Executive Underwriter - Workers Compensation (E&S/Specialty)
Nationwide
- Location
- Iowa - Des Moines, 1100 Locust Street
- Work model
- On-Site
- Level
- Senior
About this role
If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them at a Fortune 100 company with nearly $70 billion in annual sales, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers and partners are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. We’re looking for a technically strong workers compensation underwriter to help steer a growing portfolio of WC programs. You’ll be the go-to expert for complex WC referrals and program questions, directly impacting profitability, volatility, and partner experience across our book. What you’ll do Underwrite complex WC program and large account referrals end-to-end (exposures, losses, structure, and pricing recommendations). Use internal pricing tools, actuarial input, and financial analysis to recommend sound pricing, terms, and structures (e.g., deductibles, large deductibles, dividends, alternative risk). Assess jurisdictional risk (e.g., CA, NY, FL and other challenging venues) and incorporate severity, ALAE, CT, and regulatory nuances into your decisions. Monitor a defined slice of the WC program portfolio (loss ratio, growth, retention, mix), surfacing trends and recommending corrective actions. Serve as a primary WC underwriting contact for assigned program administrators / MGUs and MGAs, shaping submission quality, data, and expectations. Partner with Finance, Actuarial, Claims, Risk Control, and Operations to align on risk quality, loss drivers, collateral, and improvement plans. Model disciplined documentation and communication, including clear system notes and concise leadership-ready summaries. What you’ll bring 7+ years of workers compensation experience (underwriting or similar), with a strong preference for program, large risk, or high-hazard WC. Proven ability to underwrite complex, multi-state WC risks and to use data, models, and financial information to support your judgment. Strong working knowledge of WC coverages, rating plans, and state-specific requirements; designations such as AU, ARM, CPCU, (or in progress) are a plus. Clear, confident communication skills — able to translate technical insight into practical guidance for leadership, program partners, and brokers. A disciplined, portfolio-minded approach that balances growth, profitability, and volatility. *This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program* #LI-CL1 #LI-Remote Job Description Summary Are you a problem solver who can analyze complex risk and find insurance solutions that balance customer needs with business goals? If you can take initiative, use both your analytical and creative abilities to make sound decisions and have a desire to help people solve real challenges, we want to know more about you! As an Executive Underwriter, you'll be responsible for reviewing and analyzing numerous, highly complex lines of business. You'll underwrite individual risk for acceptability, pricing, coverage, terms and conditions. You'll lead in the development and integration of new and existing programs and identify new program opportunities. You will participate in making reinsurance decisions; assist in developing and implementing loss control and risk management strategies. You'll collaborate between business partners for development and implementation of program specific tools (i. e. underwriting guidelines, forms/rate filings, etc) for new programs or modifications to existing programs. You'll communicate program updates to program managers and other business liaisons. In order to succeed, you will need to build and maintain effective relationships with internal business liaisons, external program managers, and other key