Senior Business Development Underwriter

ICW Group is seeking a Senior Business Development Underwriter to join its Pleasanton, CA team in a hybrid capacity. This role combines senior underwriting leadership with strategic distribution, responsible for developing and growing a profitable book of business across assigned lines and expanding Commercial Lines growth through proactive agency partnerships and cross-sell initiatives. You will serve as a trusted underwriting and distribution partner to agents and internal stakeholders, balancing robust risk assessment with strategic growth objectives.

Compensation

• Salary: USD 104,125 - 175,599 per year

Location

• Pleasanton, California (hybrid)

Responsibilities

• Underwrite, select, and price moderately to complex risks within assigned lines in line with company guidelines
• Hold accountability for profitability, growth, and retention of the assigned portfolio
• Analyze risk characteristics including operations, financials, management, and loss history
• Apply advanced underwriting judgment and authority to structure, price, and manage complex accounts
• Use underwriting authority to set pricing, credits/debits, deductibles, and alternative rating structures
• Present and explain intricate pricing structures such as retros and large account programs when applicable
• Monitor portfolio performance and take proactive corrective actions to meet underwriting targets
• Stay current on regulatory, rating, and coverage changes (e.g., WCIRB/NCCI, ISO/AAIS)
• Drive new business production and growth through proactive agency engagement, prospecting, and cross-sell execution
• Develop, manage, and optimize a high-performing producer network aligned to company strategy
• Hold producers accountable for production, quality, and profitability expectations
• Promote profitable sales across all Commercial Lines products, expanding penetration and supporting new product introductions
• Identify and lead cross-sell opportunities, partnering with underwriting teams to deliver total account solutions
• Prospect, prequalify, and appoint new producers with strong alignment to target segments
• Set and manage production goals with key agency partners
• Maintain deep knowledge of the assigned territory, including competitor positioning and market dynamics
• Influence distribution strategy, product positioning, and market opportunities
• Represent the company as a lead contact with strategic agency partners
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships through regular agency engagement, presentations, and strategic planning
• Lead complex account and pricing discussions with agents and insureds
• Provide underwriting and distribution guidance to agents, including structuring solutions for complex risks
• Deliver responsiveness, service, and professionalism in all interactions
• Present agency performance insights, growth opportunities, and strategic recommendations to leadership and agency partners
• Mentor and support the development of Business Development Underwriters and junior staff
• Provide guidance on underwriting approach, agency management, and deal structure
• Participate in training, onboarding, and knowledge sharing across the team
• Contribute to special projects, product initiatives, and process improvements as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum five years of underwriting experience required; seven or more years preferred, including handling more complex risks and agency relationships
• Current driver's license required
• Proven success building and managing high-value agency relationships and driving profitable growth
• Ability to underwrite complex risks with advanced underwriting judgment
• Strong business development, negotiation, and relationship management skills
• Capacity to balance advanced underwriting discipline with production and cross-sell expectations across Commercial Lines
• Skill evaluating submissions, financials, and loss data to support complex decision-making
• Advanced knowledge of Commercial Lines products, including Workers’ Compensation and Commercial Package coverages
• Ability to mentor, coach, and influence others
• Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills

Benefits

• Challenging work with impact and a voice in the organization
• Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans, plus 401(k) with company match
• Bonus potential for all positions
• Paid time off and paid holidays throughout the year
• Commitment to ongoing learning and development

Physical Requirements

• Office-based role with standard physical demands; regular sitting, walking, standing, talking, and hearing
• Travel required 50-75% of the time to meet with clients, attend industry events, and develop new business opportunities
• Travel is primarily by automobile with occasional air travel
• Regular visits to external locations such as producers' offices

Work Environment

• Office environment requiring standard computer, telephone, and office equipment usage; ability to work 20-30% from home

Job Details

• Category: Underwriting
• Type: Full time
• Req ID: JR101511