Underwriting Specialist, Small Business

CNA Insurance

. Underwrite risks in a book of business within specific authority limits .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeUnited StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $54,000 - $103,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates advanced knowledge of underwriting practices and the insurance industry, with strong analytical, negotiation, and communication skills. Capable of making critical business decisions independently while maintaining agency and broker relationships.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Underwriting ExperienceRisk AnalysisNegotiation SkillsAnalytical SkillsLeadership Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

UnderwritingRisk AssessmentFinancial AnalysisPricing StrategyCompliance KnowledgeMarket AnalysisReport PreparationProduct KnowledgeDecision MakingIndependent Judgment

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsAbility to Work Independently

Tools & Technologies

CNA SystemsMicrosoft Office SuiteBusiness-Related Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Designations

Industry Keywords

Insurance IndustryUnderwriting TheoriesAgency RelationshipsBrokerage PartnersState RegulationsTerritory Issues

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Underwrite risks in a book of business within specific authority limits
Review applications and financial requirements for complex risks and determine risk acceptability
Determine additional evidence of insurability and appropriate underwriting strategy
Set pricing based on financial and competitive analysis and compliance requirements
Prepare quotes and answer questions from agencies, policyholders and external contacts
Escalate issues to management with proposed solutions
Negotiate with agents to achieve positive and profitable outcomes
Notify agencies of adverse underwriting decisions, rate appeals, requirements, statuses and declinations
Analyze the quality, quantity and profitability of underwritten risks and prepare management reports
Market products and services through agencies and brokerage partners and conduct field visits
Develop and maintain agency and broker relationships
Guide and assist other underwriters and functional areas, including cross-sell opportunities
Monitor state and territory issues, regulations, industry activity and trends
Use advanced functionality in CNA systems for day-to-day activities
Work with senior underwriters or management on risks exceeding authority or requiring special handling

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
Typically a minimum three to five years underwriting experience
Advanced knowledge of underwriting and insurance industry theories and practices
High level of technical expertise and product-specific knowledge
Strong interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills
Ability to work independently
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to exercise independent judgment and make critical business decisions effectively
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software
Demonstrated leadership skills
Professional designations preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive and competitive benefits package
Benefits supporting physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process