Underwriting Director- East Coast Hull & Liabilities

About Us
We're not like other insurance companies. From our specialty products to our business model, our culture to our results - we're different. Different is who we are, and how we work, interact, deliver and succeed together. Creating a different and better insurance experience doesn't just happen. It takes focus and a shared passion for going beyond the expected to forge relationships and deliver care that makes a difference. This approach rises from and is supported by our talented, ethical and smart team of employee owners united around a single purpose: to work alongside our customers and partners when they need us, in unexpected ways, with exceptional results. Apply today to make a difference with us.

RLI is a Glassdoor Best Places to Work company with a strong, successful background. For decades, our financial track record has been stellar - a testament to our culture and validation of our reputation as an excellent underwriting company.

Position Purpose

We are seeking a highly experienced and market-savvy Director of Ocean Marine Underwriting to lead our Hull & Liability (H&L) portfolio on the East Coast. This position will play a critical role in shaping our Ocean Marine strategy, building regional distribution, and leading a high-performing underwriting team. It will require both strategic oversight and hands-on underwriting for complex marine accounts, with a focus on commercial marine operations.

The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge in Hull & Liability, broad market relationships across the Northeast from the Mid-Atlantic up through New England, and proven experience in managing underwriting teams and driving profitable growth.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the underwriting strategy and execution for the Hull & Liability segment within the Ocean Marine product line, ensuring profitable portfolio growth.
  
• Underwrite and oversee complex new and renewal submissions across commercial marine risks, including tugs, barges, workboats, and marine liabilities.
  
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key producers, particularly regional retail agents and marine specialty wholesalers, to increase quality submission flow.
  
• Drive regional distribution by identifying underserved markets and building broker relationships.
  
• Oversee and mentor underwriters, providing technical guidance, training, and performance management to ensure consistent underwriting discipline.
  
• Monitor market trends, loss experience, and legal developments to support pricing, coverage, and product strategy.
  
• Represent the company at industry functions and with key accounts to strengthen market presence and reputation.
  
• Collaborate with senior leadership to deliver on P&L goals, contribute to product development initiatives, and ensure alignment with broader business objectives.
  
• Participate in strategic projects and lead initiatives related to process improvement, systems enhancement, or market expansion.
  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Insurance, Business, or a related field required; advanced degrees or marine insurance certifications preferred.
  
• Minimum 8+ years of commercial marine underwriting experience, with supervisory or team leadership responsibilities.
  
• Expertise in Hull & Liability underwriting is essential; cargo experience is a plus.
  
• Demonstrated track record of profitable portfolio management, broker development, and team leadership.
  
• Existing relationships with marine wholesalers and regional retail agents, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, preferred.
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies

• Deep technical understanding of Ocean Marine underwriting, especially Hull & Liability exposures, rating methodologies, and loss trends.
  
• Strong market presence and ability to generate new business opportunities through trusted broker relationships.
  
• Strategic thinker with the ability to lead a team, coach talent, and make sound risk decisions.
  
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to represent the company externally and advocate internally.
  
• Analytical skills to assess complex risks and inform pricing, coverage terms, and portfolio-level decisions.
  
• Comfortable with data tools and technology platforms to monitor performance and support reporting needs.
  

Compensation Overview
The base salary range for the position is listed below. Please note that the base salary is only one component of our robust total rewards package at RLI. The salary offered will take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, scope & responsibilities of the role, qualifications/credentials, talent availability & specialization, as well as business needs. The below range may be modified in the future.

Base Pay Range
$179,000.00 - $255,736.00

Total Rewards
At RLI, we're all owners. We hire the best and the brightest employees and allow them to share in the company's success through our Total Rewards. With the Employee Stock Ownership plan at its core, the Total Rewards program includes all compensation, benefits and perks that come with being an RLI employee.

Financial Incentives

• Annual bonus plans
  
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
  
• 401(k) - automatic 3% company contribution
  
• Annual 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contributions (Up to 15% of eligible earnings)
  

Work & Life

• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
  
• Paid volunteer time off (VTO) to support our communities
  
• Parental and family care leave
  
• Flexible & hybrid work arrangements
  
• Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform
  
• Employee assistance program
  

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits
  
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts
  
• 2x base salary for group life and AD&D insurance
  
• Voluntary life, critical illness, & accident insurance for purchase
  
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
  

Personal & Professional Growth
RLI encourages its employees to pursue professional development work in insurance and job-related areas. We make a commitment to employees to provide educational opportunities that help them enhance their skills and further their career advancement. RLI fosters a true learning culture and encourages professional growth through insurance courses, in-house training and other educational programs. RLI covers the cost for most programs and employees typically earn a bonus upon successful completion of approved courses and certifications. Our personal and professional growth benefits include:

• Training & certification opportunities
  
• Tuition reimbursement
  
• Education bonuses
  

Diversity & Inclusion
Our goal is to attract, develop and retain the best employee talent from diverse backgrounds while promoting an environment where all viewpoints are valued and individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, and have an opportunity to excel in their chosen careers. We actively support, and participate in, initiatives led by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association that aim to increase diversity in the insurance industry. Cultivating an exceptional and diverse workforce to deliver excellent customer service reinforces our culture and is a key to achieving superior business results.

RLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.