Exec Underwriter Inland Marine

EPITEC; Itasca (IL); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive bonus

25 days PTO

Job summary

EPITEC is seeking a senior Executive Underwriter - Inland Marine to lead underwriting with broad authority, drive profitable portfolio growth, and manage agency relationships. This role prioritizes underwriting excellence, strategic judgment, and leadership across the territory.

The ideal candidate has deep Inland Marine expertise, strong business development skills, and the ability to mentor underwriting teams while navigating a fast-paced market landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• 10+ years of Inland Marine underwriting experience.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal Inland Marine business, including complex endorsements.
• Drive profitable growth and territory production, retention, and profitability.
• Manage underwriting decisions with significant authority and ensure compliance.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with agents, brokers, and distribution partners.
• Collaborate with leadership to execute underwriting strategies and territory plans.
• Provide mentorship to underwriting staff and support talent development.
• Analyze portfolio performance and implement corrective actions to improve profitability.
• Monitor loss ratios, premium growth, and book mix within assigned territories.
• Identify growth opportunities and support agency performance improvements.
• Gather market intelligence to inform underwriting strategy and product development.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Employment Type

Direct Hire, Full-Time

Work Arrangement

Hybrid

Location

Itasca, IL or Bloomington, MN

Schedule

Monday-Friday | Standard Business Hours

Salary

$150k - $175k plus bonus

Benefits

25% Annual Incentive Compensation Bonus, 25 Days PTO

Job Description

The Executive Underwriter - Inland Marine serves as a senior underwriting leader responsible for driving profitable growth, underwriting excellence, portfolio management, and agency development within an assigned territory. This role operates with the highest level of underwriting authority and partners closely with leadership, agents, and field teams to execute business strategies, enhance underwriting performance, and develop strong customer and agency relationships.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive Inland Marine underwriting expertise, strong business development capabilities, portfolio management experience, and the ability to influence stakeholders while mentoring and coaching underwriting teams. This individual thrives in a fast-paced environment and possesses a deep understanding of insurance markets, underwriting strategy, and profitable portfolio growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Underwrite new business, renewal business, and complex endorsement referrals within Inland Marine lines.
• Drive profitable growth and achieve territory production, retention, and profitability objectives.
• Manage underwriting decisions while maintaining compliance with corporate guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with agents, brokers, and distribution partners to expand business opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership to execute underwriting strategies and territory business plans.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to underwriting staff while supporting talent development initiatives.
• Analyze portfolio performance, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to improve profitability.
• Monitor loss ratios, retention metrics, premium growth, and book mix performance within assigned territories.
• Partner with Business Development Managers and field leadership to identify growth opportunities and improve agency performance.
• Gather market intelligence regarding pricing, products, services, and competitor activity to inform underwriting strategy.
• Support the development of new products, underwriting capabilities, and emerging market opportunities.
• Prepare and analyze underwriting reports, adverse decisions, rate appeals, and territory performance metrics.
• Stay informed on regulatory changes, underwriting trends, and industry developments affecting Inland Marine business.
• Engage with key customers and agents on complex accounts and strategic relationship opportunities.
• Support execution of profit improvement initiatives and portfolio optimization strategies.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• 10+ years of Inland Marine underwriting experience with broad exposure across multiple classes of business.
• Strong expertise in underwriting, portfolio management, agency development, and insurance operations.
• Ability to manage complex accounts and make strategic underwriting decisions with significant authority.
• Proven experience driving profitable growth and managing underwriting performance metrics.
• Strong business development and relationship management skills with agents and brokers.
• Experience analyzing portfolio performance and implementing corrective strategies.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and influence underwriting professionals.
• Strong understanding of insurance products, industry trends, and marketplace dynamics.
• Ability to travel as needed by car or air.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional insurance designations such as CPCU, ARM, AU, or similar credentials.
• Experience leading underwriting initiatives or mentoring underwriting teams.
• Demonstrated success managing large and complex Inland Marine portfolios.
• Experience collaborating with senior leadership on underwriting and business strategies.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements within commercial insurance.
• Product development or insurance program development experience.
• Established agency and broker relationships within the Midwest market.
• Experience working in a highly collaborative and growth-focused underwriting environment.