Underwriter

vavemga; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

vavemga is seeking a motivated Ocean Marine Underwriter with approximately 3+ years of underwriting experience to support the growth and profitability of our Ocean Marine portfolio. This role focuses on underwriting Ocean Cargo and Hull & Liability, while developing strong broker relationships and managing an assigned territory.

The successful candidate will evaluate risks, price new and renewal business, expand broker relationships, and contribute to profitable portfolio growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of commercial underwriting experience in Ocean Marine or related lines.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Progress toward CPCU, AMIM, or other designations.
• Existing broker relationships within marine insurance.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal Ocean Marine business within authority and guidelines.
• Evaluate Ocean Cargo, Hull, and Marine Liability risks and price appropriately.
• Analyze submissions, loss history, and exposure data for decisions.
• Prepare underwriting recommendations on larger/complex risks.
• Maintain discipline to achieve profitability, retention, and growth.
• Monitor portfolio performance and market trends.
• Ensure files and documentation meet regulatory and company standards.
• Develop and maintain broker relationships with national/regional specialists.
• Collaborate with brokers to identify new business opportunities.
• Travel as needed to meet brokers and insureds.

Skills

Underwriting experience

Broker relationships

Territory management

Analytical skills

Communication

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

CPCU/AMIM in progress

Tools

Underwriting systems

CRM tools

Job description

The Role

We are seeking a motivated and technically proficient Ocean Marine Underwriter with approximately 3+ years of underwriting experience to support the growth and profitability of our Ocean Marine portfolio. This role will focus on underwriting Ocean Cargo and Hull & Liability business while developing strong broker relationships and managing an assigned territory.

The successful candidate will evaluate risks, price new and renewal business, expand broker relationships, and contribute to profitable portfolio growth. This is an excellent opportunity for an underwriter looking to broaden technical expertise and take on increased market-facing responsibilities.

The role will support a diverse Ocean Marine portfolio that includes Ocean Cargo, Marine Property, and Marine Liability risks distributed through national and specialist marine brokers.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal Ocean Marine business within delegated authority and underwriting guidelines.
• Evaluate Ocean Cargo, Hull, and Marine Liability risks and determine appropriate pricing, terms, conditions, and coverage structures.
• Analyze submissions, loss history, financial information, and exposure data to make sound underwriting decisions.
• Prepare and present underwriting recommendations on larger or more complex risks.
• Maintain underwriting discipline while achieving profitability, retention, and growth objectives.
• Monitor portfolio performance and identify trends affecting profitability and risk selection.
• Ensure underwriting files and documentation meet regulatory, audit, and company standards.

Broker Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with national, regional, and specialist marine brokers.
• Serve as a trusted underwriting partner by providing responsive service and timely underwriting decisions.
• Conduct regular broker meetings, market visits, and account reviews.
• Promote company appetite, capabilities, and product offerings to brokers and distribution partners.
• Collaborate with brokers to identify new business opportunities and strengthen existing relationships.

Territory Management

• Manage an assigned geographic territory and broker distribution strategy.
• Develop and execute territory plans focused on profitable growth and diversification.
• Monitor production, pipeline activity, and market trends within the territory.
• Identify opportunities to expand broker relationships and increase market penetration.
• Travel as needed to meet with brokers, insureds, and industry partners.

Collaboration & Business Development

• Partner with underwriting leadership, claims, actuarial, and operations teams to support portfolio objectives.
• Assist in the development of underwriting strategies and product enhancements.
• Support business development initiatives and contribute to achieving annual production goals.
• Stay informed of marine market conditions, emerging risks, and competitor activity.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 3 years of commercial underwriting experience, preferably within Ocean Marine, Marine Cargo, Hull, Liability, Inland Marine, or related specialty lines.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and underwriting systems.
• Experience underwriting Ocean Cargo and/or Hull & Liability risks.
• Progress toward or completion of CPCU, AMIM, or other insurance designations.
• Existing broker relationships within the marine insurance market.
• Understanding of marine cargo, logistics, vessel operations, and marine liability exposures.

Salary Range: $165,000 - $180,000