Product Manager

Merchants Insurance Group; Buffalo (NY); Hybrid; USD 133,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Hybrid work schedule

Generous paid time off

Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

401(k) with employer match

Tuition Reimbursement

Annual bonus programs

Job summary

Merchants Insurance Group in Buffalo, NY is seeking a Product Manager for commercial package and middle market to shape our product portfolio. You will own strategy, profitability, and growth across assigned lines and work with underwriting, actuarial, claims, and distribution.

The role requires data-driven decision making, cross-functional influence in a hybrid work environment, and a track record in insurance product management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• 5+ years of insurance product management, underwriting, or actuarial experience.
• Experience influencing outcomes without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Own product strategy, portfolio management and performance for assigned lines.
• Drive profitability, growth, retention, and competitive position.
• Collaborate with underwriting, actuarial, claims, and distribution.
• Lead end-to-end product lifecycle from strategy to implementation.
• Identify opportunities, analyze performance, and implement actions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

Location: Buffalo, NY

Merchants Insurance Group – Hiring for Product Manager – Commercial Lines

Hybrid Work Schedule

We’re looking for a strategic and results-oriented professional to help shape the future of our insurance product portfolio. As a Product Manager for commercial package and middle market, you will lead the performance, strategy, and growth of assigned product lines, driving initiatives that enhance profitability, improve loss outcomes, and strengthen our competitive position in the marketplace.

In this highly visible role, you’ll collaborate across Underwriting, Actuarial, Claims, Distribution, and other key business areas to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges, and deliver meaningful business results. Success requires a strong blend of analytical thinking, business acumen, and influence—leveraging data, expertise, and relationships to align stakeholders and execute winning strategies.

The ideal candidate brings product management experience within the insurance industry, a passion for data-driven decision-making, and the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Candidates with underwriting and/or actuarial experience will be especially well-positioned to thrive in this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Product Strategy, Portfolio Management & Performance

• Serve as the business owner for assigned product lines, accountable for profitability, growth, retention, and overall portfolio performance.
• Drive production goals for assigned product lines by monitoring performance, partnering with regional teams to identify opportunities and challenges, and implementing targeted actions to improve results.
• Conduct competitive, market, and industry analysis to identify emerging trends, customer demands, and strategic opportunities.
• Lead state rate and form filings in partnership with Actuarial Team.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal governance standards.

Product Development & Innovation

• Lead the end-to-end product lifecycle for assigned products, from strategy and prioritization through implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee day-to-day management of assigned product lines, with hands‑on involvement across all aspects of the product lifecycle.
• Partner with technology and operational teams to improve product capabilities, streamline processes, and enhance customer and agent experience.
• Analyze performance across key dimensions and leverage insights to recommend and implement actions that improve results.
• Identify and develop new product opportunities, coverage enhancements, and endorsements to strengthen profitability and expand market presence.

Cross‑Functional Leadership & Production Management

• Lead cross‑functional product initiatives, ensuring alignment, accountability, and timely execution across internal and external stakeholders.
• Influence decision‑making and drive outcomes without direct authority in a matrixed environment.
• Partner with regional leadership and distribution teams to achieve production goals and optimize growth.
• Identify production challenges and growth opportunities through ongoing performance monitoring and stakeholder engagement.
• Support field teams through product education, performance insights and consultation on market opportunities and challenges.

Qualifications & Skills

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• 5+ years of insurance product management, underwriting, or actuarial experience.
• Experience working across functions and influencing outcomes without direct authority; or a combination of the above education and experience.

Preferred Knowledge & Abilities

• Exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Product management, underwriting, and/or actuarial experience, ideally within the relevant insurance product line.

Merchants Insurance Group Benefits

• Welcoming and positive work environment.
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Hybrid work schedule.
• Colleague Appreciation Events.
• Competitive pay scale.
• Generous paid time off package.
• Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
• Outstanding company bonus programs.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

And many more exciting company benefits!

Salary Range: $133,000 - $155,000

Merchants Insurance Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.