Actuary - State National

Markel•Chicago, IL

2d•$116,080 - $159,610•Remote

About The Position

As a senior leader within the State National Actuarial team, you will serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders and a key deputy to the leader of the State National Actuarial function. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, shape actuarial strategy, and drive meaningful impact across the organization.

Requirements

Deep understanding of actuarial principles, reserving methodologies, and insurance analytics.
Strong commercial lines reserving expertise, including the ability to assess and communicate reserve adequacy, trends, and emerging risks.
Ability to think strategically and connect actuarial insights to broader business objectives.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Proven ability to explain complex actuarial concepts and technical analyses to non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated success building strong partnerships and credibility across large, cross-functional organizations.
Experience collaborating with business leaders to drive data-informed decision-making and meaningful business outcomes.
Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to balance technical rigor and practical business judgment.
Ability to effectively articulate and defend actuarial assumptions, methodologies, and recommendations.
Experience identifying opportunities to improve processes, systems, and analytical capabilities through innovation and automation.
Excellent understanding of insurance data, financial reporting, and actuarial reporting requirements.
Strong project leadership skills, including prioritization, resource coordination, and execution against deadlines.
Experience with analytical tools and programming languages such as SQL, Python, Excel, and related technologies.
Self-motivated, results-oriented professional with a focus on high-impact priorities and continuous improvement.
Ability to travel up to 15%, as needed.
ACAS required.
8+ years of progressively responsible actuarial experience, with significant commercial lines reserving experience.
Demonstrated success leading complex actuarial analyses and supporting key business decisions through reserving, forecasting, and risk evaluation.
Experience partnering with senior leaders and influencing strategic decisions through data-driven recommendations.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive alignment among diverse stakeholder groups.
Prior experience mentoring, developing, and supporting actuarial talent.
Strong business acumen and the ability to balance technical excellence with practical business considerations.
Experience with insurance financial reporting, annual statements, and actuarial reporting requirements.
US Work Authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

FCAS preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and perform actuarial analyses that support reserving, forecasting, financial planning, and strategic decision-making.
Evaluate new business opportunities, programs, and strategic initiatives, providing data-driven insights that support profitable and sustainable growth.
Monitor emerging risks, industry trends, and market developments, proactively communicating business implications and recommendations to leadership.
Partner closely with Underwriting, Legal, Reinsurance, Accounting, Client Services, and Executive Leadership to provide actuarial expertise and support informed decision-making.
Assess potential acquisitions, partnerships, and other strategic opportunities through thoughtful actuarial analysis and risk evaluation.
Develop, enhance, and govern actuarial models, methodologies, and assumptions to drive stronger analytics, forecasting accuracy, and business insights.
Translate complex actuarial concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Present findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, influencing key business decisions.
Serve as a trusted advisor on reserving, risk management, actuarial methodologies, and broader business strategy.
Identify and champion opportunities for process improvement, automation, and innovation that enhance actuarial capabilities and operational effectiveness.
Mentor and develop actuarial talent, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Represent the Actuarial Department on cross-functional initiatives and enterprise-wide projects.
Support State National's values, strategic priorities, and commitment to exceptional client service.