AVP - Underwriter Team Lead, Middle Market

AVP - Underwriter Team Lead, Middle Market

Sompo has a unique opportunity for an AVP - Underwriter Team Lead on our Middle Market team.

Our Middle Market Underwriting team offers diverse multi-line capabilities targeted at select industry verticals such as real estate, hospitality, financial institutions, professional services, technology, and manufacturing. We work through a network of retail brokers who share our commitment to long-term partnerships built on a strong service proposition.

Location: This position will be based out of our Chicago, IL office. We strive for collaboration, which is why we offer a work environment where our employees thrive and develop long‑lasting careers.

• Managing a team of local underwriters situated in the Chicago market; coaching and developing a team across a variety of experience levels in both technical and market‑facing skills
• Coordinating production underwriting activity regarding traveling/marketing and target production plans
• Prioritize and evaluate new and renewal submissions with the team to identify those accounts that provide the greatest opportunity for profit consistent with the business plan and corporate profit objectives
• Price and analyze coverage, structure, and exposures on individual risks
• Utilize/Drive Data Analytics within team to sharpen underwriting strategy & uncover opportunities both internally & externally to improve process
• Authorize quotes/binders/invoices as appropriate within own authority level
• Reinforce region‑specific product strategies that best align internal and external stakeholders to win.
• Support our focus of building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance‑driven culture
• Focused proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite
• Exercise proper underwriting pricing and discipline to meet profitability goals, complying with underwriting guidelines, systems, and procedures
• Expand existing portfolio of business by developing existing relationships and new prospective clients
• Utilize broker and distribution resources to identify target opportunities and mobilize team to pipeline and support growth by strategically pursuing promising opportunities
• Attend client/broker meetings, lunches, dinners, and other social outings as applicable
• Keeps current on state/territory issues, regulations, and trends
• Basic understanding and ability to use sophisticated pricing models across various structures: guaranteed cost, SIRs, deductibles, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Preferred minimum of 8 years of underwriting experience with authority
• Deep underwriting experience across all lines of business including Property, Auto, General Liability, Umbrella, and Workers’ Compensation
• Experience with accounts of all sizes involving large brokerage houses, agents, and specialty retailers
• Proven track record in underwriting, quoting, and binding profitable business
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with clarity and purpose
• Excellent organizational skills, integrity, and follow‑through
• Comfortable challenging norms and collaborating at all organizational levels
• Strong sense of accountability
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong business relationships with insureds, agents, and brokers
• Strong customer service orientation with a reputation for responsiveness and relationship preservation
• Willingness to travel to market assigned territory to include overnight trips (25%)
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft suite products

Salary Range: $120k-$195K. Actual compensation for this role will depend on several factors including the cost of living associated with your work location, your qualifications, skills, competencies, and relevant experience.

• Two medical plans to choose from, including a Traditional PPO & a Consumer Driven Health Plan with a Health Savings account providing a competitive employer contribution.
• Pharmacy benefits with mail order options
• Dental benefits include orthodontia benefits for adults and children.
• Vision benefits
• Health Care &…