Senior Program Manager, Professional Liability

Aon; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) savings plan with employer contributions

Employee stock purchase plan

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Aon is seeking a senior leader for their Accountants Professional Liability Program responsible for strategy, performance, and delivery. This role includes managing underwriting governance, optimizing the client experience, and ensuring profitable growth. Applicants should have over 10 years of experience in the financial services or insurance sector, ideally with a focus on professional liability.

The successful candidate will lead a dedicated team, align program goals with distribution strategies, and represent Aon at key industry events. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, along with a competitive salary range of $200,000 to $250,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in senior management roles in insurance or financial services.
• Experience in leading insurance functions and managing large client portfolios.
• Strong understanding of CPAs' professional liability exposures.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end Accountants Professional Liability Program.
• Directly accountable for the Program Manager Agreement with the underwriting company.
• Develop and mentor the Aon underwriting team.

Skills

Leadership in financial services and insurance

Proven experience in professional liability

Data-driven decision making

Outstanding communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business, finance, or risk management

Professional designations (CPCU, RPLU, CPA)

Job description

Overview

This senior leadership role is responsible for the strategy, performance, and delivery of our flagship Accountants Professional Liability (APL) Program. You will coordinate carrier management, underwriting governance, product strategy, and distribution via our Territorial Administrator network, concentrating on profitable growth, outstanding client experience, and tangible value for AICPA members.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end Accountants Professional Liability Program, including strategy, underwriting framework, pricing approach, and portfolio performance.
• Take full accountability for the Program Manager Agreement with the underwriting company, driving carrier alignment and results.
• Lead and develop the dedicated Aon underwriting team; coach, guide, and mentor colleagues.
• Serve as a senior leader with our Territorial Administrator distribution network, aligning distribution strategy with program goals.
• Act as Aon’s senior leader with the AICPA Personal and Professional Liability Insurance Programs Committee.
• Represent Aon and the Program at key CPA profession events (e.g., CPA/SEA, state society events) and through speaking engagements and marketplace presentations.
• Serve as the sales/underwriting bridge; help underwriters and sales teams “win” individual accounts (new business and renewals).
• Lead carrier and actuarial reviews for APL and PLUS, using data and analytics to advise on pricing and underwriting decisions.
• Review and approve risk management and marketing copy, ensuring transparency, compliance, and coordination with program strategy.
• Work on product improvements, including cost‑benefit analysis and launch planning.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with AICPA, state societies, board members, and profession leaders.
• Analyze and advise on coverage, legislative, and underwriting exposures and issues as they arise (e.g., BOI).

Skills And Experience

• Proven experience in financial services and/or insurance, with meaningful experience in professional liability / E&O; accountants’ or professional services E&O strongly preferred.
• 10+ years in senior management roles leading sophisticated insurance functions (e.g., underwriting, program or portfolio management, distribution, or large client portfolios).
• Proven leadership of carrier relationships and program/portfolio performance, including experience with program manager agreements or similar structures.
• Deep understanding of CPAs’ professional liability exposures, coverage structures, and market dynamics; experience with AICPA or association/affinity programs is a plus.
• Consistent track record of coaching, developing, and mentoring teams.
• Proven track record to build executive‑level relationships with clients, carrier partners, associations, and distribution partners.
• Highly analytical, data‑driven decision‑maker with strong strategic and problem‑solving skills.
• Outstanding communication skills and executive presence, including comfort with public speaking and industry presentations.

Education and Licenses

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, finance, risk management, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
• Professional designations such as CPCU, RPLU, or CPA are highly preferred.
• Property & Casualty Producer Licensure required (or ability to acquire within a specified timeframe).

For positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction record in accordance with local Fair Chance ordinances.

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this position (intended for U.S. applicants) is $200,000 to $250,000 annually. The actual salary will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant’s geographic location. This position is eligible to participate in Aon’s annual incentive plans in addition to base salary; the amount of any incentive varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan.

Benefits

Aon offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full‑time and regular part‑time colleagues, including, but not limited to: a 401(k) savings plan with employer contributions; an employee stock purchase plan; consideration for long‑term incentive awards at Aon’s discretion; medical, dental, and vision insurance; health savings account; health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts; employee and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; optional personal insurance policies; adoption assistance; tuition assistance; commuter benefits; and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. This role does not accrue vacation. Rather, this role is eligible to take paid time off at the discretion of the employee and management in accordance with company policy and practices. Various other types of leaves of absence; paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws; short‑term disability and optional long‑term disability; and optional personal insurance policies are also available.