Underwriter

Canopius; New York (NY); On-site; USD 165,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Canopius seeks a motivated Ocean Marine Underwriter with ~3+ years of underwriting experience to grow our Ocean Cargo, Marine Property, and Marine Liability portfolio. You will evaluate risks, price new and renewal business, and expand broker relationships across a national and specialist marine broker network.

You will underwrite within delegated authority, monitor portfolio performance, and collaborate with underwriting leadership to drive profitability and growth.

Qualifications

• Underwriter with about 3+ years of experience in Ocean Marine or related lines.
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities for pricing and risk selection.
• Excellent communication and broker relationship skills.
• Experience in Ocean Cargo and Hull & Liability is preferred.
• Progress toward CPCU/AMIM or other designations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Underwrite new and renewal Ocean Marine business within authority and guidelines.
• Evaluate risks, price, and structure coverage terms.
• Analyze submissions, history, and exposure data for decisions.
• Prepare recommendations for larger or complex risks.
• Maintain profitability, retention, and growth objectives.
• Manage broker meetings, visits, and reviews.
• Collaborate with leadership and operations to support portfolio goals.

Skills

Analytical skills

Decision making

Communication

Relationship building

Prioritization

MS Office

Underwriting systems

Ocean Cargo underwriting

Hull & Liability underwriting

CPCU/AMIM progress

Broker relationships

Marine cargo knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office

Underwriting systems

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