Commercial P&C Underwriting Specialist

Introduction

At Zenith Agribusiness Solutions (ZAS), we specialize in providing P&C insurance products and services to California agricultural businesses. That’s why we employ talented insurance professionals who are eager to get to know our policyholders, understand their operations, and help protect their businesses. Values such as collaboration, work‑life balance, and integrity are placed at the center of all our operations. In addition, ZAS supports career advancement through a dedication to ongoing learning and development.

Solicit, underwrite, and price business consistent with the Company's Underwriting Philosophy. Serve as technical resource for underwriting team on Commercial underwriting guidelines, policy forms and endorsements, state regulations and rules, and policy rating process. Provide regional expertise on large and complex accounts. Leads training courses for support and professional positions.

• Manages an assigned book of Agencies including assisting in development and management of agency business plan; maintaining pricing discipline regardless of market pressure.
• Operates with increased independence, such as taking a lead role in development of agency business plans.
• Expected to be regarded as a Commercial expert by assigned agencies.
• Coordinates account activity across departments for assigned book.
• Acts as lead resource on any technical issue and SME for branch staff and agents.
• Develops relationships with agents & brokers through telephone interactions and performs external marketing activities (Agency calls, Agency meetings, Point of Sale meetings, etc.) clearly articulating and selling the Zenith difference as needed.
• Attends industry events as an advocate for Zenith's product and service.
• Responsible for proactively developing, growing, and maintaining strong agency relationships.
• Manages significant volume of large and complex commercial ag accounts in a fast‑paced environment.
• Independently negotiates and secures facultative reinsurance on accounts with property exposures exceeding Zenith's reinsurance treaty.
• Independently negotiates and secures Equipment Breakdown reinsurance on accounts that exceed Zenith's in‑house letter of authority.
• Expected to provide general guidance and direction to support personnel and underwriting staff.
• Acts as a mentor for new employees.
• Takes a lead role in analysis or projects involving underwriting.
• Acts as a national expert on specific subject or provide support to Corporate in the expansion of the underwriting guide or systems development or testing.
• Work requires independence within assigned Letter of Authority; however, it is expected that one will seek guidance on any unusual or complex exposures, problems, or issues.
• May be responsible for QARs on other's work.
• Manages schedule balancing field time with in‑office commitments and work autonomously.
• Proactively markets and educates agents on our products.
• Conducts formal training sessions for agents.
• Evaluates current procedures and practices, developing and implementing new and alternate methods when appropriate.
• Responsible for gathering competitive intelligence, making coverage and service recommendations that improve agency and customer engagement.
• Applies principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Works productively and harmoniously with others on a consistent basis.
• Responds positively to direction and feedback on performance.
• Consistently maintains professional and appropriate demeanor.
• Performs other duties/projects as assigned.

• High School Diploma or equivalent combination of training/experience required.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of training/experience required.

• 6+ years progressively responsible related underwriting experience required.

• Expert technical knowledge of Commercial policy and underwriting rules.
• Demonstrated willingness to share knowledge with others on a daily basis.
• Understanding of Zenith's underwriting philosophy is a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required (including the ability…