SDI Lead Underwriter for Subcontractor Default Insurance

Shepherd; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium Healthcare

Fertility Benefits & Family Building

Flexible PTO

Daily meals & snacks

Professional Development

Competitive 401(k) Plan

Dog-friendly office

Job summary

Shepherd is seeking a Subcontractor Default Underwriting Lead to shape and grow the new SDI product. You will define strategy, govern underwriting guidelines, and work with brokers to drive early submissions while partnering with Product, Engineering, and Data to build scalable processes.

In this high-impact role, you will own the SDI portfolio’s financial results, lead a growing team of underwriters, and leverage expert broker networks to accelerate growth across multiple major markets in the

Qualifications

• 8+ years of underwriting experience with significant SDI exposure.
• Strong knowledge of general contractors and construction managers.
• Proven record of building and growing SDI portfolios, from origination to renewal.

Responsibilities

• Define and build Shepherd’s SDI strategy, including target contractor profiles and program sizes.
• Establish underwriting guidelines, authority framework, and rating approach for the product.
• Collaborate with capacity partners to secure and structure paper behind the program.
• Design submission-to-bind workflow with Product, Engineering, and Data.
• Underwrite new and renewal SDI programs within your authority; include financial reviews and audits.
• Monitor in-force programs for changes in contractor financial health and take action when risk changes.
• Own premium, profit, loss, and retention for the SDI book.
• Hire, coach, and grow a team of SDI underwriters as the book scales.
• Track market trends to keep Shepherd profitable and competitive.
• Collaborate with Risk, Actuarial, Claims, and Finance to ensure well‑serviced underwriting.

Skills

SDI underwriting

Broker relationships

Team leadership

Financial analysis

Contractor prequalification

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

SDI program structure

Job description

Shepherd is seeking a Subcontractor Default Underwriting Lead to shape and grow the new SDI product. You will define strategy, govern underwriting guidelines, and work with brokers to drive early submissions while partnering with Product, Engineering, and Data to build scalable processes.

In this high-impact role, you will own the SDI portfolio’s financial results, lead a growing team of underwriters, and leverage expert broker networks to accelerate growth across multiple major markets in the