Underwriting Manager

Job Overview

This role involves leading underwriting efforts for commercial excess and surplus (E&S) lines in a technology-enabled wholesale distribution platform. Initially serving as the key contact for carrier partners, the position focuses on risk evaluation, pricing, and binding to drive profitable growth. Over time, it includes building an underwriting team to handle submissions and optimize placements.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate, underwrite, and bind commercial E&S risks across multiple lines of business.
• Analyze submissions for risk acceptability using carrier guidelines and pricing models.
• Manage the full underwriting lifecycle from intake to policy issuance.
• Serve as primary liaison with E&S carrier partners to align on risk appetite and standards.
• Build and lead underwriting and brokerage teams to triage submissions and identify markets.
• Develop rate adequacy analyses and track loss ratios for portfolio profitability.
• Identify coverage gaps and recommend terms, conditions, and exclusions.
• Contribute to underwriting workflows, automation, and technology tools.
• Monitor market trends, regulations, and competitive dynamics.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial E&S underwriting experience with a wholesale broker, MGA, or surplus lines carrier; experience leading teams a plus.
• Expertise in underwriting surplus lines risks across lines like GL, property, professional, and excess.
• Deep understanding of surplus lines regulations, including stamping office procedures.
• Proven ability to assess risks, develop pricing, and structure coverage independently.
• Strong carrier relationships and experience with binding authority or delegated agreements.
• Active surplus lines license or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Excellent communication skills for clear underwriting documentation.
• Experience in insurtech, MGA, or technology-enabled environments.
• Familiarity with API-driven quoting, digital workflows, or automated platforms.
• Experience with small-to-mid commercial E&S risks under $50K premium at volume.
• Knowledge of data-driven tools, predictive models, or third-party risk integrations.