VP, Underwriting - Specialty Risk

AmTrust Warranty & Specialty Risk is a leading provider of Specialty Lines Insurance products, delivering innovative and tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of our clients. We specialize in niche markets, including warranty, credit, renters, travel and other specialty markets, offering exceptional risk management expertise and customer-focused service. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Underwriting to lead our non-Warranty Specialty Lines underwriting team and drive profitable growth.

Job Summary

The Vice President of Underwriting - Specialty Lines will oversee the underwriting strategy, policies, and operations for our Specialty Lines portfolio. This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring underwriting excellence, managing risk selection, and fostering strong MGA, TPA and Reinsurer relationships. The VP will collaborate with actuarial, claims, sales, compliance and product development teams to deliver profitable and competitive insurance solutions while maintaining the highest standards of technical expertise and market responsiveness.

Leadership & Strategy:

- Develop and execute the underwriting strategy for Specialty Lines products in alignment with company goals for profitability, growth, and market leadership.

- Lead, mentor, and manage a team of underwriters, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Portfolio Management:

- Oversee the underwriting process for complex and high-value risks, ensuring sound risk assessment and pricing decisions.

- Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to maintain profitability and mitigate loss exposure.

- Partner with actuarial teams to analyze loss ratios, pricing models, and emerging risks unique to Specialty Lines markets.

Market & Relationship Management:

- Build and maintain strong relationships with brokers, MGAs, TPAs, reinsurers, and key clients to enhance market presence and secure profitable business opportunities.

- Represent the company in industry events, conferences, and negotiations to position AmTrust as a leader in Specialty Lines insurance.

- Stay informed of market trends, competitor offerings, and regulatory changes impacting Specialty Lines products.

Product Development & Innovation:

- Collaborate with product development teams to design and refine Specialty Lines insurance products that meet evolving client needs and market demands.

- Drive innovation in underwriting processes, leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance efficiency and decision-making.

Compliance & Risk Management:

- Ensure all underwriting activities comply with company policies, state/federal regulations, and industry best practices.

- Work closely with claims and legal teams to address complex claims and underwriting disputes effectively.

- Bachelor's degree in Business, Actuarial, Mathematics, Finance, Insurance, Risk Management, or a related field; advanced degree or professional designations (e.g., CPCU, ARM) preferred.

- Minimum of 10 years of underwriting experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role focused on Specialty Lines Insurance.

- Proven expertise in one or more Specialty Lines areas, such as Renters, Travel, A&H or Credit insurance.

- Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess complex risks and make data-driven decisions.

- Exceptional leadership and team management experience, with a track record of building high-performing teams.

- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

- Proficiency in data analytics tools, and industry-standard software.

- Deep understanding of insurance market dynamics, reinsurance structures, and regulatory requirements.

Key Competencies:

- Strategic thinking and problem-solving.

- Results-oriented with a focus on profitability and growth.

- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

- Collaborative and customer-centric approach.

The salary range for this role is $200k - $235/year. This range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in Chicago, IL. Base pay offered may vary depending on, but not limited to education, experience, skills, geographic location, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics. This range may be modified in the future.

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AmTrust Financial Services offers a competitive compensation package and excellent career advancement opportunities. Our benefits include: Medical & Dental Plans, Life Insurance, including eligible spouses & children, Health Care Flexible Spending, Dependent Care, 401k Savings Plans, Paid Time Off.

AmTrust strives to create a diverse and inclusive culture where thoughts and ideas of all employees are appreciated and respected. This concept encompasses but is not limited to human differences with regard to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, culture, religion or disabilities.

AmTrust values excellence and recognizes that by embracing the diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives of its workforce, it will sustain a competitive advantage and remain an employer of choice. Diversity is a business imperative, enabling us to attract, retain and develop the best talent available. We see diversity as more than just policies and practices. It is an integral part of who we are as a company, how we operate and how we see our future.