Job Description

Job Location: West Des Moines, IA 50266
Salary Range: $90,000.00 - $125,000.00Say Yes to the Best Career Opportunities
Merchants Bonding Company™ is hiring professionals who value clarity, collaboration, and opportunities to make an impact. Our team is growing, and we’re looking for people who thrive in a fast-moving environment built on common sense underwriting and first-class experiences. If you're ready for the next step in your career with a team that says yes to the best, this is your opportunity.
Job Purpose:
A Territory Underwriter – Commercial evaluates and underwrites Commercial surety bonds submitted to the Company within established parameters and guidelines, contributes to a profitable surety operation and to the marketing of other lines of business.

Job Responsibilities:
Underwriting Analysis & Documentation:
- Determines the acceptability of surety risks, based on the Merchant’s guidelines and marketing strategy. Operates within the authority established by the Senior Vice President – Commercial Underwriting.
- Reviews new submissions and analyzes financial statements, applications, court documents, bond forms, statutes, and indemnity agreements to determine the commercial surety risk and then approves or denies the bond based on the risk analysis up to the authority granted. Accurately evaluates for future loss potential. Obtains information in order to analyze and properly evaluate the risk.
- Reviews underwriting files at renewal for the purpose of analyzing risk and determining whether to renew or deny the bond(s).
- Documents commercial underwriting files and principal files with notes and supporting documentation to detail the underwriting decision.
Marketing & Relationship Building:
- Maintains positive relationships with existing agencies, including regular on-site visits. Continues to build premium and business opportunities. Solicits feedback regarding our service levels and performance.
- Maintains current account and relationship information. Follows up on leads for commercial bonding opportunities for the purpose of generating written premium.
- Develops new business opportunities by prospecting for new agency relationships. Effectively utilizes marketing materials in presentations, proposals, and other marketing efforts
Forms and Underwriting Opinions
- Reviews bond forms and/or statutes in order to form underwriting opinions.
- Adjusts forms, opinions, rate cards and materials to reflect legislative changes.

QualificationsEducation and

Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in business, underwriting, insurance, or a related field, plus 3-5 years of experience in bond underwriting or a similar role in the Surety industry. Coursework in math, statistics, and financial analysis would be helpful.
Benefits at Merchants
At Merchants, we value balancing the needs of our associates and their families. We offer a wide range of benefits designed to help achieve a healthy work-life balance and support personal and professional growth. In addition to competitive pay, bonus programs, and generous paid-time off, here are a few stand-out benefits:
- Flexible hybrid and remote opportunities with 37.5 hour work week
- Free health insurance option
- Paid volunteer time off with matching gift program
- Infants in the Workplace Program with family resources
- Discover more at: https://www.merchantsbonding.com/careers#Benefits
About Merchants
For nearly a century, Merchants Bonding Company has focused almost exclusively on surety, delivering common sense underwriting and first-class experiences to agents, accounts, and associates across the country. Merchants stands apart from multi-line carriers by offering deep surety expertise, a flexible approach, and strong financials that instill confidence and foster lasting partnerships.
Our people-first culture is built on collaboration, inclusion, and shared success. We’re committed to helping associates grow through real opportunities for advancement, while supporting a sense of belonging.
If you're looking to join a company that values your unique perspective, encourages new ideas, and invests in your development, apply today!