Surety Underwriter - Commercial (HYBRID)

Commercial Surety Underwriter- California 

Our carrier client is seeking a motivated Surety Underwriter to join their growing West Coast Surety & Fidelity team. This role focuses on driving profitable growth, underwriting a diverse portfolio (from startups to Fortune 500 clients), and strengthening agency relationships across the region.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys financial analysis, hands‑on credit evaluation, and building strong producer partnerships in a highly collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite and manage a profitable book of Commercial Surety & Fidelity business across the assigned territory.
• Analyze financial statements (including notes), evaluate credit quality, and forecast risk trends.
• Independently compile underwriting information and make sound credit decisions regarding pricing, collateral, and security.
• Develop new business opportunities and maintain strong agency relationships; clearly communicate risk appetite and underwriting guidelines.
• Mentor and train junior underwriters; support account reviews and underwriting meetings.
• Participate in large account reviews, loss analysis, and guideline updates.
• Represent the company at agency visits, industry events, and off‑site training seminars.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience).
• 1+ years of direct surety underwriting experience.
• Strong financial analysis skills, including vertical/horizontal trending and liquidity, profitability, and debt ratio evaluation.
• Knowledge of indemnity agreements, contract/statute requirements, and credit evaluation principles.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across the team.
• AFSB designation (completed or in progress) preferred.
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Why This Role

• Opportunity to underwrite a wide range of account sizes and industries.
• High visibility with leadership and participation in strategic underwriting discussions.
• Growth-focused organization with strong mentorship culture.
• Chance to further develop into senior underwriting or leadership tracks.

Compensation

• $80k-120k