Underwriting Manager

Senior Underwriting Manager & Underwriting Manager

Job Summary

Seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Underwriting Manager & Underwriting Manager to lead and manage underwriting operations. This role is pivotal in driving premium growth, maintaining profitability, and fostering strong agency relationships. The ideal candidate will bring a robust background in commercial lines underwriting, leadership experience, and a strategic mindset to contribute to the success of our underwriting team and overall business objectives. This is a hybrid position requiring in-office presence three days per week.

Compensation Package

• Base Salary: $110,000 – $185,000 (flexible for strong candidates)
• Bonus: Approximately 15% annual performance bonus
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, and paid time off.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage underwriting operations for the Dallas branch, aligning with regional leadership on strategy and execution.
• Oversee a team of approximately 7–8 underwriting staff, ensuring quality, productivity, and adherence to underwriting guidelines.
• Contribute to and execute the branch business plan, focusing on premium growth and profitability targets.
• Underwrite large, complex, or unusual risks as needed.
• Develop and manage agency relationships, including appointments, performance evaluations, and growth strategies.
• Drive production through agency engagement, territory development, and business planning.
• Monitor and manage loss ratios, sales goals, and overall portfolio performance for a ~$150M book of business.
• Conduct underwriting file reviews to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate underwriting staff to build a high-performing team.
• Collaborate with claims, risk control, and leadership teams to support overall business objectives.
• Travel as needed for agency visits, meetings, and relationship development.

Qualifications/Requirements

• 5–7+ years of commercial lines underwriting experience (more experience preferred for senior-level candidates).
• Proven leadership and management experience, with a strong preference for candidates with team oversight responsibilities.
• Extensive field underwriting experience, particularly in:
  • Construction (required; must be true middle market, not small artisan).
  • Oil & Gas / Energy (highly preferred).
• Experience handling large commercial/middle market accounts with an average premium of ~$400K–$500K.
• Demonstrated expertise in agency management, production, and business development.
• Deep understanding of ISO forms, pricing, and coverage analysis.
• Proven ability to balance profitability and growth within a territory.
• Open to candidates from carrier or MGA backgrounds with true underwriting authority.
• Preferred experience with companies such as Travelers, Liberty Mutual, FCCI, Chubb, or Central.

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