Universal Shield Insurance Group is a hybrid property and casualty insurance organization and insurtech providing innovative insurance solutions to underserved small-business markets on both an admitted and surplus lines basis.

Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, we combine insurance expertise with modern technology to make doing business faster and more intuitive. Through our digital agency portals, direct-to-consumer platforms, and B2B solutions, we streamline the insurance experience and enable efficient, competitive underwriting decisions for our partners and customers.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop, launch, and actively manage USIG's Ocean Marine and Brokerage Inland Marine product offerings.
Establish and manage Gross Written Premium (GWP) goals and execute strategies to achieve profitable growth.
Manage loss ratio and overall underwriting profitability to achieve established financial and performance objectives.
Develop, implement, and maintain underwriting guidelines, appetite, pricing strategy, and product standards.
Underwrite new and renewal Ocean Marine and Inland Marine business using sound technical and profitable underwriting practices.
Build, manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing underwriting team.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers and other production partners across the United States.
Market USIG's Ocean Marine and Inland Marine products to existing and prospective broker partners.
Proactively identify and pursue new account opportunities while managing and retaining existing renewal business.
Monitor portfolio performance, market conditions, competitive trends, and emerging risks and adjust underwriting and product strategies as appropriate.
Participate in the Strategic Planning Process and contribute to the development and achievement of short- and long-term business goals.
Collaborate with the Vice President of Special Risk and other internal stakeholders to support the continued development and growth of the Special Risk division.

Job Requirements:

Ability to effectively lead, coach, mentor, and develop an underwriting team.
Senior-level technical underwriting ability and strong business management acumen.
Extensive knowledge of Ocean Marine underwriting principles, practices, procedures, and market conditions.
Strong product development and product management capabilities.
Ability to manage a book of business with a focus on GWP growth, loss ratio, and overall profitability.
Strong marketing and relationship-building skills with the ability to develop and maintain productive broker relationships.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
Ability to effectively navigate ambiguous situations and complex business issues.
Creativity in resolving unique and challenging business problems.
Ability to achieve results by taking a proactive, long-term view of business goals and objectives.
Strong communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively with internal and external business partners.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other business-related software.

A minimum of 10 years of Ocean Marine underwriting experience, including experience in a management or leadership capacity.
Demonstrated experience developing and managing an underwriting product or book of business.
Proven experience building, managing, and developing an underwriting team.
Demonstrated ability to underwrite and market Ocean Marine business.
Experience managing GWP, loss ratio, profitability, and growth objectives.
College degree or equivalent work experience. Professional designations preferred.
Ability to travel as needed.

Universal Shield Insurance Group offers a competitive benefits package that supports employees’ health, wellness, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include medical coverage with company-contributed HSA, dental and vision insurance, company-matched 401(k), and optional voluntary benefits.

Universal Shield Insurance Group (and its member companies - Universal Fire & Casualty Insurance Company and Shield Indemnity, Inc.) is an equal opportunity employer. Discrimination of any kind, including on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, pregnancy or on any basis prohibited by federal, state or local law is not tolerated at Universal Shield Insurance Group.

Universal Shield Insurance Group

Director, Ocean Marine Underwriting

About the Job