Chief Construction Underwriting Leader

The Jonus Group; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jonus Group seeks a seasoned Chief Underwriting Officer to lead the construction program, set underwriting strategy, governance, and portfolio profitability in California. You will shape appetite, pricing philosophy, and risk selection standards across homebuilders, GC’s, and related exposures.

This executive role collaborates with carriers, reinsurers, brokers, and a brokerage sister operation to expand market access, build durable relationships, and mentor a growing team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of commercial insurance underwriting experience.
• Deep knowledge of commercial construction insurance, especially California risks.
• Strong technical underwriting skills across primary and excess liability.
• Proven track record of profitable underwriting and disciplined risk selection.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior underwriting authority for the construction program.
• Develop and maintain underwriting guidelines, appetite, pricing philosophy, and risk selection standards.
• Underwrite and oversee California construction risks, including homebuilders and general contractors.
• Build a disciplined and profitable portfolio while supporting strategic growth initiatives.
• Establish underwriting authority levels and referral protocols.
• Collaborate with the brokerage sister company to leverage market intelligence and relationships.
• Build and maintain relationships with carriers, reinsurers, actuaries, and market partners.
• Represent the organization as a credible underwriting authority with reinsurers and capacity providers.
• Participate in development and negotiation of reinsurance and capacity arrangements.
• Monitor portfolio performance, including loss ratios and severity trends.
• Develop underwriting standards to support scaling and growth.
• Mentor and build an underwriting team as the program grows.
• Partner with senior leadership on growth initiatives and new product opportunities.
• Maintain a strong market presence and reputation within the construction insurance community.

Skills

Commercial underwriting

Leadership

Portfolio management

Risk assessment

Underwriting guidelines

Carrier relationships

Market credibility

Job description

The Jonus Group seeks a seasoned Chief Underwriting Officer to lead the construction program, set underwriting strategy, governance, and portfolio profitability in California. You will shape appetite, pricing philosophy, and risk selection standards across homebuilders, GC’s, and related exposures.

This executive role collaborates with carriers, reinsurers, brokers, and a brokerage sister operation to expand market access, build durable relationships, and mentor a growing team.