwriting guidelines to achieve corporate premium and profitability objectives.
• Responsible for demonstrating an understanding of all commercial products, pricing, and coverages. This includes interpretation and demonstrated understanding of authority level, guidelines, and additional underwriting resource material to achieve quality metrics.
• Responsible for effective and efficient negotiation/communication with the agency force, including making regular in-person visits to assigned agencies as needed to achieve goals.
• Trains and supports team members to achieve corporate and professional goals as a technical resource. Organizes, monitors, and reviews the training of others in the department, such as new employees, Underwriting Trainees, and Underwriting Technicians as needed.
• Responsible for the effective and efficient use of systems, personal development, and communication skills to support overall corporate objectives.

Candidate Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, formal Insurance education, or equivalent work experience.
• At least 5-8 years of successful Commercial Lines Underwriting experience, including experience participating in growth and development with new agency relationships.
• Associate in Underwriting (AU), Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), or similar designation is required.
• Ability to perform occasional field and overnight travel within HMIC's six-state territory.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license and adhere to Company Fleet Safety Guidelines.
• Demonstrated mastery in oral presentation and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational skills, self-planning, and ability to work with minimal supervision.

Our Commitment as an Employer
We value the strength of a diverse and inclusive workforce. Hastings Mutual is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and candidates in a work environment that does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. Decisions related to employment are based on business needs, position requirements, and individual characteristics without regard to appearance, nationality, origin, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, body, disability, veteran, family, marital status, or any legally protected class.
Hastings Mutual seeks to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled individuals in the hiring process in compliance with federal, state, and local law. Candidates requiring an accommodation to complete their job application or participate in the interviewing process are asked to notify the Talent Acquisition Specialist or contact us at 800-442-8277.
About Hastings Mutual Insurance Company
From our humble roots in 1885, providing coverage for windstorm damage, Hastings Mutual has evolved into a leading regional property and casualty insurance carrier, offering innovative products for businesses, farm owners, and individuals. We work with customers in six Midwestern states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin). Hastings Mutual is known for its financial strength, high ethical standards, and culture of service and responsiveness.
The core of our ongoing success is our employees. Whether at the corporate offices in Hastings, Michigan, or our remote team members throughout the Midwest, Hastings Mutual is made up of talented professionals across multiple divisions and functional areas. Our commitment to our employees and work culture has been confirmed with our inclusion in the "Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in West Michigan" each year since 2011.
Hastings Mutual offers a friendly, family-like environment that values transparency and approachability. We recognize the hard work of our employees with many benefits, including fully paid certification training, a cafeteria and fitness center at our corporate offices, ongoing professional development opportunities, and financial stability backed by our "A" rating from A.M. Best. We also have a long-term commitment to the communities in which we live and work, either through partnerships with local charitable organizations or through our own Hastings Mutual Charitable Foundation.
At Hastings Mutual, we're always looking for professionals of all experience and education levels to help us continue our more than 130-year history of successful, stable growth.