Underwriter Trainee

Company Details

 

Berkley North Pacific is a regional insurance company that offers niche products and specialized coverages through local independent agency partners. We differentiate ourselves in the marketplace with our customer-obsessed approach that exceeds timeliness and responsiveness expectations.  Partnering with a select group of Independent Agents in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, we pride ourselves on the ease of doing business.  With local leadership, conversational underwriting, and responsive claims services, we truly are relationship driven. 

 

Our mission is to provide financial protection to our customers by offering premier insurance solutions, products, and services through our select independent agents. BNP is a proud member of W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500® company. While we are regionally focused, we have the security and financial backing of one of the largest commercial lines’ writers in the United States.

 

This role will be based in our Meridian, ID office.  We offer a hybrid work schedule with 4 days in the office; and 1 day remote where it makes sense to do so.

 

The company is an equal opportunity employer. #LI-AV1 #LI-HYBRID 

 

Responsibilities

As an Underwriting Trainee, you’ll embark on a journey of professional growth and development. Under the guidance of experienced managers and coaches, you'll participate in a comprehensive training program designed to hone your skills and knowledge in commercial property and casualty insurance underwriting.  The training program is enterprise-wide and will begin early June 2025. 

 

You’ll spend the majority of your time with the Underwriting team at our BNP headquarters located in Meridian, ID as well as travel to our offices in Westbrook, ME and corporate headquarters in Greenwich, CT. 

 

What you can expect: 

• Structured Learning: Engage in a blend of field training and classroom-based sessions to master the intricacies of commercial property and casualty underwriting. Gain insights into underwriting philosophy and learn about insurance products and business strategies.
• Hands-On Experience: Produce and underwrite new and renewal property and casualty insurance business. Develop expertise in assessing risks, performing financial analysis, and ensuring proper classification of risks for optimal pricing and product matching.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate productive relationships with agencies and insurance professionals. Collaborate with business unit colleagues on various exercises, projects, and case studies to broaden your understanding of the industry.
• Continuous Development: Acquire financial and business acumen essential for effective underwriting. Embrace leadership opportunities, participate in skill-building exercises, and sharpen your critical thinking abilities.
• Visibility:  Collaborate with teams of business unit colleagues on skill building exercises, leadership opportunities, special projects, case studies, and critical thinking exercises in order to develop a holistic understanding of the business and a well-rounded approach to underwriting.
• Culture of:  innovation, teamwork, supportive colleagues and leaders willing to invest in talent
• Benefits: Competitive compensation, paid time off, comprehensive wellness benefits and programs, employer funded health savings account, profit sharing, 401k, paid parental leave, employee stock purchase plan, tuition assistance and professional continuing education 

Successful completion of the program training will enable you to:

• Assess Risks: Successfully complete program training to evaluate risks, perform financial analysis, and ensure proper classification of risks for adequate pricing, aligning with business strategies.
• Understand the Business: Demonstrate financial savvy and grasp the company's underwriting philosophy essential for your growth as an underwriter.
• Engage Customers: Cultivate strong agency and agent relationships to support business goals of profitability, growth, and retention.
• Master Tools: Acquire proficiency in business systems and platforms, understanding workflows and processing steps.
• Excellence in Customer Service: Hone your customer service skills through training and assignments, ensuring consistent, knowledgeable, and prompt responses to customer needs.
• Utilize Analytics: Learn to leverage analytics and tools to enhance sales and pricing strategies, implementing them effectively when required.

 

Qualifications

What you need to have:

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Risk Management, Insurance); or a minimum one year of relevant property casualty work experience (risk control, claims, finance, underwriting support); or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Learning Mindset:  Commitment to develop knowledge and understanding of underwriting philosophy, business processes and systems
• Communication skills:  Effective communication and presentation skills to influence stakeholders
• Critical thinking:  Problem analysis and resolution skills coupled with organization to efficiently accomplish tasks
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, the ability to master business systems and platforms associated with underwriting process
• Occasional travel will be required (25%)

What makes you stand out: 

• Drive and dedication:  Demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and development. Successfully complete program training and assignments to showcase your ability to assess risks and execute underwriting tasks effectively.Team Collaboration: Work well in groups as well as independently and with all levels Adaptability:  Flexibility and openness to feedbackCustomer Focus: Exemplary customer service skills, sales aptitude and operating with urgency

Additional Company Details

We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies or firms. The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full time regular employees. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.

Sponsorship Details

Sponsorship not Offered for this Role