Head of Programs

Canopius Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 232,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Discretionary bonus

401(k) match

Medical/dental/vision cover

Job summary

Canopius seeks a US Head of Programs to lead growth, profitability and stewardship of our MGA partnerships in the US. The role requires deep Property & Casualty expertise across multiple lines, cross‑functional collaboration, and a proven coaching and leadership track record.

The candidate will drive underwriting strategy, manage cross‑functional operations, use Power BI for performance insights, and guide pricing reviews with actuarial input.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of production underwriting experience with a proven track record in delegated authority program segments.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to train, mentor and oversee an underwriting team.
• Understanding of the US legal environment and insurance regulatory requirements.
• Sound knowledge of the US insurance market, trends and emerging issues.
• Ability to independently prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with financial statements and management reporting systems.
• Strong analytical skills, enabling insight through data and regular reporting of operations, book performance and leading indicators.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Devise and execute a cohesive long‑term strategy for the US Programs business within the Canopius USA and Global Product frameworks.
• Annually create the US Programs Business plan for CUO and Product Leadership approval.
• Implement and proactively manage the underwriting activities and operational metrics/KPIs to ensure financial targets are met and performance against the business plan is achieved.
• Develop underwriting parameters and guidelines for MGA partners and ensure adherence via meetings and audits.
• Develop underwriting excellence by growing product knowledge and team acumen.
• Meet MGA and distribution partners to gather market intelligence and feed back to leadership.
• Maintain compliance by delegating underwriting authority and documenting files.
• Manage life-cycle of launching a Program with cross‑functional teams.
• Use Power BI to monitor performance and drive improvements.
• Apply actuarial understanding to pricing reviews and reporting.

Skills

Leadership

Underwriting

Communication

Analytical skills

Prioritization

Travel willingness

Tools

Power BI

Job description

The US Head of Programs is a senior portfolio management position responsible for the growth, profitability and ongoing stewardship of our network of Managing General Agent (MGA) partnerships in the US. The ideal candidate will possess deep specialty Property & Casualty expertise across multiple lines, be adept at working cross‑functionally to manage operational, actuarial and contractual requirements of a Program, and will be a proven coach and leader.

Responsibilities

Underwriting & Program Strategy

• Devise and execute a cohesive long‑term strategy for the US Programs business within the Canopius USA and Global Product frameworks.
• Annually create the US Programs Business plan for CUO and Product Leadership approval.
• Implement and proactively manage the underwriting activities and operational metrics/KPIs to ensure financial targets are met and performance against the business plan is achieved.
• Develop the appropriate underwriting parameters and guidelines for our MGA partners and ensure strict adherence via regular partner meetings, audit oversight by referral and proactive remediation of issues.
• Develop a culture of underwriting excellence by growing product knowledge, underwriting capability and overall business acumen of the team.
• Create sound underwriting decisions in context of our evolving market, legal landscape, and broader macroeconomic environment.
• Meet routinely with MGA and distribution partners to gather market intelligence and insights into developing market trends and product developments, feeding back to the team and US Underwriting leadership.
• Maintain a strict culture of compliance by delegating and managing underwriting authority, ensuring file documentation and adherence to internal frameworks and guidelines.

Operational and Cross‑Functional

• Manage the full life‑cycle of launching a Program, from first meeting to signed contract, working closely with Underwriting, Operations, Legal, Claims, Compliance and Actuarial.
• Communicate needs and timelines to internal colleagues and external partners.
• Utilize Power BI to monitor Program performance and recommend operational improvements.
• Leverage bordereaux and data feeds with Operations, Finance and Exposure Management to meet reporting, monitoring and exposure management needs.
• Apply a strong understanding of actuarial requirements and data needs, ensuring timely pricing reviews of Programs.
• Participate in US Underwriting Leadership calls.

Leadership

• Coach and manage the team's efforts to develop and maintain MGA relationships.
• Oversee marketing, travel and entertainment budget of the programs team.

Marketing

• Develop and manage a marketing plan for the segment, acting as lead liaison to the market.
• Solicit and qualify new program opportunities against the long‑term strategy and Canopius capabilities.
• Maintain industry visibility to understand competitors, talent and market developments.
• Speak at conferences and contribute to thought leadership.

Skills And Experience

• 10+ years of production underwriting experience with a proven track record in delegated authority program segments.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to train, mentor and oversee an underwriting team.
• Understanding of the US legal environment and insurance regulatory requirements.
• Sound knowledge of the US insurance market, trends and emerging issues.
• Ability to independently prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with financial statements and management reporting systems.
• Strong analytical skills, enabling insight through data and regular reporting of operations, book performance and leading indicators.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to travel as necessary.

Salary: $200,000 – $232,800

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that focuses on the whole well‑being of employees, including hybrid working, a competitive base salary, a non‑contributory 401(k), discretionary bonus, medical, dental and vision cover, and many other benefits to enhance financial, physical, social and psychological health.

About Us

Canopius is a global specialty lines (re)insurer operating in the Lloyd’s of London market with offices in the UK, US, Singapore, Australia and Bermuda. We foster a distinctive, positive culture that enables employees to bring their whole selves to work and build a sustainable, profitable business.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are fully committed to equal employment opportunities for all applicants and to providing an environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are made regardless of age, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, socio‑economic background, religion, marital or caring status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We encourage and welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds and provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and ongoing employment.