Underwriting Team Lead

CRC Group; Fresno (CA); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

CRC Group is seeking a Lead Underwriter in California’s Fresno area to lead underwriting strategy for complex risks. You will oversee underwriting operations, ensure compliance with carrier guidelines, and guide portfolio performance toward profitability and growth.

You will mentor underwriting staff and build strong broker relationships to support strategic initiatives. The role emphasizes leadership, market insight, and data-driven pricing decisions, with a base salary described below and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or a related field.
• Extensive underwriting experience in commercial or specialty lines.
• Proven leadership managing underwriting teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead underwriting strategy and decision-making for complex risks.
• Oversee underwriting operations ensuring compliance with guidelines.
• Monitor portfolio performance to drive profitability and growth.
• Coach and develop underwriting staff for career progression.
• Build relationships with brokers, agents, and market partners.

Skills

Underwriting expertise

Risk selection

Portfolio management

Leadership

Data analytics

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or related field

Tools

Underwriting software

Job description

The Lead Underwriter is responsible for leading underwriting operations within a specialized segment, driving profitability through strategic risk selection and portfolio management. This role provides leadership and oversight to underwriting teams while ensuring adherence to company standards and regulatory requirements. The core function of this role centers on balancing underwriting authority with leadership accountability, including setting underwriting strategy, managing portfolio performance, and supporting business growth.**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**Following is a summary of the essential functions for this job. Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below. Specific activities may change from time to time.* Lead underwriting strategy and decision-making for complex risks, including evaluating, approving, and guiding risk selection and coverage structure* Manage and oversee underwriting operations, ensuring adherence to carrier guidelines, company policies, and regulatory requirements* Monitor portfolio performance and adjust underwriting practices to achieve profitability, growth, and risk management objectives* Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to underwriting teams to ensure consistent execution, quality, and performance outcomes* Serve as an escalation point for complex underwriting issues, providing expertise and resolution for challenging risk scenarios* Develop and maintain strong relationships with brokers, agents, and market partners to support growth and strategic initiatives* Coach, mentor, and develop underwriting staff to enhance technical expertise and support career progression* Evaluate market trends, competitor activity, and data insights to inform pricing, product development, and underwriting strategy**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.* Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or a related field preferred* Extensive experience within underwriting, including commercial or specialty lines* Proven leadership experience managing underwriting teams and driving performance outcomes* Demonstrated success in achieving profitability and growth objectives through underwriting strategy and portfolio management**CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS*** Relevant certifications such as CPCU or equivalent professional designations preferred. Appropriate state-specific insurance licenses required based on role responsibilities.**FUNCTIONAL SKILLS*** Advanced expertise in underwriting, risk selection, and portfolio management* Strong leadership and people management capabilities across underwriting teams* Financial acumen, including ability to analyze portfolio performance and profitability drivers* Strategic thinking and ability to translate market insights into underwriting action* Strong negotiation and relationship management skills with brokers and market partners* Proficiency in underwriting systems, tools, and data analytics to support decision-makingThe annual base salary for this position is $170,000.00.