VP, Underwriting Manager, Special Risk

Accountabilities

• • Drive department profitability, retention, written premium, and broader business performance goals while maintaining disciplined underwriting practices.
  • Make independent underwriting decisions within established authority levels, ensuring appropriate risk selection, pricing, documentation, and file quality.
  • Develop annual business goals for assigned agents and producers and maintain accountability for their performance and results.
  • Analyze portfolio results, profitability metrics, underwriting performance, and market conditions to identify opportunities, risks, and areas for improvement.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing underwriting team through effective delegation, mentoring, coaching, accountability, and ongoing professional development.
  • Strengthen the team's sales orientation, negotiation capabilities, technical expertise, and effectiveness when representing the organization and managing risk.
  • Maintain current knowledge of market trends, competitive dynamics, emerging risks, and opportunities across relevant specialty insurance segments.
  • Provide technical underwriting guidance across travel, travel medical, blanket accident, and other applicable Special Risk products.
  • Clearly communicate the department's value proposition to brokers, producers, clients, and internal stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic planning, business development, and initiatives supporting long-term growth.
  • Conduct underwriting audits and evaluate portfolio performance against profitability and business-unit objectives, overseeing corrective actions where needed.
  • Participate in due diligence reviews for prospective MGU and TPA partners and support the onboarding of new partners, clients, and accounts.
  • Manage reinsurance relationships and oversee the associated processes to support effective risk management and program structures.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with MGUs, producers, brokers, clients, and internal stakeholders.
  • Participate in training programs, business initiatives, and other strategic projects as required.

  Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • 15+ years of underwriting experience, with substantial experience managing complex specialty risks and insurance portfolios.
  • Proven experience managing, mentoring, and developing underwriting professionals.
  • Demonstrated ability to underwrite submissions applicable to travel, travel medical, blanket accident, and related Special Risk business segments.
  • Strong risk management, analytical, problem-solving, and financial judgment skills.
  • Excellent understanding of specialty insurance products, underwriting principles, market dynamics, and portfolio profitability.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships with brokers, producers, clients, MGUs, TPAs, and senior stakeholders.
  • Proven leadership ability with a track record of building accountability, developing talent, and delivering team results.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to negotiate and present complex underwriting considerations clearly.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and high service standards.
  • Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong attention to detail and sound judgment when evaluating complex risks and business opportunities.
  • Relevant underwriting and industry designations applicable to specialty insurance are preferred.
  • Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25–30% as required.

  Benefits

  • Annual base salary range of $138,700–$260,800, with actual compensation determined by factors including market conditions, responsibilities, skills, experience, and performance.
  • Potential eligibility for discretionary equity-based compensation and/or performance-based variable pay programs.
  • Flexible work arrangements.
  • Competitive overall compensation package.
  • Generous 401(k) employer match.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer matching.
  • Generous paid time off.
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
  • Wellness programs supporting physical and mental wellbeing for employees and their families.
  • Tuition reimbursement, industry certifications, and professional training opportunities.
  • Opportunities for career development and continued professional learning.
  • Dynamic and collaborative work environment with opportunities to influence specialty insurance strategy and growth.
  • Social responsibility programs, including donation matching and employee volunteer opportunities.