Senior Underwriting Assistant

Department: Underwriting Operations

Location: Connecticut

Description

The Senior Underwriting Assistant (Senior UA) provides advanced administrative, and technical support to underwriters within the Excess & Surplus (E&S) Specialty Lines segment. This role is responsible for coordinating complex underwriting activities, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of submission data, and facilitating timely quoting, binding, and policy issuance processes. The Senior UA serves as a subject matter expert on underwriting systems, documentation standards, and workflow procedures, and provides guidance and training to junior underwriting support staff. The Senior UA collaborates closely with underwriters, brokers, operations, and other internal partners to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant execution of underwriting activities.

Key Responsibilities

Underwriting Process Support

• Reviews new and renewal E&S submissions to verify completeness, accuracy, and adherence to underwriting guidelines and documentation requirements.
• Prepares underwriting files by collecting, organizing, and summarizing relevant exposure information, including loss histories, supplemental applications, risk characteristics, and prior carrier details.
• Assists underwriters with rating, quote preparation, binders, endorsements, and policy issuance activities in accordance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures that required forms, disclosures, and compliance related documents specific to E&S markets are correctly incorporated into the underwriting file.

Technical & Analytical Responsibilities

• Conducts quality assurance reviews of rating inputs, policy forms, schedules, subjectivities, and invoice details to minimize errors and rework.
• Identifies inconsistences, data gaps, and potential risk indicators and escalates as appropriate to underwriting staff.
• Utilizes reports, dashboards, and tracking tools to maintain accurate records of submissions, renewal activity, producer performance, and key service metrics.
• Supports underwriting team with data analysis related to loss trends, exposure changes, and broker submission quality.

Broker & Internal Communication

• Serves as a designated point of contact for brokers regarding required information, submission status, outstanding subjectivities, and documentation requests.
• Coordinates with internal and external partners (Operations, Claims, Finance, Compliance, Premium Audit, and IT) to facilitate timely completion of underwriting tasks.
• Drafts and/or reviews correspondence, notices, and documentation to ensure professional communication that aligns with company standards and regulatory requirements.

Workflow Management & Process Improvement

• Monitors work queues, deadlines, and renewal timelines to ensure service standards and turnaround expectations are met.
• Reviews and monitors monthly key performance indicators (KPIs) for potential backlogs and quality improvements. Includes monthly reporting to management.
• Assists with quality assurance activities as requested, working with Operations Manager on resolution of Data Exception Reports.
• Recommends workflow improvements, system enhancements, and procedural updates designed to improve efficiency and reduce operational risk.
• Participates in process reviews, system testing, and implementation of new tools, forms, and procedural changes within underwriting operations. Includes maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Leadership & Mentorship

• Provides guidance, training, and technical support to junior underwriting assistants ensuring consistent adherence to underwriting support standards and best practices.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for underwriting systems, procedures, and data requirements.
• Acts as a lead resource during peak periods, ensuring workload is balanced and deadlines met.
• Assists in onboarding and developing new team members through coaching, knowledge sharing, and performance support.
• Monitors and evaluates direct reports through the performance management process. Provides guidance and fosters a continuous learning environment.

Skills, Knowledge And Expertise

Education & Experience

• High school diploma required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree with emphasis on insurance, business or accounting preferred; or equivalent work experience in related field.
• Minimum 8–10 years of underwriting support experience within Commercial Property & Casualty insurance; E&S or Specialty Lines experience strongly preferred. 3+ years leadership.
• Familiarity with E&S market practices, surplus lines requirements, and non-admitted product workflows.

The Lancashire Way

At Lancashire, we believe our culture sets us apart. The way we behave and approach our work day-to-day is what makes us unique and creates a positive experience for our people, business partners and other stakeholders. Honesty and integrity in all we do is a given and The Lancashire Way reflects our true character and spirit.

Straight-talking

We feel empowered to share thoughts and ideas, because everyone’s voice matters.

Collaborative

We work together towards common goals, share knowledge and support each other.

Hard-working

We all have a stake in the company’s success and are proactive in contributing to our goals and vision.

Responsible

We focus on achieving tangible results with consistent standards across the Group.

Positive

We engage with brokers, clients, communities, stakeholders and colleagues professionally and passionately as proud ambassadors of Lancashire.