Senior Underwriter, Marine

Ryan Specialty•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Senior Underwriter is responsible for underwriting and managing a portfolio of complex commercial marine and specialty insurance risks while driving profitable growth and maintaining strong broker relationships. This role exercises broad underwriting authority, develops underwriting strategies for new and renewal business, negotiates terms and pricing, and serves as a technical resource and mentor to underwriting staff. The successful candidate will possess strong underwriting expertise, relationship management skills, and the ability to balance production goals with disciplined risk selection.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent insurance industry experience.
Minimum of 7-10 years of commercial underwriting, brokerage, or related insurance experience.
Demonstrated experience underwriting complex marine, transportation, energy, specialty, or commercial casualty risks.
Proven ability to manage broker relationships and independently drive profitable business growth.
Strong understanding of policy forms, coverage analysis, risk assessment, and underwriting principles.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills.
Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
Proficiency in underwriting systems, policy administration systems, Microsoft Office, and data analysis tools.

Nice To Haves

Commercial marine underwriting experience, including Hull & Machinery, Protection & Indemnity, Marine General Liability, MEL, Excess Liability, Inland Marine, or Transportation risks.
Existing broker and industry relationships within marine, energy, transportation, or specialty insurance markets.
CPCU, ARM, AU, AMIM, or other industry designations.
Experience managing delegated authority programs, facilities, MGAs, or Lloyd's business.
Prior experience mentoring or leading underwriting staff.

Responsibilities

Underwrite and manage a portfolio of new and renewal commercial marine and specialty insurance accounts within established underwriting authority.
Evaluate complex risks, including financial, operational, contractual, and loss exposure information to determine acceptability and pricing.
Analyze submissions, loss experience, exposure data, surveys, valuations, and other underwriting information to make informed underwriting decisions.
Develop coverage structures, pricing strategies, terms, conditions, and underwriting recommendations consistent with company guidelines and profitability objectives.
Negotiate pricing, coverage, and terms directly with brokers, agents, and insureds.
Build and maintain strong relationships with producers, brokers, agents, carrier partners, and key clients to support new business production and retention.
Monitor account profitability and portfolio performance, identifying trends and implementing corrective actions as needed.
Issue quotations, indications, binders, endorsements, and policy documentation while ensuring accuracy and compliance with underwriting guidelines.
Manage renewal strategies and proactively identify growth opportunities within existing accounts.
Review and approve underwriting documentation, referrals, and transactions within delegated authority levels.
Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to Underwriters, Underwriting Associates, and other team members.
Collaborate with claims, compliance, operations, accounting, and distribution teams to ensure effective account management and service delivery.
Assist with the development and implementation of underwriting guidelines, procedures, and best practices.
Support facility management, bordereaux reporting, carrier reporting requirements, and portfolio analytics as applicable.
Participate in strategic initiatives, product development, process improvements, and business planning activities.
Represent the company at industry events, conferences, broker meetings, and client functions to strengthen market presence and relationships.