Senior Underwriter Excess Casualty at Golden Bear Management Corporation in Naperville, Illinois

Job Description:

Golden Bear Insurance Company is a leading provider of excess and surplus lines insurance, specializing in innovative risk solutions for complex and hard-to-place accounts. Our team is dedicated to underwriting excellence, superior service, and building strong broker relationships to deliver customized coverage solutions.

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Casualty Excess Underwriter to join our expanding Excess & Surplus (E&S) team. This role is responsible for underwriting and managing complex excess liability risks across various industries while ensuring profitability, adherence to company guidelines, and strategic growth. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical underwriting expertise in excess casualty, exceptional analytical and negotiation skills, and the ability to foster strong partnerships with wholesale brokers.

Responsibilities

Risk Evaluation & Underwriting:
Underwrite new and renewal excess liability accounts within E&S guidelines and authority.
Assess exposures, coverage needs, pricing adequacy, and policy terms for complex risks.
Review risk characteristics, attachment points, and loss trends to determine appropriate excess underwriting actions.
Ensure compliance with company underwriting guidelines, regulatory requirements, and profitability objectives.

Broker & Market Relations:
Develop and strengthen relationships with wholesale brokers to drive targeted business growth.
Negotiate terms, coverage structures, and pricing strategies to meet underwriting and broker needs.
Provide superior customer service, timely responses, and proactive communication regarding submissions and underwriting decisions.

Portfolio & Profitability Management:
Monitor and manage the performance of the excess casualty book of business to align with company profitability goals.
Identify market trends, emerging risks, and strategic opportunities to refine underwriting strategies.
Collaborate with actuarial, claims, and legal teams to enhance excess risk selection, pricing models, and underwriting framework

Leadership & Mentorship:
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior underwriters and underwriting assistants.
Participate in underwriting audits, process improvement initiatives, and product development efforts.
Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and broker meetings.

Qualifications
Required:

5+ years of underwriting experience in excess casualty within the excess & surplus lines market.
Strong knowledge of E&S guidelines, excess liability structures, and industry-specific exposures.
Established relationships with wholesale brokers and a deep understanding of E&S distribution channels.
Proven ability to evaluate excess layers, pricing adequacy, and structuring coverage for complex risks.
Excellent negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.

Preferred:

Bachelor's degree in Risk Management, Business, Finance, or a related field.
Professional designations such as CPCU, ASLI, or CIC.
Experience with underwriting platforms, pricing models, and data analytics tools.

Pay range and compensation package
Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives.

Pay Range: $125,000 - $150,000 + bonus
Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
Paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
Professional development and continuing education support.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Golden Bear is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a brief cover letter to Yvonne.Hall@GoldenBear.com