Sr. Manager, Corporate Programs

Merchants•Buffalo, NY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Merchants Insurance Group is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast and is looking for an experienced Senior Manager, Corporate Programs, to join our Corporate Headquarters located in Buffalo, New York. The Senior Manager, Corporate Programs is a member of the Management Team and is responsible for providing leadership for all program business across the organization, with full accountability for the performance, growth, and profitability of the book. This role is responsible for driving the success of our program portfolio by partnering closely with external managing general agents, program administrators, reinsurers, brokers, and internal business units to deliver differentiated products and services. Merchants Insurance Group is rated A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best and is consistently recognized as a top employer and high-performing organization. Recent honors include: Best Places to Work in Western New York (Buffalo Business First, 2023–2026) Fast Track Company (2019–2025) and Top Private Company (2019–2025) Ward’s 50® top-performing property-casualty insurer (2021–2024) Ivans Spark Award for Innovation (2024–2025) Named to Newsweek and Statista’s America’s Most Reliable Companies list (2025), ranked among the top 300 of 1,500 B2B organizations evaluated. We offer a hybrid work schedule, requiring two full days per week in the office, with flexibility to work remotely or onsite the remaining days. This model supports collaboration while providing flexibility and work-life balance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in applicable discipline.
10+ years of relevant work experience; specialized program underwriting experience.
5+ years management experience.
Effective communication and organizational skills required.
Solid commercial lines underwriting background required.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to flex their personal style to build trust and open communication.
Ability to resolve conflict through persuasive and effective communication and consensus building.
Able to work collaboratively within large and small groups, as well as one on one to achieve desired results.
Ability to champion mission and values and build commitment to organizational strategy.
Ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously to include resource allocation and acquisition, scheduling, managing budgets, coaching and training.

Nice To Haves

CPCU or other insurance related coursework required desirable.
Knowledge of Product Development activities is desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead the vision, direction, and ongoing management of all corporate program initiatives, ensuring strong alignment with enterprise growth objectives.
Identify, evaluate, and pursue new program opportunities and enhancements by analyzing market trends, distribution channels, competitive dynamics, and customer needs.
Build strong relationships with Program Administrators and distribution partners to drive premium growth, strengthen retention, and expand market presence.
Direct the research, development, and optimization of program products, including coverage design, endorsements, forms, rating, and pricing.
Own program performance, including direct responsibility for achieving loss ratio, premium, and profitability goals.
Oversee underwriting guidelines, technical support, compliance oversight, and referral handling across all programs.
Coordinate with reinsurers on underwriting strategy, adherence to treaty requirements, and results management.