The Hanover is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Underwriting Director to join our dynamic Commercial Surety team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high‑performing organization that values innovation, technical expertise, and teamwork. As Underwriting Director, you will help drive underwriting excellence, portfolio performance, and technical rigor from the Home Office, partnering closely with regional teams, senior leadership, and stakeholders across the enterprise.
The way we work continues to evolve. This role offers flexible work arrangements and may be hybrid or fully remote, with the ability to travel as needed to support agency engagement, market development, and key meetings. The position may be based in Itasca, IL; Somerset, NJ; Bloomington, MN; Howell, MI; Dallas, TX; Seattle, WA; Worcester, MA; Windsor, CT, or other US locations with the ability to travel as needed.
At The Hanover, our culture is grounded in our Care Values— we care about our people, our customers, and the communities we serve. We foster an inclusive, supportive environment where experienced professionals are empowered to make decisions, share ideas, and grow their careers while working together toward shared goals.
THIS IS A FULL‑TIME, EXEMPT ROLE.Position Overview
The Underwriting Director, Commercial Surety drives and supports underwriting excellence for designated areas or assigned territories with greater autonomy, managing account and portfolio underwriting, developing strategies, and providing technical expertise and support to local teams and leadership.
Responsibilities
- Drive and support underwriting excellence across Commercial Surety
- Manage account‑level and portfolio underwriting activities with a high degree of autonomy
- Develop, implement, and execute underwriting strategies in collaboration with senior leadership
- Serve as a technical authority and trusted advisor to underwriting teams and business leaders
- Lead underwriting initiatives and projects aligned with business growth, profitability, and risk management objectives
- Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and take appropriate underwriting actions
- Participate in underwriting, compliance, and internal audits as needed
- Identify and address economic, regulatory, and legal issues impacting underwriting results
- Collaborate with Product, Risk Management, Actuarial, Legal, and Claims partners to support underwriting quality and innovation
- Mentor and develop underwriters by providing coaching, guidance, and technical support
- Contribute to the development and delivery of underwriting tools, resources, and training programs
Technical & Professional Expertise
- Advanced knowledge of Commercial Surety underwriting principles, practices, and risk assessment
- Strong understanding of portfolio management, performance monitoring, and underwriting controls
- Awareness of market trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory requirements
- Ability to evaluate complex risks and apply sound underwriting judgment
- Experience leveraging underwriting systems, data, and analytics to drive decision‑making
What You Need to Apply
- 10+ years of underwriting experience in Commercial Surety
- Demonstrated success in leading underwriting strategy, portfolio oversight, or underwriting excellence initiatives
- Proven leadership and mentoring experience, with the ability to influence without direct authority
- Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and execution skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across functions
- Advanced proficiency with underwriting tools, systems, and analytical platforms
Measures of Success
- Consistent delivery of underwriting excellence and adherence to underwriting standards
- Strong portfolio performance aligned with profitability and growth objectives
- Effective execution of underwriting strategies and initiatives
- High‑quality technical guidance provided to underwriting teams and leadership
- Positive impact on underwriting capability, engagement, and talent development
Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
- 401(k) with a company match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Company‑paid holidays
- Flexible work arrangements
- Cultural Awareness Day in support of IDE
- On‑site medical/wellness center (Worcester only)
EEO Statement
The Hanover values diversity in the workplace and among our customers. The company provides equal opportunity for employment and promotion to all qualified employees and applicants on the basis of experience, training, education, and ability to do the available work without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, or any other status protected by law. The Hanover Insurance Group is committed to providing an equal opportunity workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment based on national origin, race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by law.
Privacy Policy
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Applicants Who Are California Residents
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Compensation
The target hiring range for this role may vary based on geographic location and other factors, including merit or performance, demonstrated proficiency, skills for the role, education, travel requirements, and experience. Additional compensation may include an annual bonus (which could take the form of a general bonus, sales incentive, or short‑term incentive), long‑term incentive or spot recognition awards. The posted range reflects our ability to hire at different position titles and levels depending on background and experience.
Requisition #: 44539
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