Take your commercial underwriting expertise into the field and help grow Hastings Insurance across Western Michigan. Hastings Insurance is seeking an experienced Commercial Lines underwriting professional to join our team as a Commercial Field Specialist supporting Western Michigan. In this highly visible, field-based role, you'll serve as a trusted underwriting partner to independent agencies throughout your territory, combining sound underwriting judgment with relationship management and business development. You'll represent Hastings in the marketplace, identify growth opportunities, evaluate commercial risks, and help agency partners place profitable business with Hastings. Working closely with our Territory Sales Managers and internal underwriting teams, you'll balance disciplined risk selection with responsive service and a strong understanding of each agency's business. Middle Market commercial underwriting experience is strongly preferred as we continue to grow this segment of our Commercial Lines portfolio.
What You'll Do:
Develop and strengthen relationships with independent agency partners throughout Western Michigan, serving as a trusted underwriting resource and advocate for profitable growth.
Identify opportunities to grow Hastings' Commercial Lines portfolio by partnering with agencies to write profitable new business while maintaining underwriting discipline.
Conduct regular agency visits and represent Hastings in the marketplace throughout the assigned territory.
Review, evaluate, and underwrite new and renewal commercial business in accordance with underwriting guidelines and authority levels.
Analyze commercial risks, exposures, pricing, and coverage needs to support sound underwriting decisions.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of commercial products, coverages, pricing strategies, underwriting appetite, and applicable guidelines.
Work closely with Territory Sales Managers and internal business partners to support agency development and territory growth strategies.
Collaborate with agency partners, policyholders, and internal teams to deliver responsive, service-oriented underwriting support.
Partner with Sales, Loss Control, Product Development, Claims, and other Underwriting professionals to support agency development and corporate growth objectives.
Provide guidance on coverage interpretation, pricing considerations, and underwriting best practices to internal and external stakeholders.
Serve as a technical resource and contribute to training, professional development, and other departmental initiatives.
What You'll Bring:
Five to eight years of successful property and casualty Commercial Lines underwriting experience, including experience supporting new business growth and developing agency relationships.
Middle Market commercial underwriting experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success evaluating commercial risks and making sound underwriting decisions across a variety of industries and exposures.
Proven ability to build, maintain, and grow relationships with independent agency partners.
Demonstrated ability to identify new business opportunities and contribute to profitable commercial growth.
Experience balancing business development objectives with disciplined risk selection and profitability goals.
Strong knowledge of commercial insurance products, coverages, pricing, and underwriting principles.
Strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and time-management skills. Bachelor's degree in Insurance, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Associate in Underwriting (AU), Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), or other relevant insurance designation preferred.
Valid driver's license and ability to meet Hastings Insurance fleet safety requirements.
Location & Schedule: This is a full-time, salaried position working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a remote, field-based position supporting an assigned territory within Western Michigan. Preference will be given to individuals located in the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or surrounding West Michigan areas; however, candidates throughout Western Michigan will be considered.
Regular daily travel throughout the assigned territory is expected to support agency visits, relationship development, and business growth initiatives. Occasional overnight travel may be required. A company vehicle is provided.
About Hastings Insurance: For more than 135 years, Hastings Insurance has helped individuals, families, and businesses protect what matters most. As a trusted partner to independent agents and policyholders, we've earned a reputation for financial strength, exceptional service, and long-term stability, including an A (Excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best.
While we're proud of our history, we're equally focused on the future. We're investing in technology, strengthening partnerships with independent agents, and continuously evolving our products and services to meet the changing needs of our customers.
Just as importantly, we're investing in our people. Employees enjoy a collaborative, down-to-earth culture where initiative is valued, growth is encouraged, and good work is recognized. We offer competitive pay and benefits, including a 401(k) with company matching contributions, generous paid time off, tuition and professional development assistance, and company performance-based incentive compensation opportunities.
Our Organizational Commitment: At Hastings Insurance, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We foster a workplace where employees are treated with respect, supported in their growth, and empowered to contribute. We know that diverse perspectives lead to stronger collaboration, better decisions, and better outcomes for our customers and communities.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to any legally protected characteristic.
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 800-442-8277.
Job Summary
Requisition Number: COMME002255Job Category: Underwriting
Schedule: Full-Time
