Senior Underwriter - Contract Surety

Recognized as a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Top Workplace for 14 consecutive years, including three years of being honored as number one! Join us at West Bend, where we believe that our associates are our greatest asset. We hire talented individuals who are conscientious, dedicated, customer focused, and able to build lasting relationships. We create and maintain an environment where you feel a sense of belonging and appreciation. Your diversity of thought, experience, and knowledge are valued. We’re committed to fostering a welcoming culture, offering you opportunities for meaningful work and professional growth. More than a workplace, we celebrate our successes and take pride in serving our communities.

Join a respected surety organization where you’ll take ownership of a defined territory and manage a well-developed contract surety portfolio. The role calls for strong underwriting fundamentals, independent judgment within established authority, and a steady focus on profitable growth. You’ll partner with experienced agents and principals to maintain and strengthen long-term relationships across the market.

This role is well-suited for underwriters with varying levels of experience. Candidates with deeper underwriting expertise may be considered for expanded scope, authority, or level, depending on background and business needs.

This is a fully remote, work-from-home role with regular time spent in the field meeting with agents and accounts across the Kansas City territory. Occasional travel to an office location is expected for team meetings, training, and company events.

External applications will be accepted on a rolling basis while the position remains open.

Primarily responsible for evaluating and underwriting new and renewal accounts within an assigned territory by utilizing financial analysis and other underwriting tools. Underwrites to achieve profitable growth in support of enterprise goals and objectives. Operates within an established authority level and demonstrates the ability and competency to handle larger, more complex risks. Refers accounts beyond the granted individual authority to a more senior level underwriter and clearly communicates recommendations. Demonstrates and displays an in-depth knowledge of surety underwriting and requires minimal oversight when operating within the scope of the established authority level. Provides support and ongoing training to more junior level underwriters as requested. Develops and maintains positive agency, broker, and principal relationships to solidify existing account relationships and capitalize on new business opportunities. Occasionally travels within the territory to agency or principal locations to prospect business. Represents the company at agency and industry related functions. Promotes and complies with the values of the division and company.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• 3+ years of experience as a contract surety underwriter (or equivalent experience in the surety industry)
• Data entry and analytical skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Effective communication skills in all mediums including phone, e-mail, and in-person
• Ability to interact professionally and work well in a high-performance team environment
• Ability to work independently and perform quality work within deadlines

Candidates with more extensive underwriting or market experience are encouraged to apply and may be considered for additional responsibility or a higher-level role.

Preferred Education and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in business, insurance or related field, or equivalent surety underwriting experience

The salary range for this position is $86,470 – $115,000.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, business needs, geographical location, and internal equity.  Compensation decisions are made by West Bend and are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

West Bend offers a comprehensive benefit plan including but not limited to:   

• Medical & Prescription Insurance  

• Health Savings Account  

• Dental Insurance  

• Vision Insurance  

• Short and Long Term Disability  

• Flexible Spending Accounts  

• Life and Accidental Death & Disability   

• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance  

• Employee Assistance Program  

• 401(k) Plan with Company Match  

• Pet Insurance  

• Paid Time Off. Standard first year PTO is 17 days, pro-rated based on month of hire. Enhanced PTO may be available for experienced candidates 

• Bonus eligible based on performance  

• West Bend will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act for Colorado employees, in accordance with its plans and policies.

West Bend provides equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, and promotion.