Director, Business Development - Surety (Large Commercial)

Overview

Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team is looking for an experienced Surety Underwriting leader to drive business growth and manage underwriting operations for a Surety book of business. The position is based in Chicago, IL with consideration for Minnesota and requires strong critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills.
Key Responsibilities

Lead a team of surety territory managers and field underwriters, overseeing sales and underwriting relationships.
Establish and maintain business relationships with agencies and brokers to support sales growth and distribution expansion.
Independently underwrite accounts within authority limits and manage overall underwriting appetite.
Analyze portfolio performance and individual account performance to drive profitable growth.
Monitor risk selection, renewal retention, and pricing decisions at portfolio and individual account levels.
Review and approve underwriting decisions of staff, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and organizational objectives.
Provide recommendations to leadership on underwriting strategy and opportunities.
Measure and manage underwriting processing and quality.
Actively manage agency relationships and participate in agency management activities.
Make underwriting decisions on complex or escalated business as required by authority and guidelines.
Determine priorities and workflow/service standards for the department and manage performance metrics.
Align organizational structure to drive business results.
Plan, develop, and integrate territory sales plans to achieve revenue and profit targets.
Translate strategic business plans into operational direction and set financial and operational goals.
Direct associates, provide performance management, salary planning, and administrative oversight.
Drive sales strategies to develop new business, improve retention, and maintain profitability.
Meet regularly with clients to enhance relationships and drive business results.
Handle escalated customer service issues and requests.
Communicate strategic direction, operational plans, policies, procedures, and financial budgets to internal and external partners.
Partner with agencies to expand program share and manage shared surety accounts.
Develop and maintain strong business relationships with key groups and individuals within the commercial lines market.
Collaborate across internal functions (Claims, Marketing, IT, etc.) to resolve business needs.
Work with leaders to manage training of associates and ensure competency and professionalism.
Coach territory managers and field underwriters on pursuing surety opportunities with agencies and brokers.
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Reporting Relationships

Reports to AVP, Surety. Direct reports include surety territory managers, field underwriters, and underwriting associates.
Typical Skills and Experiences

Education:

Undergraduate degree in business, insurance, or a related field preferred.
License/Certification:

Pursuing AFSB, CPCU, or other insurance/finance related certification desired.
Experience:

Ten years of commercial or contract surety underwriting experience preferred; significant business management and people leadership experience desired.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:

Extensive knowledge of surety operations, products, and underwriting best practices; expertise in underwriting risks and tools; strong communication and decision‑making skills; ability to work independently within underwriting authority and standards.
Competencies:

Building Organizational Talent, Optimizing Diversity, Selling the Vision, Leading Change, Driving Execution, Entrepreneurship.
Job Conditions

Overtime Eligibility: Exempt (Not eligible).
Working Conditions: Requires extended and/or non‑standard work hours, extensive travel in the field, and potential relocation. Must hold a valid driver’s license with satisfactory record.
ADA: The above statements cover principal and essential functions of this job.
Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Life insurance and short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
Paid time off: Newly hired associates receive a minimum of 18 days paid time off per full calendar year prorated quarterly based on hire date; nine paid holidays; 8 hours Lifetime paid time off; 8 hours Unity Day paid time off.
401(k) with company match and company‑paid pension plan.
Business casual attire allowance.
Other benefits available.
Equal Opportunity

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected, and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law.

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