Contract Surety Bonds Senior Underwriter - Chicago

Job Description

A leading national insurance organization is seeking a Contract Surety Underwriting Manager for its office in Orange, California. This role offers a flexible hybrid schedule and requires travel within the assigned regional territory. The ideal candidate is an experienced surety professional with strong underwriting judgment, market presence, and leadership capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage underwriting of low to moderately complex contract surety risks, including selection, pricing, retention, growth, and profitability within delegated authority.
• Exercise independent judgment and initiative to support business objectives.
• Maintain a high level of customer service with agents, brokers, and principals.
• Review new submissions; determine terms including limits, credit structures, deductibles, conditions, and work programs.
• Price business in alignment with company guidelines and market conditions.
• Conduct underwriting investigations as needed (financial reviews, bank meetings, site visits, interviews with owners/creditors/architects/engineers, etc.).
• Assess risk quality and compliance with underwriting rules and standards.
• Order, review, and analyze required financial and credit materials, including:
• Credit reports
• Bank agreements
• Financial statements
• Underwriting surveys
• Make recommendations on risks above authority level.
• Maintain and monitor accounts through underwriting platforms and analysis tools.
• Prepare internal and external communications regarding underwriting decisions and issues.
• Build and sustain strong business relationships to retain accounts and develop new opportunities.
• Visit agents, brokers, and principals to support market development and divisional goals.
• Explain, position, and market surety products and services effectively.
• Apply underwriting guidelines, rating rules, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide support, guidance, and occasional mentoring to junior associates.
• May manage direct reports, including performance coaching, development, and talent decisions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Preferred fields of study: Finance, Accounting, Business, or related areas.
• 7 years of relevant surety or financial analysis experience.
• Professional designations preferred or in progress:
• AFSB
• CPA
• RPLU
• Strong analytical, relationship‑building, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel within the assigned territory.
• Leadership, mentoring, or supervisory experience is a plus.
  

Compensation

• Salary range: $175,000 – $220,000, depending on skills, experience, and market factors.