Small Commercial Underwriter
Company : Nautilus Insurance Company
Location : Meridian, MS, 39305
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 14 January 2026
Company Details
Berkley Southeast is a member company of W. R. Berkley Corporation, a Fortune 500 Company, whose insurance company subsidiaries are rated A+(Superior) by A. M. Best Company. BSIG provides local underwriting, risk services, claim, marketing and audit services for agents and policyholders in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee. We take a broad approach to underwriting for ‘best in class’ businesses, primarily in: construction, light manufacturing, wholesale, distribution and business service industries.
The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.
www.berkleysoutheast.com
Responsibilities
Currently seeking a Small Commercial UW. Within delegated authority levels, evaluate (selection and pricing) and maintain (control) risk acceptability and profitability within the company’s underwriting guidelines and procedures for commercial risks. Partners with agents to manage a challenging and/or complex book of commercial business or agency relationships. Demonstrates complex decision-making with little or no supervision, recommending quality exceptions where appropriate to maximize profitability and meet business plans. Supports marketing activities to agents and actively participates in the agency management process. Serves as a mentor providing technical support, training, and problem solving for other underwriters. Responsible for working with and protecting confidential and proprietary customer and Company information.
Key functions include but are not limited to the following:
- Analyzes commercial lines accounts to make decisions based on individual risk characteristics, exposure analysis, hazard recognition and control. Utilizes underwriting guidelines to ensure compliance with state regulations. Within delegated authority levels, accepts, rejects or modifies new and/or renewal business to ensure a profitable book of business.
- Prices business according to Company underwriting and pricing guidelines. Assists less experienced underwriters in the handling of high hazard or more complex accounts. Ability to use creativity and underwriting knowledge to write risks and retain business
- Partners with Territory Managers to support marketing activities by developing ongoing relationships with agents to discuss market appetite, quality and profitability of submissions, service standards, and underwriting and/or product changes. Communicates with agents on underwriting issues including decisions on cancellations, declinations, exposure concerns, and survey results.
- Partners with Territory Managers to identify issues or patterns and works to resolve or improve them; participates in agency planning and review processes; and may identify sales and marketing opportunities. Takes a lead role relative to Key Account review and recommendations
- Travels, with or without Territory Manager, to assigned agent locations to develop agency partnerships.
- Trains and educates agency staff on Company products, services, processes, and underwriting philosophy.
- Assists in training and serves as a technical resource to other underwriters as needed.
- Attend industry workshops/meetings each year.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 2-5 years commercial lines underwriting experience, including but not limited to CGL, Property, Packages, BOP, Auto, Crime, IM, Umbrella and/or WC.
- CPCU Designation or other equivalent coursework preferred.
- Good organizational skills, ability to handle multiple tasks and effectively prioritize.
- Comprehensive knowledge of commercial lines products and contract knowledge including regulatory and policy differences among applicable states.
- Demonstrated depth in negotiation, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong computer skills and ability to work with multi-faceted systems.
- Ability to effectively and independently manage complex workload while exhibiting very sound judgment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with agents and other departments and must also exemplify superior teamwork.
- The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Education
- Four-year college degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Additional Company Details
We do not accept any unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies or firms. The actual salary for this position will be determined by a number of factors, including the scope, complexity and location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.Sponsorship Details
Sponsorship not Offered for this RoleRelated Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Underwriters in Meridian evaluate risks by considering regional economic factors and industry presence, such as construction and light manufacturing. This localized insight helps in pricing policies accurately and ensuring profitable underwriting tailored to Mississippi's commercial landscape.
In the Meridian area, credentials like CPCU are highly regarded for underwriters, reflecting expertise in commercial lines. Local employers also value knowledge of state-specific regulations, enhancing compliance and underwriting accuracy within Mississippi’s insurance market.
This role demands strong analytical abilities focused on small business risks, deep knowledge of commercial lines products, and the capacity to negotiate complex deals. Unlike broader underwriting jobs, it emphasizes managing delegated authority and partnering closely with agents for tailored risk control.
Starting from associate or trainee roles, professionals progress by mastering risk evaluation and relationship management. This often leads to senior underwriting positions or specialized roles in commercial credit or field underwriting, reflecting increased responsibility over complex portfolios.
Salaries typically fall between $55,000 and $75,000 annually in Meridian, reflecting local market rates and the commercial underwriting sector's demand. Factors like experience, certifications, and company size, such as Nautilus Insurance Company, can influence compensation.
Nautilus equips underwriters with comprehensive guidelines and encourages autonomy within delegated authority levels. The company fosters strong agent partnerships and provides mentoring, enabling underwriters to manage challenging accounts effectively while promoting profitability.
Employees benefit from association with a Fortune 500 parent company, access to superior A.M. Best-rated subsidiaries, and a collaborative culture. Nautilus emphasizes continuous learning through workshops and technical support, enhancing underwriting expertise in commercial lines.
Meridian’s market shows moderate competition with steady demand due to regional commercial growth. Candidates with multi-line experience and certifications like CPCU have an edge, as local companies seek skilled underwriters to navigate evolving business risks.
Professionals juggle analyzing risk profiles, pricing policies, and maintaining profitable accounts. They also collaborate closely with agents to negotiate terms, address policy issues, and mentor junior underwriters, requiring sharp judgment and multitasking skills.
Underwriters partner with territory managers to identify market opportunities, support agent relationships, and communicate product changes. This collaboration ensures underwriting strategies align with marketing goals, enhancing client retention and portfolio quality.