Summary: Under limited supervision and with significant independent judgment, responsible for overseeing the strategic development, underwriting, and management of the company’s excess and surplus (E&S) lines portfolio. This leadership role involves driving profitable growth, managing risk, developing strong broker relationships, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The Director will lead a team of underwriters and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver innovative insurance solutions for non-standard and high-risk accounts by performing the following:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Provides leadership and portfolio management, including: a. Develops and implements strategic plans to grow the E&S lines portfolio while maintaining profitability. b. Identifies emerging trends, risks, and opportunities to position the company as a leader in the E&S market. c. Monitors portfolio performance, including loss ratios, premium growth, and market penetration, and adjusts strategies as needed. 2. Provides underwriting and portfolio oversight, including: a. Establishes and maintains clear underwriting guidelines, appetite, and authority levels. b. Underwrites complex or high severity accounts directly as needed, setting the tone for quality and consistency. c. Oversees underwriting reviews and portfolio analytics to identify trends and ensure balanced growth. d. Works closely with actuarial and reinsurance partners to support pricing and capacity decisions. 3. Owns distribution and market relationships, including: a. Builds and maintains strong relationships with wholesale brokers, MGAs, and specialty partners across the region. b. Serves as a visible market representative for the company, promoting our E&S capabilities and responsive underwriting culture. c. Partners with marketing and business development to strengthen brand recognition and distribution engagement.
4. Serves as a member of the company management team, representing the Commercial Lines department in various planning and operational activities, including providing input into functional strategic and operational plans, including product design and development and agency commission structures.
5. Functions as the Director of employees of a major organizational business unit, generally through subordinate leaders, including but not limited to: a. Develops and communicates vision. Develops and recommends strategic and operational plans. b. Organizes and manages resources to achieve business results. Trains, coaches, and leads staff. c. Oversees and conducts performance management, including performance planning, performance appraisal, and development of subordinates. d. Recommends and implements employment actions, including employment/termination, corrective action, promotions/demotions, salary changes, etc.
6. Serves as a member of the company management team, representing the Profit Center function in various planning and operational activities, including: a. Providing input into functional strategic and operational plans, including product design and development and agency commission structures. b. Participates on the Corporate Planning Team, contributing to the development of company strategic and operational plans. c. May serve as a Business or Technical Sponsor on one or more tactical initiatives.
7. Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience: Level 6: Master’s degree (M.A.) or equivalent; or six to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certificates and Licenses: CPCU, AU or ASLI preferred
A minimum requirement for this position is the ability to work legally in the United States. No visa sponsorship/support is available for this position, including for any type of U.S. permanent residency (green card) process.
