Director, Credit & Political Risk - E&S/Specialty

Nationwide Insurance; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 136,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a critical thinker with a passion for risk analysis and insurance solutions. This role involves leading an underwriting team, managing relationships with agencies, and driving sales strategies. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in credit and political risk underwriting, with a strong background in financial analysis and communication skills. Join a diverse and inclusive team that prioritizes customer needs while balancing business goals. This position offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, making it an exciting opportunity for seasoned professionals in the field.

Benefits

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) match

Pension plan

Qualifications

• 10+ years of credit and political risk underwriting experience.
• Expertise in corporate and sovereign credit risk analysis.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite and document credit and political risk opportunities.
• Analyze portfolio performance and drive profitable growth.
• Manage underwriting decisions and ensure compliance.

Skills

Financial statement analysis

Credit underwriting

Country analysis

IT development

Scoring and rating models

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA or Master’s in finance

Job description

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

Key Responsibilities

1. Underwrite, negotiate and document multi-year, domestic and cross-border credit and political risk opportunities
2. Perform economic, market and country risk analyses
3. Develop and expand key broker and client relationships
4. Work within a team to ensure operating excellence through adherence to C&PR underwriting guidelines and Nationwide’s standards

Professional Background

1. At least 10 years of credit and political risk underwriting experience, preferably at a top-tier bank, insurance carrier, or similar
2. Expertise in corporate, bank, and sovereign credit risk analysis; formal credit training is a plus
3. Expertise in country risk analysis
4. Experience negotiating bespoke nonpayment and PRI insurance wordings
5. Background in credit and political risk modeling is preferred

Preferred work locations are New York metro, Washington DC metro, Miami, and Chicago.

Compensation Grade: H.SD170

#LI-CL1

#LI-Remote

Job Description Summary

Are you a critical thinker who can analyze complex risk and find insurance solutions that balance customer needs with business goals? If you can take initiative, use both analytical and creative abilities to make sound decisions, and want to help people solve real challenges, we want to hear from you!

The primary role involves leading an underwriting team, establishing and maintaining relationships with agencies and brokers, and managing underwriting, agency/customer relationships, employee engagement, and expenses within a territory. The role includes underwriting accounts based on authority level, analyzing obligor financials, credit ratings, management reputation, and business histories.

Job Responsibilities

1. Analyze portfolio and individual account performance, develop actions to drive profitable growth, and monitor risk selection, renewal retention, and pricing
2. Review and approve underwriting decisions, ensure compliance, and provide strategic recommendations
3. Manage department priorities, workflow, and performance metrics
4. Develop and execute territory sales plans aligned with strategic goals
5. Drive sales strategies, develop new business, and enhance client relationships
6. Consult with agents, brokers, and leadership to identify opportunities and make informed decisions
7. Communicate strategic and operational plans internally and externally
8. Ensure operational excellence in policy issuance, servicing, and data accuracy
9. Train and coach team members to develop expertise and professionalism

Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Reporting Relationships

VP, Credit and Political Risk - E&S/Specialty

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or Master’s in finance, international affairs, or business is a plus

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years in trade credit underwriting
• 5-10 years developing rating and pricing models and system solutions for customer service

Skills and Abilities:

• Financial statement analysis, credit underwriting, country analysis, IT development, scoring and rating models
• Expertise in the field, with strong relationships in the broker community and with clients
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Prior underwriting credit authority; formal credit training is a plus
• Knowledge of IT solutions

Other criteria, including leadership skills and competencies, may take precedence. Staffing exceptions require approval.

Additional Information

Nationwide values diversity and inclusivity. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, 401(k) match, pension plan, and more. Salary range for this role is $126,000 - $242,000, with an expected starting range of $136,000 - $204,000.