Underwriting Product Director - Casualty

EMC Insurance Companies

1d•$130,955 - $206,984•Remote

About The Position

This position provides strategic direction and insight for the underwriting organization for an assigned line of business (LOB). The role leads and coordinates the strategy, execution, and oversight of complex products and programs at the enterprise level. It establishes and communicates underwriting guidance and best practices across the organization. The Underwriting Product Director also serves as a senior technical expert, consultant, and mentor within Corporate Underwriting, supporting complex LOB-related inquiries. This role leads team workload, performance, and development while partnering with regional offices on underwriting matters. It influences business decisions through clear communication of recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences and contributes to companywide strategic initiatives in collaboration with Field and Corporate Underwriting leadership to support short- and long-term objectives. This position is eligible to work from home anywhere in the US.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in an insurance or business-related field, or equivalent relevant experience
Ten years of experience with commercial property and casualty underwriting, including at least five years of commercial staff underwriting experience within applicable line of business
Insurance certifications, such as CPCU, AU or CIC
Previous people leadership experience
Superior knowledge of countrywide underwriting techniques, terminology, policies, products, and forms
Exceptional underwriting judgment, and decision-making skills
Strong knowledge of key performance indicators (KPIs) and ways to improve them
Proficiency with computer software and Microsoft Office Suite
Superior written and oral communication skills
Superior organizational and multi-tasking skills
Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities
Excellent presentation, communication, and leadership skills
Strong ability to advise, partner, influence and effectively consult with diverse internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders, executives, and project owners
Strong ability to distill and communicate highly complex issues for technical and non-technical audiences
Strong ability to translate technical ideas into more general terms for business customers
Occasional travel required; a valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle report per company standards required if driving

Responsibilities

Owns strategy, execution, administration, and development of assigned LOB.
Serves as enterprise subject matter expert and ensures effective implementation of LOB strategies, products, and programs, while maintaining awareness of industry trends and regulatory changes.
Leads development of short- and long-term product and underwriting strategies aligned to enterprise growth and profitability objectives.
Oversees profit and loss, develops and maintains the LOB business plan, and ensures alignment with enterprise financial goals.
Evaluates premium, loss, and underwriting data.
Identifies trends impacting results; and recommends actions to improve profitability and sustainable growth, with regular monitoring of performance trends and results.
Develops, maintains, and communicates underwriting standards, tools, and best practices across the enterprise.
Develops new products and coverage language, evaluates existing offerings, oversees team-driven innovations, and ensures enterprise-wide implementation.
Assesses cost-benefit of market opportunities and product initiatives.
Identifies improvements and provides recommendations to support profitable growth, including escalation of key risks and opportunities to leadership.
Provides analysis for rate reviews and partners with regional offices and Business Units to improve profitability and production through actionable insights and recommendations.
Oversees review and development of proprietary and bureau rules, rates, forms, endorsements, and related statistical coding.
Evaluates regulatory impacts, prepares filings, and coordinates implementation across functions, including evaluation of regulatory, operational, and system impacts.
Advises on underwriting philosophy, risk acceptability, forms, rating, and risk management.
Handles complex referrals, supports authorizations, and determines/places facultative reinsurance, ensuring timely and effective response to region needs.
Leads special projects, partners with internal/external stakeholders, and develops and delivers training, workshops, and thought leadership content, including development of materials on complex topics.
Manages team performance, hiring, compensation, and development; drives succession planning, DEI, and innovation; and oversees department budget.