Director, Underwriting

NJ Compensation Rating & Inspection Bureau • Newark, NJ

just now • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Underwriting Services provides strategic and operational leadership for NJCRIB’s underwriting and rating programs. This position oversees the administration of a uniform classification system, inspections, test audits, pricing programs such as experience rating and the New Jersey Construction Classification Premium Adjustment Program (CCPAP) and ensures proper interpretation and application of Bureau Manual rules, including those governing ownership transactions. The Director is also responsible for administering the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Insurance Plan (the residual market mechanism), ensuring coverage for employers unable to secure insurance in the voluntary market. The role requires balancing technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and responsive service while ensuring that all determinations are consistent, accurate, and compliant with Bureau rules and statutory requirements. The Director works closely with Bureau leadership and industry stakeholders to resolve complex issues, strengthen relationships, and uphold NJCRIB’s statutory mission. NJCRIB has flexible work-from-home schedules and offers excellent benefits to include: Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, floating holidays, and personal paid time off NJ State Pension Plan Medical/prescription coverage FREE dental coverage Vision reimbursement program

Requirements

• Deep knowledge of workers compensation insurance, underwriting practices, rating programs (experience rating and CCPAP) and other pricing programs.
• Strong understanding of Bureau Manual rules, including ownership transactions and risk determinations.
• Ability to analyze complex data, trends, and operational metrics to make informed decisions.
• Understanding of carrier issues, challenges, and operational needs to ensure Bureau programs effectively support insurers and the marketplace.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with specialized insurance software.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, including managers, supervisors, and field staff.
• Strong coaching, mentoring, and professional development skills.
• Experience conducting performance reviews, recommending salary adjustments, and managing personnel effectively.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee multiple operational functions simultaneously.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; able to convey complex concepts clearly.
• Active listening and collaborative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with internal leadership, insurers, producers, employers, regulators, and other stakeholders.
• Experience presenting to boards, committees, and industry groups including conveying complex technical concepts in a clear and actionable manner.
• Strong knowledge of statutory requirements, Bureau rules, and regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to ensure all underwriting and rating determinations comply with Bureau rules and statutory intent.
• Experience identifying, resolving, and communicating complex compliance issues.
• Ability to balance operational efficiency with responsive, member-focused service.
• Insight into carrier priorities and business needs to strengthen collaboration and program effectiveness.
• Strategic thinking to modernize processes, improve efficiency, resolve complex issues, and strengthen industry relationships.
• Creativity and initiative in problem-solving and process improvement.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, Insurance, or a related field required; master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of ten years of experience in the insurance industry, with at least five years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience managing teams, leading operational and strategic initiatives, and providing executive oversight for underwriting, rating, and pricing programs.
• Experience preparing, managing, and monitoring departmental budgets and resource allocation.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance, statutory requirements, and residual market programs highly desirable.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Position requires overnight travel to professional conferences, seminars, forums, etc.
• Must be able to lift to 15 pounds at times
• Must be able to physically inspect property.
• Must be available to travel as assigned within New Jersey on average 2 – 10 times per year.

Nice To Haves

• CPCU or equivalent designation a plus

Responsibilities

• Direct all underwriting and rating services, including experience rating, classification, inspections, test audits, and pricing program operations.
• Oversee the operations of the New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Insurance Plan (residual market), including eligibility, assignments, and stakeholder communications.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of the Bureau’s test audit program to ensure carrier audits and classifications are performed in accordance with established rules and standards.
• Analyze test audit results to identify trends, ensure carrier compliance, and recommend procedural or policy improvements.
• Ensure consistent and accurate interpretation and application of Bureau Manual rules.
• Identify and resolve complex issues such as ownership changes, contractor/subcontractor relationships, and alternative coverage arrangements.
• Review current underwriting, rating, and departmental procedures and implement improvements to increase effectiveness, consistency, and operational efficiency.
• Recommend updates or clarifications to classification phraseologies, footnotes, manual rules, and Bureau policies.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with insurers, producers, regulators, employers, and other industry stakeholders.
• Provide training, seminars, and continuing education for internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Represent the Bureau in inspections, audit reviews, and industry forums as needed.
• Furnish written reports and recommendations to the Executive Director and Associate Executive Director.
• Prepare Governing Committee and Actuarial Subcommittee memoranda, circulars and formal communications.
• Present technical and operational updates to boards, committees, and professional industry groups.

Benefits

• Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, floating holidays, and personal paid time off
• NJ State Pension Plan
• Medical/prescription coverage
• FREE dental coverage
• Vision reimbursement program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees