Head of Portfolio Underwriting (Hartford)

About The Role

The Head of Portfolio Underwriting leads a team of underwriters, collaborates with Product Managers, and is accountable for profitable growth of all Alternative Markets Portfolio business. The role works with the Alternative Markets Leadership Team, Product Management, and Group Corporate Underwriting to implement and communicate underwriting policies and procedures, and provides underwriting expertise to the Portfolio Underwriting staff. The Head of Underwriting has binding authority via letter of authority and ensures compliance with corporate, regulatory, and legal requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and retain a high‑performing underwriting team through coaching, performance management, and talent development
• Establish clear expectations for portfolio ownership, monitoring cadence, client engagement, and documentation standards
• Set portfolio growth targets and partner with leadership, Finance, and stakeholders to execute product‑specific growth strategies
• Own delivery of portfolio financial results including growth, profitability, and underwriting gains
• Analyze portfolio performance to identify opportunities, risks, and emerging trends impacting pricing and underwriting strategy
• Provide underwriting expertise, guidance, and escalation support for complex risks, referrals, and coverage decisions
• Ensure adherence to underwriting guidelines, regulatory requirements, and internal governance standards
• Drive continuous improvement across underwriting processes, systems, and portfolio execution
• Partner with Product Managers and internal stakeholders to influence product strategy and investment decisions
• Lead change management initiatives related to product, process, and technology enhancements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in Business Administration, Risk Management, Marketing, Product Management, or a related field
• 7+ years of underwriting or relevant insurance experience, preferably with commercial or property exposure
• Experience in portfolio management, underwriting strategy, or product‑driven insurance environments
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams with strong mentoring and leadership capabilities
• Strong analytical and financial acumen with experience managing P&L and influencing business results
• Experience driving strategy and execution in a complex insurance or product environment
• Advanced degree or professional designation (e.g., CPCU) preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Ability to influence stakeholders and present effectively to executive‑level audiences
• Customer‑centric mindset with strong understanding of client needs and expectations
• Strategic thinker with the ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement
• Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving skills in complex underwriting environments
• Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally and drive organizational alignment
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written) with ability to tailor messaging to different audiences
• Highly proactive with strong initiative and ability to manage ambiguity
• Ability to translate data‑driven insights into actionable underwriting strategies
• Strong organizational awareness and ability to navigate and influence complex organizations

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Location: Hartford, CT, United States.

Salary range: $177,000 - $280,000, plus opportunity for company bonus. The company provides health insurance, employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and PTO.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.