Life Sciences Underwriter - Underwriting Specialist

Come grow with James River Insurance!

James River Insurance is an excess and surplus lines segment of James River Group Holdings, Inc. and operates on an approved non-admitted basis in 50 states and Washington, DC. Since 2003, James River has provided thousands of commercial property and casualty customers with innovative and creative solutions for particular insurance needs.

At James River Insurance, we are committed to providing a stable and rewarding work environment supported by our Core Values and Guiding Principles: Integrity, Accountability, Innovation, Customer Service, Communication, and Teamwork. We are proud of being recognized the past 5 years as one of The Top Workplaces USA.

James River Group Holdings, Inc. is a U.S. insurance holding company which owns and operates a group of specialty insurance and reinsurance companies. The Company operates in two specialty property and casualty insurance segments: Excess and Surplus Lines and Specialty Admitted Insurance. The Company tends to focus on accounts associated with small or medium-sized businesses in each of its segments. Each of the Company's regulated insurance subsidiaries are rated "A-" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company.

Underwriter - Underwriting Specialist Job Summary

Under minimal supervision, this role evaluates and underwrites complex risks while identifying opportunities to expand the division's book of business. The role actively manages broker relationships to deliver exceptional service and drive new business production and renewal retention.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Continuously exhibit and uphold Core Values of Integrity, Accountability, Communication and Teamwork, Innovation and Customer Service
• Review and analyze a range of underwriting submissions, from routine to highly complex, to determine coverage, rates, terms, and pricing within delegated authority
• May handle referrals and approvals from Underwriters and Associate Underwriters, if within delegated authority
• Assess and verify applicant information, evaluate loss history and risk factors, determine appropriate classifications, and develop sound underwriting and renewal strategies
• May work with actuarial by referring loss ratings
• Develop, prepare, and manage new business and renewal files to ensure risks meet underwriting requirements
• Evaluate renewal applications and prior-year files and assist in preparing renewal accounts for quoting
• Negotiate terms, conditions, and pricing using critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Prepare accurate documentation, summaries, and reports while maintaining complete, compliant, and well organized underwriting files
• Build, develop and nurture strong relationships with new and existing broker partners to support growth and profitability goals of the division and segment
• Provide timely, transparent communication to brokers, including appetite guidance, declinations with alternatives, and cross sell opportunities
• May monitor assigned brokers for production and profitability
• Support division and segment marketing plans while achieving assigned quote, premium, and profitability goals
• Travel within assigned territory to meet with brokers, reinforce relationships, and identify business opportunities
• Apply product knowledge to ensure risks align with underwriting appetite and guidelines
• Utilize underwriting tools and systems to support accurate evaluation, pricing, and documentation
• Ensure policy files and transactions meet internal standards and compliance requirements
• Maintain an understanding of market conditions, competitive activity, and industry trends specific to the assigned product line within the E&S marketplace
• Assist in training Associate Underwriters and Underwriters
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of general insurance operations including underwriting philosophy and techniques
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of loss rating
• Proficiency in business systems including Guidewire
• Curiosity and interest in the application of emerging AI tools including Kalepa
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Proficient in digital research using web based search tools and databases
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills, especially under time pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills
• Strong relationship building skills and commitment to delivering outstanding customer service
• Effective negotiation skills
• Ability to effectively recognize and assess risk
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to collaborate effectively across all organizational levels
• Ability to accept feedback professionally and adapt to change
• Ability to mentor and train others
• Ability to travel
• Strong initiative, sense of urgency, and entrepreneurial mindset
• Exceptional accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail
• Self-starter who works well independently and in a team environment
• Commitment to continuous learning

Experience and Education

Underwriter

• Bachelor's Degree required; or equivalent combination of education, training, or relevant experience, typically defined as:
• An associate degree plus a minimum of two years of experience in a professional setting; or,
• High school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of three years of experience in a professional setting
• Minimum of two years of relevant underwriting experience (underwriting assistant, underwriter) required, experience in Excess & Surplus lines preferred
• Insurance-industry or underwriting professional designations or continuing education preferred

Senior Underwriter

• Bachelor's Degree required; or equivalent combination of education, training, or relevant experience, typically defined as:
  
  
  
  • An associate degree plus a minimum of two years of experience in a professional setting; or,
  • High school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of three years of experience in a professional setting
  • minimum of four years of commercial E&S casualty and/or property underwriting experience required
  • Insurance-industry or underwriting professional designations or continuing education preferred
  
  
  
  

Underwriting Specialist

• Bachelor's Degree required; or equivalent combination of education, training, or relevant experience, typically defined as:
  
  
  
  • An associate degree plus a minimum of two years of experience in a professional setting; or,
  • High school diploma or equivalent plus a minimum of three years of experience in a professional setting
  
  
  
  
• Minimum of seven years of commercial E&S casualty and/or property underwriting experience required
• Insurance-industry or underwriting professional designations or continuing education preferred
• This position may be filled at different job levels depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, skills, and experience.

This position may be filled at different job levels depending on the selected candidate's qualifications, skills, and experience.

Underwriter: The salary range for this position is $63,200 - $91,700 annually.

Senior Underwriter: The salary range for this position is $76,400 - $110,800 annually.

Underwriting Specialist: The salary range for this position is $87,900 - $131,800 annually.

This position is eligible to participate in James River's annual short-term incentive bonus program.

Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors, including relevant experience, qualifications, job-related skills, education, professional certifications, internal equity, market considerations and other business-related factors.

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Please note that this position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future H-1B sponsorship.