Farm & Agribusiness Underwriting Specialist

Founded in 1898, Mutual of Enumclaw is a people-first insurer rooted in community, recognized as Washington’s Best Company to Work For for the 14th consecutive year, and proudly serving individuals, families, farms, and businesses through local independent agents across the West.

The Farm Underwriting Specialist reports to a Farm Underwriting Manager and is responsible for underwriting and marketing of new and/or renewal business and endorsements within the designated authority level, aligned with achieving our corporate objectives.  As an associate of Mutual of Enumclaw, you will partner with our Sales and Marketing team to develop relationships with agents to write and retain profitable business.  

Location: The successful candidate will work remotely, must be located in one of the following states: WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, AZ, or UT, be able to work during our core Pacific Standard Time (PST) business hours, and must have high-speed internet (internet speed test required).

Hiring Range: $105,549 - $121,587*

Salary Range: $105,549 - $141,108

*The hiring range represents Mutual of Enumclaw’s current hiring pay scale for this role. Mutual of Enumclaw reserves the right to modify or update this range any time. Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. Compensation is only one part of our entire total rewards package. To see some of the benefits and perks we offer, please click here.

• Review and assess small to medium-sized risks of low to moderate complexity. May occasionally underwrite larger accounts of higher complexity.
• Anticipate and identify moderately complex underwriting and marketing problems, thoroughly analyze available information, and make timely, practical decisions.
• Manage underwriting and submission flow for the assigned agency.
• Properly escalate risks beyond the designated authority level to underwriters and/or underwriting leadership.
• Document underwriting file as required to verify account complies with our underwriting guidelines and meets regulatory and underwriting quality standards.
• Proactively collaborate with sales and marketing to generate submissions in line with our appetite.
• Partner with the regional sales manager to develop, implement, and execute agency business plans.
• Communicate with Agents and/or policyholders as appropriate to gather information missing from documents and/or reports, convey the status of applications for new business or endorsements, and strive to preserve the integrity of business relationships. 
• Lead or participate in agency meetings and training sessions.
• Use consultative sales skills to successfully negotiate price, terms, and conditions for new and/or renewal business with our agency partners.
• Consistently seek market insight and use internal and external knowledge to inform business decisions.
• Attend agency functions and industry events.
• Evaluate natural catastrophe exposures utilizing available modeling tools to confirm compliance with our underwriting standards.
• Determine if facultative reinsurance is required, secure placement if within your authority, or refer as needed.
• Collaborate with Underwriting and IT staff to participate in strategic initiatives, data conversion, acceptance testing, and provide quality assurance support for the systems development. 
• Identify, innovate, and suggest new procedures and/or opportunities to streamline Department processing and record-keeping systems and practices.
• Assist with training and mentoring of less experienced associates when appropriate.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the local marketplace and insurance industry trends.
• Understand organizational and regulatory rules, policies, and procedures, and effectively employ that knowledge in day-to-day work.
• Exhibit curiosity by asking questions, being investigative, and probing.
• Demonstrate a sense of urgency and reliability.
• Exhibit teamwork and collaborate well with others.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Utilize the necessary tools and resources to appropriately analyze and price each risk.
• Provide excellent service to internal or external clients.
• Challenge the status quo and bring forward possibilities.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced environment.
• Utilize data to make informed decisions and clearly communicate the reason for the decision.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related software.
• Knowledge of reinsurance treaties and their impact on our business.
• Take ownership and responsibility for actions and outcomes, performance, and results.

Education and Experience:

• 7+ years of underwriting, policy services, or related business experience.
• Bachelor's or an Associate's degree, or a High School diploma with relevant business experience.
• Fully proficient in task, assignment, problem-solving, and project coordination, execution, collaboration, and leadership skills. 
• Insurance industry designation(s) and certification(s) preferred. 
• Proven track record of establishing relationships with agents or colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to be held accountable for customer-focused, accurate, and timely results.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, including video conferencing.
• Some travel may be required.