- Job Title: Account Underwriter - Construction Services
- Company: Travelers
- Location: Spokane Valley, WA (Telecommuting)
- Job Type: Full-Time
- Category: Underwriting
- Date Posted: May 12, 2025
- Experience Level: 0-2 years
- Remote Status: On-site (with limited remote work)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing an assigned book of business, focusing on profitability, growth, and retention.
- Underwriting and negotiating customer accounts to minimize risk and maximize profitability.
- Building and maintaining relationships with agents, brokers, and internal partners.
- Identifying and capturing new business opportunities using consultative marketing and sales skills.
*ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of analytical thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills. It offers opportunities for growth and career progression within the company.*
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Manage the profitability, growth, and retention of an assigned book of business.
- Underwrite and negotiate routine customer accounts to minimize risk and maximize profitability.
- Partner with leadership to execute business unit underwriting strategies.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with internal and external partners.
- Identify and capture new business opportunities.
- Collaborate with assigned Account Executive(s) to execute sales plans.
- Complete underwriting support activities for assigned agents on a limited basis.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
*ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of independent work and collaboration with various teams. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential.*
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree
- Experience: One to three years of applicable underwriting experience
- Required Skills:
- Working knowledge of products, regulatory environment, and local market conditions
- Critical thinking and decision-making skills
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Ability to build and maintain relationships
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
*Preferred Skills:*
- Experience with underwriting software and tools
- Knowledge of surety bonds and construction services
- Familiarity with data analysis and reporting
*ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience in the insurance industry or related fields would be beneficial for this role.*
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $68,600 - $113,000 per year (nationwide market range)
- Benefits:
- Health Insurance (employee coverage from day one)
- Retirement: 401(k) matching, Pension Plan, and Paying it Forward Savings Program for student loan debt
- Paid Time Off: 20 days annually, plus nine company Holidays
- Wellness Program: Tools, discounts, and resources for mental health and caregiving needs
- Volunteer Encouragement: Matching Gift and Volunteer Rewards program
*ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is a nationwide market range and may vary based on the candidate's skills, experience, and location. The comprehensive benefits package is designed to support employees' overall well-being and work-life balance.*
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Insurance
- Company Size: 10,001+ employees
- Founded: 1853
- Company Description: Travelers provides insurance coverage for personal and commercial customers, focusing on protecting what matters most to them. The company has a strong commitment to customer service, innovation, and community involvement.
- Company Specialties: Insurance, Risk Management, Surety Bonds, and Professional Liability Insurance
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Early to mid-career level, with opportunities for growth and advancement
- Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Underwriting Manager and works closely with assigned Account Executive(s) and enterprise partners
- Work Arrangement: On-site, with limited remote work and occasional travel for external touchpoints
- Growth Opportunities: Potential career progression within the Underwriting department or other areas of the company, such as Sales or Management
*ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional development and career growth within the company. Travelers values internal promotions and provides training and mentoring programs to support employees' career advancement.*
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Traditional office environment with collaborative workspaces
- Office Location(s): Spokane Valley, WA (with limited remote work)
- Geographic Context: Spokane Valley is a suburb of Spokane, Washington, with a population of approximately 90,000 people. It offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.
- Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with flexible hours and the possibility of occasional weekend or evening work for specific projects or events
*ASSUMPTION: While this role is primarily on-site, Travelers offers flexible work arrangements and supports work-life balance for its employees.*
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Online application submission, phone or video screen, in-person interviews, and background check
- Key Assessment Areas: Underwriting skills, communication and negotiation abilities, problem-solving, and cultural fit
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare examples of your underwriting experience and how you've handled challenging accounts
- Research Travelers and the insurance industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
*ASSUMPTION: Travelers values candidates who can demonstrate their skills and experience through specific examples and who show a genuine interest in the company and its mission.*
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Underwriting software and tools (specific tools not mentioned in the job description)
- Collaboration platforms: Email, phone, Zoom, Microsoft Teams
*ASSUMPTION: While specific tools and technologies are not mentioned, candidates should be comfortable using common office software and collaboration platforms. Familiarity with underwriting software and tools is a plus.*
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Integrity, Responsibility, Innovation, Collaboration, and Customer Focus
- Work Style: Travelers values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a focus on teamwork, open communication, and continuous learning. The company encourages employees to take initiative, be proactive, and contribute to its success.
*ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Travelers' core values and work style will be a strong fit for the company and this role.*
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a book of business with a focus on profitability, growth, and retention may require working with challenging accounts and making difficult decisions
- Building and maintaining relationships with agents, brokers, and internal partners may require strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Occasional travel may be required for external touchpoints and industry events
*ASSUMPTION: While these challenges exist, Travelers provides training, mentoring, and support to help employees succeed in their roles.*
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- How this role differs from related positions: This role focuses on underwriting and managing an assigned book of business, while related roles may have a broader focus on sales, marketing, or account management
- Industry-specific context: The insurance industry is competitive and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on customer service, innovation, and risk management
- Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth and advancement within the Underwriting department or other areas of the company, such as Sales or Management
*ASSUMPTION: While this role is specific to the Underwriting department, candidates should be aware of the broader career opportunities available within Travelers.*
📝 Sample Projects
- Analyzing financial statements and business operations to evaluate risk and provide consultative services to contractors
- Negotiating and underwriting customer accounts to minimize risk and maximize profitability
- Building and maintaining relationships with agents, brokers, and internal partners to achieve business goals
- Identifying and capturing new business opportunities using consultative marketing and sales skills
*ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a snapshot of the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges faced by the Account Underwriter, Construction Surety.*
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role contribute to the overall success of the Underwriting department and the company?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and career growth within this role and the company?
- How does Travelers support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can the company support me in overcoming them?
*ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role, the company, and their long-term career goals.*
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through [this link](https://travelers.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/WA---Spokane-Valley/Account-Underwriter---Construction-Services_R-44425)
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare examples of your underwriting experience and how you've handled challenging accounts
- Research Travelers and the insurance industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
