Head of Ocean Cargo

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Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Ocean Cargo to lead our Ocean Cargo product line, set the long-term vision, and drive operational excellence across the platform. This role shapes product strategy, enhances underwriting performance, and ensures Ocean Cargo operations are efficient, compliant, and positioned for sustainable growth.

As the Head of Ocean Cargo, you will collaborate with underwriting leadership, operations, analytics, and corporate stakeholders to optimize portfolio performance, introduce innovative solutions, and elevate our market presence. This is a high-impact leadership role at the intersection of strategy, operations, and technical expertise.

• Lead the strategic direction, management, and performance of the Ocean Cargo product line.
• Drive initiatives that support profitable growth, operational efficiency, and market competitiveness.
• Oversee portfolio performance, ensuring underwriting discipline, product sustainability, and strong risk selection.

• Develop, document, and implement strategies to streamline workflows and improve business processes across the product line.
• Ensure a lean, scalable operating platform that supports current needs and future expansion.
• Partner with internal operations teams to ensure successful rollout of system enhancements and operational changes.

• Provide leadership and technical direction to underwriting teams, ensuring alignment with product strategy.
• Lead annual guideline reviews and support the implementation and ongoing governance of underwriting standards.
• Use data-driven insights to manage rate adequacy, exposure aggregates, and key performance metrics.

• Serve as the key contact for forms development, regulatory changes, and compliance matters affecting the Ocean Cargo business.
• Ensure alignment with industry bureaus, regulatory bodies, and internal compliance requirements.

• Identify opportunities for incremental improvements across people, processes, and systems.
• Promote best practices, operational consistency, and knowledge sharing across the Ocean Cargo team.
• Drive and support strategic projects that strengthen product offerings, improve efficiency, and enhance customer value.

• 10+ years of Ocean Cargo experience.
• Proven track record of leading teams, managing portfolios, and delivering profitable results.
• Strong understanding of Ocean Cargo products, regulatory environment, forms, and market dynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to drive operational improvements and manage complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to execute tactically.

• Opportunity to lead and shape a core product line within a growing Marine division.
• High-visibility role with direct impact on strategic direction and business performance.
• Collaborative culture with strong support from underwriting, operations, data, and executive leadership.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities.

• Reporting into Mike Keely, Head of Ocean Marine.

• New York or Chicago

US work authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future.

Advertised salary:
The base salary offered will be based on compensable factors such as job-relevant education, experience, training, competencies, location, and other factors. Base salary range for this role is disclosed as part of the application process.

Markel Group (NYSE – MKL) is a Fortune 500 company with offices worldwide. We are…