Staff Vice President Construction Underwriter - FM Intellium

FM•Johnston, RI

About The Position

FM Intellium is seeking a Construction Underwriter for a dynamic, growth-focused team. This client-facing, deal-leading role evaluates, structures, and executes large-scale construction risks across complex infrastructure projects. The position may be based near any FM office, and, depending on the candidate’s experience and background, may also be considered at a senior level. The role leads broker and client engagement, makes pricing and underwriting decisions, and manages deals end-to-end within established authority. The successful candidate balances commercial objectives with underwriting discipline while applying sound judgment and commercial acumen in a fast-paced environment. The position collaborates with engineering, client service, and underwriting leadership to provide integrated risk solutions and contribute to improved underwriting practices and processes.

Requirements

10+ years of property underwriting experience.
Demonstrated experience underwriting construction risks, including large or complex projects.
Proven ability to manage deals end-to-end and operate within defined authority levels.
Experience leading broker and client discussions, including negotiation of pricing and terms.
Strong understanding of construction risk exposures, project structures, and loss drivers.
Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to assess and prioritize risks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.

Nice To Haves

CPCU, ARM, or an advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead underwriting of complex construction projects, including direct engagement with brokers and clients.
Evaluate risks, develop pricing strategies, and structure terms and conditions for large-scale builder’s risk placements.
Make clear, well-supported underwriting recommendations, including appropriate capacity deployment and risk selection.
Manage deals independently from initial engagement through execution, escalating selectively based on authority thresholds.
Balance commercial objectives with underwriting discipline and adjust the approach based on project-specific risk factors.
Analyze construction exposures, including contractor risk, project phasing, and key loss drivers.
Align individual underwriting decisions with broader portfolio strategy, including aggregation, capacity deployment, and risk concentration.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of underwriting decisions within internal systems.
Monitor market conditions, competitor activity, and portfolio performance to inform decision-making.
Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, clients, and internal stakeholders.
Lead negotiations related to pricing, coverage structure, and terms and conditions.
Communicate recommendations clearly and effectively, maintaining credibility and trust with external partners.
Exercise appropriate challenge and negotiation discipline to achieve balanced outcomes.
Partner with engineering, client service, and underwriting leadership to deliver integrated risk solutions.
Contribute to the development of underwriting frameworks, best practices, and scalable processes.
Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, as appropriate.
Leverage internal systems, tools, and technology to enhance underwriting effectiveness and efficiency.