Associate Underwriter (Jan 2027 Class)

About the Role

The Associate Underwriter is a Commercial Enterprise role designed to build foundational insurance and underwriting knowledge through structured training, guided practice, and hands-on experience. This position begins within West Bend Express (WBE), where the associate evaluates assigned small market new business submissions while developing judgment, technical skills, and agency relationships for future underwriting opportunities across Commercial Enterprise.

Work Location

This is an in-office role located in West Bend or Madison, WI.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite assigned Commercial Enterprise new business submissions within the small market segment.
• Evaluate exposure, coverage needs, pricing considerations, and overall insurability in accordance with established appetite, guidelines, best practices, and Letter of Authority.
• Gather, review, and analyze underwriting information needed to make or support sound decisions.
• Communicate underwriting decisions, questions, and next steps clearly and professionally with agency partners.
• Support written premium, profitability, quality, and service goals through timely and accurate underwriting decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Document underwriting files with appropriate detail, rationale, and clarity.
• Use underwriting systems and workflow tools accurately and efficiently.
• Seek feedback, apply coaching, and demonstrate continued progress toward underwriting independence.
• Build productive agency relationships and cultivate West Bend culture and values in each interaction.
• Complete other duties and development activities as assigned.

Development and Onboarding

The Associate Underwriter participates in a structured onboarding experience within WBE that combines formal learning, practical application, coaching, and feedback. The program provides consistent foundational development while allowing associates to build confidence and progressively apply underwriting skills in day-to-day work.

• Complete assigned training and development activities.
• Apply learning through guided review of new business submissions and progressively more independent underwriting decisions.
• Partner with leaders, trainers, mentors, and underwriting colleagues to strengthen technical knowledge and decision-making.
• Demonstrate proficiency in underwriting fundamentals, systems, workflows, documentation, service, and agency communication.
• Prepare for future underwriting opportunities within Commercial Enterprise. Advancement and placement are based on demonstrated proficiency, business needs, and available opportunities.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Underwriting systems and workflow management tools
• Organizational and analytical skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to gather and analyze underwriting information
• Enjoys relationship building and cultivating West Bend culture with external agents

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Insurance or related field. Or relevant experience.

Salary Statement

The salary range for this position is $53,459-$66,824.

Benefits

• Medical & Prescription Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Accidental Death & Disability
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) Plan with Company Match
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Standard first year PTO is 17 days, pro-rated based on month of hire.
• Bonus eligible based on performance.