Head of Programs

Job Description:
A specialty insurer that delivers customized surety and casualty solutions is seeking a Head of Programs. The Head of Programs will be responsible for establishing and leading a newly created programs division. This visionary leader will support the existing MGA programs, as well as build the infrastructure, strategy and partnerships required to grow a high-performing delegated authority and program underwriting business. The Head of Programs will leverage dynamic leadership skills and deep experience in program development, MGA/MGU relationships and underwriting governance to build a division from the ground up. This is a retained search.

• Manages the existing surety and liability programs to ensure each program meets strategy, financial and operational targets; leverages existing programs to support a scalable business while defining frameworks, underwriting and reporting requirements

• Identifies and onboards high-quality MGAs/MGUs, affinity groups and distribution partners to build a diversified portfolio; leads the design of delegated authority arrangements, including performance metrics, compliance standards and reinsurance alignment

• Focuses on profitability, loss ratios and capital efficiency while ensuring adherence to underwriting guidelines, pricing strategy, and risk selection standards; leverages data and analytics to drive decisions and ensure alignment with corporate objectives

• Aligns claims strategy with underwriting and pricing to ensure program profitability; selects, onboards and manages TPAs and claims service providers while monitoring loss ratios, claim frequency/severity trends and reserves; escalates complex or disputed claims across programs

• Attracts, develops and retains a highly qualified team of underwriters, analysts and operational support staff

Requirements:

• Strong experience in the insurance industry, specifically with program management, underwriting leadership or MGA/MGU oversight experience

• Proven success managing complex insurance programs and portfolios

• Strong analytical, negotiation and decision-making skills

• Excellent knowledge of insurance products, pricing and distribution strategies, specifically within the property and casualty space; surety experience (preferred)

• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and delegated authority models

• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work in a fast-paced, evolving environment