Programs Business Development Manager - Specialty Insurance; remote

The Program Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and advancing new delegated underwriting authority program opportunities. This role requires deep understanding of portfolio-level underwriting performance, program structure, and risk management to ensure new opportunities align with the organization’s risk appetite and profitability targets. The position plays a critical role in assessing program administrators, evaluating underwriting discipline and historical performance, and developing comprehensive business cases (PARs) to support executive decision-making.

The role works cross-functionally to move vetted opportunities through the pipeline and into successful implementation.

• Identify and evaluate new program opportunities through market relationships, brokers, and program administrators.
• Conduct initial screening of opportunities to assess strategic alignment, underwriting appetite, portfolio fit, target segments, and distribution approach.
• Lead due diligence of program administrators, including evaluation of underwriting practices, portfolio performance, operational capabilities, governance, reporting, claims practices, and third-party relationships.
• Assess administrator alignment with carrier expectations and identify risks related to underwriting discipline, adverse selection, and sustainable growth.
• Evaluate program opportunities from a portfolio underwriting perspective, including class mix, exposure profiles, rate adequacy, pricing strategy, profitability outlook, volatility, concentration risk, diversification benefits, and forms utilization.
• Partner with actuarial and underwriting teams to validate assumptions and ensure programs align with enterprise risk appetite and return thresholds.
• Develop Program Assessment Reports, including financial projections, profitability analysis, risk assessments, mitigation strategies, program profiles, and implementation steps.
• Translate complex underwriting and financial data into clear, actionable recommendations for senior leadership review and approval.
• Manage program opportunities through the full pipeline lifecycle, tracking milestones, dependencies, risks, and strategic priorities.
• Support implementation and transition of approved programs by driving cross-functional alignment, developing execution plans, and ensuring launch readiness.

• Relevant combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Bachelor’s degree in insurance, business or a related field is required.
• Advanced industry certification such as CPCU, ARE, et al are preferred.
• Minimum ten (10) years of Property and Casualty experience preferably in an underwriting and/or product development role.
• Minimum of five (5) years of delegated underwriting authority capacity (carrier or program admin) experience; or prior experience/roles in where insurance portfolio evaluation was critical.
  
  E.g. Reinsurance underwriter, M&A underwriting.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 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.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management abilities.
• Ability to make competent, independent decisions with minimal supervision.
• Ability and proficiency in the use of computers and Company standard software specific to position.
• Deep underwriting acumen with ability to evaluate…