Job Description:
A specialty insurer that delivers customized surety and casualty solutions is seeking a Head of Programs. The Head of Programs will be responsible for establishing and leading a newly created programs division. This visionary leader will support the existing MGA programs, as well as build the infrastructure, strategy and partnerships required to grow a high-performing delegated authority and program underwriting business. The Head of Programs will leverage dynamic leadership skills and deep experience in program development, MGA/MGU relationshipsand underwriting governance to build a division from the ground up. This is a retained search.
Responsibilities:
Manages the existing surety and liability programs to ensure each program meets strategy, financial and operational targets; leverages existing programs to support a scalable business while defining frameworks, underwritingand reporting requirements
Identifies and onboards high-quality MGAs/MGUs, affinity groupsand distribution partners to build a diversified portfolio; leads the design of delegated authority arrangements, including performance metrics, compliance standards and reinsurance alignment
Focuses on profitability, loss ratiosand capital efficiency while ensuring adherence to underwriting guidelines, pricing strategy, and risk selection standards; leverages data and analytics to drive decisions and ensure alignment with corporate objectives
Aligns claims strategy with underwriting and pricing to ensure program profitability; selects, onboards and manages TPAs and claims service providers while monitoring loss ratios, claim frequency/severity trends and reserves; escalates complex or disputed claims across programs
Attracts, developsand retains a highly qualified team of underwriters, analysts and operational support staff
Requirements:
Strong experience in the insurance industry, specifically with program management, underwriting leadershipor MGA/MGU oversight experience
Proven success managing complex insurance programs and portfolios
Strong analytical, negotiationand decision-making skills
Excellent knowledge of insurance products, pricingand distribution strategies, specifically within the property and casualty space; surety experience (preferred)
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and delegated authority models
Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and work in a fast-paced, evolving environment