Chief Underwriting Officer

Chief Underwriting Officer

The Chief Underwriting Officer is a member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for the strategic planning and overall management of the underwriting function enabling long‑term profitable growth of all products. This includes accountability for rate, pricing, commission strategies, product review practices and other related actions that drive financial results. The CUO establishes internal procedures and criteria to control underwriting risk and assists in developing the annual operating plan objectives (top and bottom line) and long‑term strategic plan. The ideal candidate will be based in the Wyalusing office with the possibility of a hybrid work schedule.

What You’ll Do

• Set goals for permissible loss ratios by company, by state, and by line.
• Establish underwriting philosophy, appetite, and guidelines (including file audits, referrals, delegation of authorities, adequate rates, forms, portfolio management, service, product development).
• Understand the competitive landscape, risks, opportunities, and challenges.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to create strategic and tactical plans.
• Analyze and assess potential threats identified in the Enterprise Risk Management document and identify new threats as they emerge.
• Develop strategies and protocols to grow profitably during all market cycles, reflecting appropriate diversification of lines and segments to maximize short‑ and long‑term underwriting profit goals.

Leadership of the Department

• Promote a customer‑centric culture and create a positive learning environment that values work ethic, expertise, teamwork, and personalized service.
• Supervise, guide, and develop personnel with regular touchpoints, goal setting, reviews, and feedback.
• Support supervisors in establishing individual goals and development plans for staff.
• Set, communicate, and monitor annual department goals.

Utilize Analytics and Business Skills

• Create key performance indicators and develop reports to track progress.
• Meet or exceed expense objectives for "all other" expense ratio while supporting other combined ratio objectives in the pro‑forma.
• Establish key underwriting and product tactical initiatives and ensure execution to meet or exceed annual profit, cost, and production milestones.
• Oversee rate and premium adequacy across all companies, states, and lines to achieve profit and growth goals.
• Support underwriting, product, and agency management initiatives such as workflow, marketing, new state research, new distribution, and new products.
• Be responsible for underwriting training and development planning.

What We Are Looking For

• College degree or comparable work experience.
• Professional certifications.
• 10+ years of progressive underwriting experience, focused on property and casualty insurance.
• 5+ years of leading and mentoring a team of underwriters, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.
• Proven track record of building profitable underwriting portfolios in competitive markets.
• Deep knowledge of regulatory requirements, risk management principles, and industry best practices.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make informed decisions.
• Exceptional leadership and relationship‑building abilities.
• Proficient organizational and time‑management skills.
• Ability to travel when necessary.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off.
• Paid holidays – 7 per year.
• Paid Employee STD/LTD/Life/AD&D.
• Health Insurance Options – medical, dental, vision.
• Corporate Funded Retirement Plan/401k.
• Corporate Bonus Program.
• Strong Continuing Education Assistance with Program Completion Bonus Structure.

This position is employed by Mutual Capital Services, Inc. and is functionally aligned with Mutual Capital Group, Inc. This role supports corporate initiatives and provides services across multiple subsidiary companies.

We are an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to veteran/military status, race, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. EOE.