Underwriting Director- East Coast Hull & Liabilities
RLI, New York, NY, United States
Director Of Ocean Marine Underwriting
We are seeking a highly experienced and market-savvy Director of Ocean Marine Underwriting to lead our Hull & Liability (H&L) portfolio on the East Coast. This position will play a critical role in shaping our Ocean Marine strategy, building regional distribution, and leading a high-performing underwriting team. It will require both strategic oversight and hands-on underwriting for complex marine accounts, with a focus on commercial marine operations. The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge in Hull & Liability, broad market relationships across the Northeast from the Mid-Atlantic up through New England, and proven experience in managing underwriting teams and driving profitable growth. Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Lead the underwriting strategy and execution for the Hull & Liability segment within the Ocean Marine product line, ensuring profitable portfolio growth. Underwrite and oversee complex new and renewal submissions across commercial marine risks, including tugs, barges, workboats, and marine liabilities. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key producers, particularly regional retail agents and marine specialty wholesalers, to increase quality submission flow. Drive regional distribution by identifying underserved markets and building broker relationships. Oversee and mentor underwriters, providing technical guidance, training, and performance management to ensure consistent underwriting discipline. Monitor market trends, loss experience, and legal developments to support pricing, coverage, and product strategy. Represent the company at industry functions and with key accounts to strengthen market presence and reputation. Collaborate with senior leadership to deliver on P&L goals, contribute to product development initiatives, and ensure alignment with broader business objectives. Participate in strategic projects and lead initiatives related to process improvement, systems enhancement, or market expansion. Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Insurance, Business, or a related field required; advanced degrees or marine insurance certifications preferred. Minimum 8+ years of commercial marine underwriting experience, with supervisory or team leadership responsibilities. Expertise in Hull & Liability underwriting is essential; cargo experience is a plus. Demonstrated track record of profitable portfolio management, broker development, and team leadership. Existing relationships with marine wholesalers and regional retail agents, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, preferred. Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies
Deep technical understanding of Ocean Marine underwriting, especially Hull & Liability exposures, rating methodologies, and loss trends. Strong market presence and ability to generate new business opportunities through trusted broker relationships. Strategic thinker with the ability to lead a team, coach talent, and make sound risk decisions. Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to represent the company externally and advocate internally. Analytical skills to assess complex risks and inform pricing, coverage terms, and portfolio-level decisions. Comfortable with data tools and technology platforms to monitor performance and support reporting needs. Compensation Overview
The base salary range for the position is listed below. Please note that the base salary is only one component of our robust total rewards package at RLI. The salary offered will take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, scope & responsibilities of the role, qualifications/credentials, talent availability & specialization, as well as business needs. The below range may be modified in the future. Base Pay Range $179,000.00 - $255,736.00 Total Rewards At RLI, we're all owners. We hire the best and the brightest employees and allow them to share in the company's success through our Total Rewards. With the Employee Stock Ownership plan at its core, the Total Rewards program includes all compensation, benefits and perks that come with being an RLI employee.
We are seeking a highly experienced and market-savvy Director of Ocean Marine Underwriting to lead our Hull & Liability (H&L) portfolio on the East Coast. This position will play a critical role in shaping our Ocean Marine strategy, building regional distribution, and leading a high-performing underwriting team. It will require both strategic oversight and hands-on underwriting for complex marine accounts, with a focus on commercial marine operations. The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge in Hull & Liability, broad market relationships across the Northeast from the Mid-Atlantic up through New England, and proven experience in managing underwriting teams and driving profitable growth. Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Lead the underwriting strategy and execution for the Hull & Liability segment within the Ocean Marine product line, ensuring profitable portfolio growth. Underwrite and oversee complex new and renewal submissions across commercial marine risks, including tugs, barges, workboats, and marine liabilities. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key producers, particularly regional retail agents and marine specialty wholesalers, to increase quality submission flow. Drive regional distribution by identifying underserved markets and building broker relationships. Oversee and mentor underwriters, providing technical guidance, training, and performance management to ensure consistent underwriting discipline. Monitor market trends, loss experience, and legal developments to support pricing, coverage, and product strategy. Represent the company at industry functions and with key accounts to strengthen market presence and reputation. Collaborate with senior leadership to deliver on P&L goals, contribute to product development initiatives, and ensure alignment with broader business objectives. Participate in strategic projects and lead initiatives related to process improvement, systems enhancement, or market expansion. Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Insurance, Business, or a related field required; advanced degrees or marine insurance certifications preferred. Minimum 8+ years of commercial marine underwriting experience, with supervisory or team leadership responsibilities. Expertise in Hull & Liability underwriting is essential; cargo experience is a plus. Demonstrated track record of profitable portfolio management, broker development, and team leadership. Existing relationships with marine wholesalers and regional retail agents, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, preferred. Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies
Deep technical understanding of Ocean Marine underwriting, especially Hull & Liability exposures, rating methodologies, and loss trends. Strong market presence and ability to generate new business opportunities through trusted broker relationships. Strategic thinker with the ability to lead a team, coach talent, and make sound risk decisions. Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to represent the company externally and advocate internally. Analytical skills to assess complex risks and inform pricing, coverage terms, and portfolio-level decisions. Comfortable with data tools and technology platforms to monitor performance and support reporting needs. Compensation Overview
The base salary range for the position is listed below. Please note that the base salary is only one component of our robust total rewards package at RLI. The salary offered will take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, scope & responsibilities of the role, qualifications/credentials, talent availability & specialization, as well as business needs. The below range may be modified in the future. Base Pay Range $179,000.00 - $255,736.00 Total Rewards At RLI, we're all owners. We hire the best and the brightest employees and allow them to share in the company's success through our Total Rewards. With the Employee Stock Ownership plan at its core, the Total Rewards program includes all compensation, benefits and perks that come with being an RLI employee.