Manager, Underwriting

Penn National Insurance is seeking a Manager, Underwriting as an in-house underwriting expert who manages the underwriting staff, interacts with the Commercial Lines Territory Managers regarding underwriting decisions, and assists in the underwriting of complex business.  

The position is responsible for achieving production and profitability of the branch, and the performance and development of underwriting personnel.  Also serves as the liaison between the branch and Home Office regarding underwriting issues in each of the various lines of business.  This position is based in Harrisburg, PA and is a hybrid role.

POSITION COMPETENCIES 

• Coaching & Influencing
• Conflict Management
• Facilitating Change
• Strategic Planning
• Ability to Grow & Adapt
• Embraces Data Analytics

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Manager, Underwriting manages and is responsible for hiring, with concurrence of the Regional Vice President, developing and directing the branch’s underwriting staff to include establishing expectations and objectives, monitoring performance issues and instituting corrective action as necessary.
• Leading and managing Commercial Lines Underwriting staff towards the achievement of branch profit and production objectives (including renewal pricing objectives).
• Develop, direct and coach assigned staff, to include establishing performance objectives and clear success criteria, as well as monitoring performance outcomes and addressing issues appropriately.
• Lead by example in communicating with staff. Encourage open dialogue in staff meetings and 1:1 discussions.
• Plans underwriting development activities for the branch underwriting staff, to include providing training and coaching, as necessary.
• This position is granted the highest levels of Branch underwriting authority and utilizes that authority as an extension of Home Office underwriting in the branch referral process.
• Reviews and evaluates large loss reports, confers with the branch’s Territory Managers and underwriting staff, and recommends the appropriate actions to be taken on accounts, as necessary.
• Communicates any needed business changes to include what is changing, why the need, anticipated benefits; emphasizes the impact of change on performance expectations and individual, team, and organizational results.
• Completes the book of business analysis to identify opportunities for improvement, including performance of new and existing products, target classes, etc. 
• The Manager, Underwriting has a working knowledge of all automated systems used in underwriting and is responsible for ensuring that the branch’s underwriting staff is utilizing such automation in all applicable underwriting activities.
• Serves as the branch’s primary liaison with the Home Office Commercial Product Managers regarding complex underwriting issues. 
• Responsible for providing guidance and input to the branch’s underwriting staff to resolve agent and policyholder issues/concerns.  The incumbent coordinates the implementation of programs/changes involving underwriting issues.
• Identifies and elevates service issues to the Service Coordinator for their office.
• Directs and coordinates the Line of Business reviews and rate review analysis for the branch.
• This position ensures that the branch’s underwriting staff and Commercial Territory Managers underwrite risks in accordance with the guidelines set by Penn National Insurance.  The Manager, Underwriting is responsible for the branch’s underwriting quality program in order to ensure a consistently profitable book of business.
• The incumbent oversees underwriting initiatives within the branch, both those directed by Home Office as well as those developed within the branch.
• Coordinates the purchase of all facultative reinsurance, which is in excess of the underwriters’ authority levels.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accompanies each of the branch’s Territory Managers on agent visits as directed by the RVP.  The incumbent also travels independently to visit agents as necessary.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned by the President, Partners Mutual Insurance; Regional Vice President and/ or Home Office Underwriting staff.

SPECIAL RELATIONSHIPS 

• Direct reports include Small Business Commercial Lines Underwriter and Middle Market Commercial Lines Underwriter.
• Oversees underwriting process where TM or SR TM underwrites business
• The underwriting staff report to the Manager, Underwriting position
• Direct contact with all levels of personnel in the assigned branch and supporting claims service office
• Direct contact with all levels of personnel in the Home Office underwriting, claims, and other departments;
• Direct contact with agents, vendors, re-insurance representatives, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree required
• Continuing education in insurance related courses with CPCU or equivalent industry designations strongly preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years' experience in multi-line commercial lines underwriting
• Previous supervisory experience preferred

Technical/Professional Knowledge

• Must have an in-depth knowledge and an exceptional level of expertise in all aspects of Commercial Lines underwriting functions, including current industry developments/trends, regulatory issues applicable to the operating territory, and the standards, guidelines and reinsurance programs
• Exceptional knowledge of company underwriting standards and philosophy
• Exceptional knowledge of all commercial lines insurance coverages
• Excellent research, analytical and decision-making skills
• Excellent customer-service skills
• Effective negotiation skills
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Good math aptitude
• Basic training skills
• Good PC skills, with an emphasis on Microsoft Office Suite

JOB REQUIREMENTS (as required by ADA – Americans with Disabilities Act)

• This position is primarily a sedentary position that requires occasional standing and walking throughout the office environment.
• Must be able to perform computer-based tasks and access digital information necessary for job duties, including through the use of assistive technologies.
• Must be able to complete computer-based tasks and utilize office equipment as needed to perform essential job functions.
• Must be able to access and enter information accurately using automated systems.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with internal and external clients using telephone, electronic, or other communication systems. 
• Must be able to present information to individuals and groups.
• Must be able to interpret and apply concepts that may or may not be based upon established guidelines.
• Must be able to maintain acceptable attendance and adhere to scheduled work hours.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must be able to travel, with overnight stays required.

Why Choose Penn National Insurance?

At Penn National Insurance, we’re on a mission to help people feel secure and make life better when bad things happen. For over 106 years, we’ve been a trusted partner to individuals, families and businesses because we are a mutual insurance company where service and support for our policyholders are at the heart of everything we do. 

We’re not just a company—we’re a community united by our core mission to “Make Life Better.” Here, you’ll find a place where your professional growth, success and personal well-being are our top priorities. 

Your Career Journey: Empowering Your Growth

Your career should be more than just a job—it should empower you to feel secure, supported and inspired. At Penn National Insurance, we invest in your growth and celebrate your contributions with a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package. We’re committed to supporting your journey and helping you thrive at every stage of your career. Key highlights include:

• Benefits and Compensation: Generous 401(k) match, graded profit sharing, incentive compensation, and a wide range of benefits to support your financial health, physical well-being and career development.
• Flexibility: We offer remote and hybrid work options, flexible scheduling and a “dress-for-your-day” culture.
• Recognition: We celebrate your achievements, big and small, through employee recognition programs designed to honor your contributions.

Your Employer of Choice: A Legacy of Trust and Strength

Joining Penn National Insurance means becoming part of a company with over a century of experience, built on trust, innovation and strong relationships. From our beginnings as a mutual insurance company founded by farmers to our 100th anniversary in 2019, we've stayed true to our relationship-driven model, focusing on direct service and meaningful support. 

Your Community: Making an Impact Together

Making life better isn’t just our mission—it’s a value that guides everything we do. Our employees are at the heart of this mission, giving back through community engagement and charitable efforts. We proudly support our community through financial support and employee volunteering opportunities including our annual United Way campaign, where employee contributions and company matches make a significant impact each year.

Your Future: Building a Rewarding Career Path

We’re not just offering a job; we’re providing a fulfilling and rewarding career. We support your growth with a range of resources designed to help you build your skills and achieve your goals, including:

• Continuing Education Support: Access to programs that help you enhance your knowledge, skills and educational goals along with 100% tuition reimbursement for academic studies.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Tailored designation programs to help you advance in your career such as CPCU, AINS, CPA, CISSP, and more.
• Long-Term Career Focus: With an average employee tenure of 14 years and many team members serving for over 40 years, we take pride in fostering a work environment that values long-term growth and development.

When you join us, you’re not just starting a job—you’re becoming part of a team that values your growth and invests in your future. Our commitment to long-term retention and employee development ensures that you will be part of a tradition and legacy of excellence that spans decades.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, creed, affectional and sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and EEOC guidance, it is the policy of Pennsylvania National Insurance to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to a HR Business Partner via telephone at 800-368-4764, or through email.