Chief Underwriting Officer

Chief Underwriting Officer – Berkley Edge (a Berkley Company)

Berkley Edge, a unit of W. R. Berkley Corporation, is establishing a new operating unit focused on solutions for hard‑to‑place and distressed risks in professional and casualty lines. The business will serve small to mid‑size risks through a wholesale‑only distribution model.

Founded in 1967, W. R. Berkley Corporation has grown from a small investment management firm into one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the United States. It is a Fortune 500 company with revenue over $10 billion and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Located in the Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida area; the role is open to talent in Richmond, Virginia, although heavier travel to Tampa/St. Petersburg will be required.

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

• Oversee the development and management of all aspects of underwriting strategy, aligning with the overall strategic plan, and translating the strategy into clear underwriting guidelines and limits of authority.
• Establish underwriting authority levels and referral processes that streamline decision‑making and ensure underwriting excellence.
• Develop pricing and underwriting strategies to attain and improve profitable growth.
• Develop an efficient set of processes that deliver creative, customized underwriting and risk management solutions while meeting the expectations of partners.
• Set a strategic process for identifying, evaluating and managing emerging risks.
• Develop and manage both internal and external relationships to strengthen trust in business partnership.
• Manage the portfolio to reflect an appropriate balance between segments and diversification of line of business.
• Devise strategies and protocols to grow profitably during all market cycles.
• Establish policies and direct the analysis of information to support the development of products, services, and new programs.
• Lead, direct, and take management accountability for underwriting team, emphasizing organizational capability, talent management, and a culture of superior portfolio management and product underwriting.
• Assist in the maintenance of forms for business.
• Develop, implement, and maintain authority letters.
• Lead for internal underwriting audit.
• Ensure underwriting document procedures, accuracy of data entries to systems, and contract integrity for accounts underwritten.
• Meet as needed with the Senior Leadership Team and President to analyze, recommend, and report on the progress of objectives.
• Provide leadership mentoring and guidance to build and sustain a high‑performing workforce.
• Anticipate and plan for the future, collaborating with senior management to foster innovation.

• BA/BS degree in a related field is ideal.
• Minimum of 10 years of commercial insurance underwriting experience including products, casualty, and professional liability.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic and tactical leadership to a talented professional team.
• Strong organizational skills, working with integrity and strategic foresight; challenging norms while collaborating with colleagues at all levels.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a desire to collaborate, build rapport, add value, and effectively problem‑solve with support teams and the organization.
• Exhibits a track record for bringing teams together to solve problems efficiently and effectively.
• Agile and decisive; able to work in an ambiguous, fast‑moving environment while providing clarity and solutions, adapting quickly and effectively to change.
• Well‑versed in presentations, accustomed to addressing agents, vendors, and partners.
• Ability to influence and persuade through advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of time if necessary.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third‑party recruiting agencies or firms.

The company offers a competitive compensation plan and robust benefits package for full‑time regular employees.

The actual salary for this position will be determined by factors including the scope, complexity, location of the role; the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; and other conditions of employment.

• Executive

• Full‑time

• Finance and Sales

• Financial Services and Insurance