Associate Underwriter

Burns & Wilcox, the flagship organization of H.W. Kaufman Group, is North America’s leading wholesale insurance broker and underwriting manager. Burns & Wilcox offers wide ranging and comprehensive solutions to serve retail insurance brokers and agents of all sizes, from the large houses to the more than 30,000 independent brokers and agents worldwide. Fueled by its freedom from Wall Street and private equity, Burns & Wilcox is a privately owned company whose standards of service, depth of market relationships and outstanding talent are unsurpassed in the specialty insurance sector.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The H.W. Kaufman Group of companies is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other status or condition protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

In addition, Kaufman will make reasonable accommodations to known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified person with a disability, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

• Assist in reviewing and analyzing commercial insurance renewal submissions, including exposure data, loss runs, financial information, and inspections.
• Prepare preliminary assessments, pricing indications, and coverage recommendations for underwriter review.
• Ensure all required documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with underwriting guidelines.
• Utilize underwriting tools, rating systems, and internal models to support risk evaluations.
• Help manage a renewal portfolio by tracking deadlines, maintaining documentation, and supporting timely policy issuance.
• Communicate with brokers to gather missing information and clarify application details.
• Support underwriters in negotiating renewal terms by preparing data summaries, comparisons, and draft proposals.
• Review renewal accounts for potential cross‑sell opportunities based on exposure changes, coverage gaps, or business needs.
• Coordinate with senior underwriters and product specialists to evaluate feasibility and pricing for additional lines of coverage.
• Communicate potential cross‑sell options to brokers in collaboration with the underwriting team.
• Track cross‑sell activity and outcomes as part of portfolio development efforts.
• Maintain accurate and timely data in underwriting and policy systems.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, internal controls, and company underwriting standards.
• Organize and document underwriting decisions, communications, and account notes clearly and consistently.
• Partner with underwriting, actuarial, claims, finance, and loss control teams to support informed renewal decisions.
• Participate in training programs, job shadowing, and development activities to expand underwriting skills.
• Stay informed on industry trends and emerging risks relevant to commercial renewal underwriting.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, Economics, or related field; or relevant professional experience.
• 0-3 years of experience in underwriting, insurance operations, or a related analytical field. Excess and Surplus lines experience preferred
• Interest in pursuing professional designations (AU, CPCU, ARM) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to review complex information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build strong broker and internal team relationships at a junior level.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort using underwriting and rating systems.
• Strong organization, follow‑through, and time‑management capabilities

Benefits

• Competitive base compensation
• Employer paid continuing education courses and designations via access to Kaufman Institute
• Health and welfare benefits including medical, vision and dental
• 401K with employer match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Access to Kaufman Wellness Program
• Flexible and hybrid work options