Underwriting Specialist, National Accounts Casualty

Overview

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. Individual contributor responsible for the overall management, business development, analysis, and monitoring of a highly complex National Accounts Casualty book of business. Recognized as a technical expert in large and complex casualty risks, including primary, excess and umbrella structures, loss sensitive programs, and multinational exposures.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Underwrites highly complex casualty risks, including large, multi-layered programs involving primary, excess/umbrella, and alternative risk structures (e.g., captives, large deductibles, SIRs), using a diagnostic approach to assess acceptability.
• Designs customized casualty programs, including manuscript endorsements, coverage enhancements, and alignment across multiple lines and jurisdictions.
• Determines pricing strategies for complex risks based on exposure analysis, loss drivers, financials and market conditions, aligned with profitability targets and underwriting authority.
• Evaluates program structure, attachment points, and limit deployment to maximize risk‑adjusted returns.
• Negotiates terms, conditions, pricing and program structure with brokers, balancing competitiveness with disciplined underwriting standards.
• Analyzes portfolio performance (rate, retention, profitability and mix of business) and actively manages book strategy to achieve growth and margin objectives.
• Partners with actuarial, claims, risk control and multinational teams to assess loss trends, emerging risks and program performance.
• Develops and executes business development strategies targeting key brokers, large national accounts and complex risk opportunities, including cross‑border and multiline placements.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with key brokers and clients to position CNA as a lead or meaningful participant on complex casualty programs.
• Monitors regulatory, legal and industry developments across jurisdictions, incorporating changes into underwriting strategy.
• Mentors junior underwriters and supports technical development.
• Leads or contributes to strategic underwriting initiatives, portfolio reviews and key projects.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Deep technical expertise in casualty underwriting, including primary GL, umbrella/excess liability and loss‑sensitive program structures.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and relationship management skills with brokers, clients and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical mindset, with the ability to assess complex data, identify trends and inform underwriting strategy.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, high‑stakes environments requiring judgment and creativity.
• Strong ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects.
• Demonstrated leadership through influence, mentorship and technical guidance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other business‑related software.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other enterprise business tools, including responsible use of AI‑enabled technologies (such as Copilot or similar) to enhance efficiency, analysis and workflow in accordance with company policies.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; professional designations (e.g., CIP, FCIP) preferred. Typically a minimum eight to ten years casualty underwriting experience, with significant exposure to large/complex or national account business.

Compensation

The base salary range for this position is $115,000 to $140,000, complemented by a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. Base salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At CNA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants based on job‑related qualifications and ability to perform a job. If you require an accommodation during the hiring process or upon hire, please inform Human Resources. If a selected applicant requests accommodation during the recruitment process, CNA will consult with the applicant in order to provide suitable accommodation that takes into account the applicant’s accessibility needs.