VP, Underwriting Manager, Special Risk

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a VP, Underwriting Manager, Special Risk based in United States.

This is a senior leadership opportunity within a specialty insurance business focused on complex and evolving Special Risk markets.
You will shape the profitability, strategic direction, and long-term growth of a diverse underwriting portfolio.
The role combines sophisticated risk selection with portfolio management, partner development, reinsurance oversight, and team leadership.
You will work closely with MGUs, TPAs, producers, brokers, and senior internal stakeholders to develop innovative insurance solutions.
With significant autonomy and decision-making authority, you will influence outcomes at both the individual account and portfolio levels.
The position is ideal for an experienced underwriting leader who brings deep market expertise, commercial judgment, and a strong track record of developing high-performing teams.
Travel of approximately 25–30% is expected to support partner relationships, due diligence, and business development activities.

• 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.

How Jobgether works:

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

Why Apply Through Jobgether?

Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.

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