Lead Underwriter

CRC Group • Little Rock, AR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Underwriter is responsible for leading underwriting operations within a specialized segment, driving profitability through strategic risk selection and portfolio management. This role provides leadership and oversight to underwriting teams while ensuring adherence to company standards and regulatory requirements. The core function of this role centers on balancing underwriting authority with leadership accountability, including setting underwriting strategy, managing portfolio performance, and supporting business growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or a related field preferred
• Extensive experience within underwriting, including commercial or specialty lines
• Proven leadership experience managing underwriting teams and driving performance outcomes
• Demonstrated success in achieving profitability and growth objectives through underwriting strategy and portfolio management
• Relevant certifications such as CPCU or equivalent professional designations preferred.
• Appropriate state-specific insurance licenses required based on role responsibilities.
• Advanced expertise in underwriting, risk selection, and portfolio management
• Strong leadership and people management capabilities across underwriting teams
• Financial acumen, including ability to analyze portfolio performance and profitability drivers
• Strategic thinking and ability to translate market insights into underwriting action
• Strong negotiation and relationship management skills with brokers and market partners
• Proficiency in underwriting systems, tools, and data analytics to support decision-making

Responsibilities

• Lead underwriting strategy and decision-making for complex risks, including evaluating, approving, and guiding risk selection and coverage structure
• Manage and oversee underwriting operations, ensuring adherence to carrier guidelines, company policies, and regulatory requirements
• Monitor portfolio performance and adjust underwriting practices to achieve profitability, growth, and risk management objectives
• Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to underwriting teams to ensure consistent execution, quality, and performance outcomes
• Serve as an escalation point for complex underwriting issues, providing expertise and resolution for challenging risk scenarios
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and market partners to support growth and strategic initiatives
• Coach, mentor, and develop underwriting staff to enhance technical expertise and support career progression
• Evaluate market trends, competitor activity, and data insights to inform pricing, product development, and underwriting strategy

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and AD&D insurance
• tax-advantaged savings accounts
• 401(k) plan with company match
• generous paid time off programs, including company holidays, vacation and sick days, new parent leave
• restricted stock units
• deferred compensation plan
• competitive compensation
• health benefits
• retirement plans
• learning and leadership development programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior