Director of Underwriting - Railroad

If you're looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference, you've found it. The work we do at Markel gives people the confidence to move forward and seize opportunities, and you'll find your fit among our global community of optimists and problem-solvers. Join us and play your part in something special!

The primary purpose of this position is to lead the strategic development and execution of organizational goals and objectives for Markel's Railroad underwriting portfolio. This includes rolling stock, track and roadbed, bridges and tunnels, and railroad-related property, all within Markel's Inland Marine practice. The Director/Sr. Director is responsible for underwriting results, profitability, growth and retention across new and renewal business. The role also provides leadership and direction to the underwriting team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and implement underwriting strategy for Railroad, consistent with Inland Marine and Property product line strategies.
• Manage underwriting functions to achieve profit, revenue, loss ratio and expense targets.
• With PLL leadership, delegate underwriting authority to staff through letters of authority, and monitor and revise it as appropriate.
• Ensure underwriting work is high quality and consistent with authority levels, guidelines and standards.
• Coach and train underwriters based on underwriting audit results. Address individual career and development needs.
• Underwrite and provide referral guidance on complex, high-hazard and large-account Railroad risks, including risk selection and pricing.
• Build and maintain relationships with key retail and wholesale producers, Class I, short line and regional railroads, and industry partners.
• Balance team workloads and maintain appropriate staffing levels, including recruiting and hiring.
• Partner with Operations to ensure processing and service standards are met.
• Work with internal partners (Actuarial, Product Development, Claims, IT and Marketing) to deliver solutions to customers. This includes flagging producer, training or quality issues to Marketing.
• Identify cross-sell opportunities with other Markel divisions.
• Monitor competitor forms, pricing and market trends, and position Markel's Railroad product accordingly.
• Contribute to special projects, product development and new business initiatives.

Qualifications:

Required

• 10+ years of commercial insurance underwriting experience.
• 5+ years underwriting Railroad (rolling stock, track/roadbed, railroad property) or Inland Marine.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of coverage forms, policy language, pricing and risk selection.
• Proven track record of profitable underwriting results and broker/agent relationship management.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel.
• Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent experience.

Preferred

• Direct Railroad underwriting experience, including rolling stock and railroad-related property.
• Inland Marine and Property (including marine-related property) underwriting experience, which is an acceptable alternative to direct Railroad experience.
• Prior people leadership or team management experience.
• Professional designations (CPCU, AU, ARM or similar).
• Existing relationships in the Railroad, Inland Marine and wholesale/specialty distribution communities.