Senior Underwriter - Small Business

Company Details

W. R. Berkley Corporation is establishing a new operating unit, Berkley Edge.

Berkley Edge offers solutions for hard-to-place and distressed risks for both professional and casualty lines of business. Edge will focus on small to mid-sized risks through a wholesale only distribution model.

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation has grown from a small investment management firm into one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the United States. Along the way, we have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange, seen our revenue soar well past $10 billion, and become a well-respected Fortune 500 Company.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

#LI-ND1 #LI-Hybrid

The Senior Underwriter, Small Business is responsible for driving profitable growth and maintaining competitiveness within a designated Small Business book of business. This role oversees new business, renewals, pricing, coverage decisions, and risk assessments while serving as a technical expert and key resource for brokers, underwriters, and internal teams. The Senior Underwriter also supports strategic initiatives, provides mentorship, and plays a critical role in strengthening broker relationships and resolving service issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite and manage a profitable book of small business, including contractors, products risks, and OL&T risks.
• Analyze risk, assess rate adequacy, and develop pricing proposals.
• Lead broker relationships, market appetite, and drive profitable growth.
• Serve as a technical referral source on coverage, pricing, and emerging hazards.
• Mentor and train less experienced underwriters.
• Collaborate with claims to incorporate trends into underwriting strategies.
• Recommend product and coverage enhancements to address market needs.
• Identify critical exposures, trends, and opportunities within assigned segments.
• Support development and implementation of underwriting policies and best practices.
• Influence, negotiate, and guide brokers on complex coverage issues.
• Contribute to operational and strategic planning initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (Risk Management preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of Small Business underwriting experience.
• Strong background in Excess & Surplus Lines and wholesale brokerage distribution.
• Experience writing primary commercial general liability is required.
• Professional designations (CPCU, RPLU, ASLI, AU, AINS) preferred.
• Ability to excel in a fast‑paced, dynamic, and evolving environment.