Director, Commercial Lines Excess & Surplus

Job Summary

Seeking a highly experienced and strategic leader to join a team as the Director of Commercial Lines Excess & Surplus (E&S). This role is pivotal in overseeing the strategic development, underwriting, and management of the E&S lines portfolio. The successful candidate will drive profitable growth, manage risk, foster strong broker relationships, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. This position offers the opportunity to lead a team of underwriters and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver innovative insurance solutions for non-standard and high-risk accounts.

Compensation Package

• Base Salary: $180,000 - $220,000 annually
• Bonus: Up to 25% annual target bonus
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including paid holidays, continuing education opportunities, and paid volunteer time off.

Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Portfolio Management:

   • Develop and implement strategic plans to grow the E&S lines portfolio while maintaining profitability.
   • Identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities to position the company as a leader in the E&S market.
   • Monitor portfolio performance, including loss ratios, premium growth, and market penetration, and adjust strategies as needed.

2. Underwriting and Portfolio Oversight:

   • Establish and maintain clear underwriting guidelines, appetite, and authority levels.
   • Underwrite complex or high-severity accounts directly as needed, ensuring quality and consistency.
   • Oversee underwriting reviews and portfolio analytics to identify trends and ensure balanced growth.
   • Collaborate with actuarial and reinsurance partners to support pricing and capacity decisions.

3. Distribution and Market Relationships:

   • Build and maintain strong relationships with wholesale brokers, MGAs, and specialty partners.
   • Serve as a visible market representative, promoting E&S capabilities and responsive underwriting culture.
   • Partner with marketing and business development to strengthen brand recognition and distribution engagement.

4. Team Leadership and Development:

   • Develop and communicate vision and strategic plans for the team.
   • Train, coach, and lead staff, ensuring high performance and professional growth.
   • Oversee performance management, including appraisals, development plans, and employment actions.

5. Corporate Collaboration:

   • Represent the Commercial Lines department in planning and operational activities.
   • Provide input into functional strategic and operational plans, including product design and development.
   • Participate in corporate planning initiatives and serve as a sponsor for tactical initiatives.

6. Other Duties:

   • Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Experience:

  • 8–15+ years of commercial P&C experience with direct E&S underwriting, wholesale brokerage, or E&S carrier management.
  • Proven experience launching or scaling an E&S product, program, or distribution channel.
  • Strong working knowledge of independent agency distribution.
  • Direct leadership experience with responsibility for P&L, portfolio performance, and growth planning.

• Expertise:

  • Deep understanding of non-admitted regulatory frameworks, surplus lines compliance, and filings.
  • Experience collaborating with legal, compliance, IT, finance, and reinsurance teams.
  • Familiarity with E&S policy administration systems, rating tools, submission intake platforms, and API integrations with wholesalers.

• Education:

  • Master’s degree (M.A.) or equivalent experience.
  • CPCU, AU, or ASLI certifications preferred.

• Skills:

  • Strategic leadership and decision-making abilities.
  • Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
  • Analytical mindset with a focus on portfolio performance and risk management.

• Legal Requirements:

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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