About Us 

We’re not like other insurance companies. From our specialty products to our business model, our culture to our results — we’re different. Different is who we are, and how we work, interact, deliver and succeed together. Creating a different and better insurance experience doesn’t just happen. It takes focus and a shared passion for going beyond the expected to forge relationships and deliver care that makes a difference. This approach rises from and is supported by our talented, ethical and smart team of employee owners united around a single purpose: to work alongside our customers and partners when they need us, in unexpected ways, with exceptional results. Apply today to make a difference with us. 

RLI is a Glassdoor Best Places to Work company with a strong, successful background. For decades, our financial track record has been stellar — a testament to our culture and validation of our reputation as an excellent underwriting company.

Position Purpose

Our Senior Underwriter plays a key role within our Excess Liability group, specializing in New York construction liability. Working with minimal oversight, this position builds upon the responsibilities of the Underwriter I and II roles by taking greater ownership of complex underwriting decisions, selecting appropriate risks, and identifying profitable business opportunities. The Senior Underwriter develops and strengthens relationships with producers, reinsurers, and other industry contacts while driving increased submission flow and contributing to the continued growth and profitability of the portfolio.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Analyze, evaluate, accept, decline, rate, quote, and bind new or renewal submissions with high premium or risk exposure.

• Build strong relationships between agents, reinsurers, and contacts.

• Review complex submissions, account losses, pricing models, and profitable premiums.

• Review complex sources of profit by selecting appropriate risks.

• Assist with special projects or other duties as needed.

Education & Experience

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree in insurance, finance, risk management, business or a related field

• Minimum of 5+ years of related experience for consideration

• [OR] equivalent level of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies

• Experience in underwriting policies related to excess liability in New York construction

• Ability to use analytical methods in underwriting processes to find workable solutions.

• Ability to verbally and in writing, communicate findings and recommendations to internal and external contacts on underwriting matters.

• Ability to use software to summarize and analyze large amounts of data.

• Understands, applies, & properly documents nature of operations of the risk for accounts assigned & communicates findings.

• Ability to prepare, review, and complete underwriting analysis of accounts. 

• Analytical skills and understanding of submission requirements, model entry, and product appetite.

• Participates in underwriting related continuing education.

• Ability to generate innovative solutions within the underwriting department.

• Has typically obtained letter of authority.

• Has a good understanding of the markets and clients being serviced.

• Has some authority to process approval, issuance, or change requests for policies.

• Works on slightly more complex risks than UW I and has obtained higher level of authority.

• Presents solutions to management on non-standard issues without prior oversight or guidance from manager.

• Ability to know proper sign off & correct UW judgement in most cases.

• Possess a thorough understanding of the internal processes of the product and displayed understanding of loss rating/credibility.

• Working toward building and maintaining a profitable book of business.

Compensation Overview

The base salary range for the position is listed below. Please note that the base salary is only one component of our robust total rewards package at RLI. The salary offered will take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, scope & responsibilities of the role, qualifications/credentials, talent availability & specialization, as well as business needs. The below range may be modified in the future.

Base Pay Range

Total Rewards

At RLI, we're all owners. We hire the best and the brightest employees and allow them to share in the company's success through our Total Rewards. With the Employee Stock Ownership plan at its core, the Total Rewards program includes all compensation, benefits and perks that come with being an RLI employee.

Financial Incentives

• Annual bonus plans

• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

• 401(k) — automatic 3% company contribution

• Annual 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contributions (Up to 15% of eligible earnings)

Work & Life

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays

• Paid volunteer time off (VTO) to support our communities

• Parental and family care leave

• Flexible & hybrid work arrangements

• Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform

• Employee assistance program

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits

• Flexible spending and health savings accounts

• 2x base salary for group life and AD&D insurance

• Voluntary life, critical illness, & accident insurance for purchase

• Short-term and long-term disability benefits

Personal & Professional Growth

RLI encourages its employees to pursue professional development work in insurance and job-related areas. We make a commitment to employees to provide educational opportunities that help them enhance their skills and further their career advancement. RLI fosters a true learning culture and encourages professional growth through insurance courses, in-house training and other educational programs. RLI covers the cost for most programs and employees typically earn a bonus upon successful completion of approved courses and certifications. Our personal and professional growth benefits include:

• Training & certification opportunities

• Tuition reimbursement

• Education bonuses

Diversity & Inclusion

Our goal is to attract, develop and retain the best employee talent from diverse backgrounds while promoting an environment where all viewpoints are valued and individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, and have an opportunity to excel in their chosen careers. We actively support, and participate in, initiatives led by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association that aim to increase diversity in the insurance industry. Cultivating an exceptional and diverse workforce to deliver excellent customer service reinforces our culture and is a key to achieving superior business results.

RLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.