Middle Market Underwriting Manager

At Builders Mutual, we believe in the power of a team to get the job done right. 

Our team, does their best work each day, creating a one-stop resource for all commercial insurance solutions and construction safety resources, leading to powerful results. Our cultural elements of teamwork, inclusion, expertise, and community aren't just words on a page—it's integral to who we are, how we work, and what sets us apart. We live out our values every day, striving to serve better and achieve more.

The Opportunity

Leverage your industry expertise and join our growing team in this Middle Market Underwriting Manager opportunity. The Underwriting Manager is responsible for day-to-day management of underwriting and rating operations within assigned states or territories to achieve profitable growth, underwriting quality, and strong customer service. This role leads a team of underwriters in executing segment strategy, applying underwriting guidelines, and delivering consistent, disciplined risk selection and pricing within established authority.

We are seeking an Underwriting Manager who ideally resides in the Raleigh, NC area; however, we are also open to qualified candidates who live within our footprint and would work remotely.

• For Raleigh, NC-based candidates: This hybrid role requires working in our Raleigh office at least two days per week, with the flexibility to work from home the remaining three days.
• For remote candidates within our footprint: You will work from your home office and collaborate with your team virtually, traveling to our Raleigh office for meetings and company events up to four times a year.

Your WORK as a Middle Market Underwriting Manager will make a difference as you:

• Achieve territory goals for new business, retention, and profitability through disciplined risk selection, pricing, and adherence to underwriting guidelines within delegated authority.​
• Monitor book performance and partner with the Director of Underwriting on action plans (e.g., eligibility, pricing, forms) to address trends and improve results.​
• Lead, coach, and develop underwriters and support staff, providing regular feedback, performance management, and development opportunities to build capability and engagement.​
• Ensure underwriting and rating practices comply with all regulatory requirements, internal standards, and audit expectations for assigned territories.​
• Manage day-to-day agency and broker relationships in the territory, balancing production goals with underwriting discipline and service standards.​
• Partner with Sales/Marketing, Claims, and Risk Management to support account strategy, service plans, and resolution of issues impacting profitability or customer experience.​
• Utilize underwriting tools, systems, and data (e.g., production, hit ratio, loss ratio, quality results) to drive informed decisions and manage team performance.​
• Review and approve complex accounts and referrals (e.g., larger premiums, manuscript endorsements, deductible programs) within authority, escalating as appropriate.​
• Contribute underwriting perspective to business projects and system enhancements, supporting implementation and change adoption within the team.​
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and accountable team culture that supports continuous improvement and effective execution of segment strategy

Skills to get the JOB done RIGHT:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Risk Management, Finance, Insurance, or related field with 5–7 years of experience in commercial lines underwriting, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.​
• Demonstrated underwriting expertise in commercial coverage, pricing, and risk selection, including experience underwriting accounts over  in premium.​
• Prior experience mentoring or supervising underwriters or technical staff, with proven ability to manage performance and develop talent.​
• Proven track record of contributing to book profitability, growth, and retention within a defined territory or portfolio.​
• Strong interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to work effectively with agents, peers, and leaders across the organization.​
• Solid planning, time management, and organizational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.​
• Proficiency with underwriting and rating systems, and strong general computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office).

Travel Requirements: Up to 10% (agency visits, internal meetings, and industry events, as needed).

WHY YOU'LL LOVE TO WORK HERE

Builders Mutual cares about you, and we offer comprehensive employee benefits built to support your success and wellbeing, including:

• Market-driven compensation and bonus plan
• 3 weeks of paid time off (and your birthday too)
• 37.5-hour work week; end your Friday at 2:30 PM 
• Builders University for employees, dedicated to supporting the development and enhancing expertise
• Earn swag and extra time off through peer recognition Builders Bucks program

LIFE at Builders Mutual

• Collaboration| You are part of a team working together to reach a common goal.
• Empowerment| You will feel trusted, valued, and given the resources to be successful.
• Flexibility| You will be part of a dynamic work environment designed to allow you to do your best work while also creating the best possible customer experience.
• Impact| You will positively influence our business, customers, and industry.
• Sense of pride | You will tell others how much you enjoy working at Builders Mutual.

Builders Mutual is an Equal Opportunity Employer.