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Our Commercial Surety team is seeking an Underwriting Specialist to join our Central Region. This role is based in the Midwest, with a preference for candidates located in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, or Michigan. We offer flexible work arrangements, including hybrid and fully remote options within those states, along with travel throughout the Midwest to support agency relationships, drive market development, and participate in key business meetings. At The Hanover, our culture is grounded in our CARE Values—we care deeply about our people, our customers, and the communities we serve. We foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where experienced professionals are empowered to make decisions, share ideas, and grow their careers while contributing to shared business goals. We are proud to be a diverse and inclusive organization committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams, enhance performance, and deepen the meaningful relationships we build with our colleagues, customers, and business partners every day. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply.
THIS IS A FULL-TIME, EXEMPT ROLE.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Commercial Surety Department is seeking an experienced Underwriting Specialist to join the Central Region team. This role is responsible for the profitable underwriting growth, and management of a commercial surety portfolio through strong technical expertise, agency relationships, and strategic business development.
IN THIS ROLE, YOU WILL:
Independently manage and grow an assigned book of commercial surety business with moderate to high technical complexity.
Identify, solicit, underwrite, and retain profitable new and renewal surety accounts aligned with underwriting appetite and portfolio objectives.
Develop and maintain strong agency, broker, and client relationships to support business growth and retention.
Analyze financial statements, operational exposures, bond obligations, and risk mitigation factors to make sound underwriting decisions.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to evaluate complex submissions and obtain appropriate approvals.
Apply underwriting principles related to risk selection, exposure analysis, bond form review, loss analysis, and pricing.
Clearly communicate underwriting decisions, terms, and recommendations to agents and brokers.
Manage portfolio performance against premium, profitability, retention, product mix, and new business objectives.
Utilize marketplace and competitor intelligence to enhance decision-making and strengthen producer relationships.
Proactively market Hanover’s surety capabilities and identify opportunities for cross-selling across business units.
Stay current on industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory developments affecting the territory.
WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
AFSB designation preferred
2-5+ years of Commercial Surety underwriting experience.
2–4+ years of successful agency relationship management and business development experience.
Strong understanding of commercial surety underwriting principles, financial analysis, pricing, and portfolio management.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate and negotiate complex surety risks.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to confidently deliver technical underwriting decisions.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and relationship-management capabilities.
Ability to adapt quickly to changing business conditions and embrace new approaches and ideas.
It’s not just a job, it’s a career, and we are here to support you every step of the way. We want you to be successful and fulfilled. At The Hanover we are committed to offering an environment that allows you to grow your career. Internal mobility is something we strive for. If you interested in a new opportunity at The Hanover, we invite you to visit The People Place for our best practices on applying to an open position and exploring ways to drive your career.
If there are any questions surrounding this opportunity, please reach out to the appropriate recruiter: Lisa Jacks at .
EEO statement:
"The Hanover values diversity in the workplace and among our customers. The company provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants on the basis of experience, training, education, and ability to do the available work without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry or any other status protected by law.
Furthermore, The Hanover Insurance Group is committed to providing an equal opportunity workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment based on national origin, race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law."
As an equal opportunity employer, Hanover does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals with disabilities who wish to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions, should contact us at: and include the link of the job posting in which you are interested.
Compensation:
The target hiring range for this role may vary based on geographic location and other factors, including merit or performance, demonstrated proficiency, skills for the role, education, travel requirements, and experience. Additional compensation may include an annual bonus (which could take the form of a general bonus, sales incentive, or short-term incentive), long-term incentive or spot recognition awards. The posted range reflects our ability to hire at different position titles and levels depending on background and experience.