Head of Inland Marine Underwriting - E&S

Skyward Specialty is a property and casualty insurance holding company formed in 2007. Based in Houston, Texas, and with staff throughout the country, Skyward Specialty provides admitted and non-admitted solutions to retail and wholesale distributors, managing general agents and captive markets. We have built highly respected businesses in specialty lines including management liability, professional liability, medical stop loss, surety, E&S property and liability, and large commercial property, as well as multi-line solutions for the energy, trucking, and construction industries.

At Skyward Specialty, we approach this business differently. In fact, we’re different from most others in our industry in just about every way. We have the spirit of a start-up with the security of over $1.7 billion in Written Premium. We put immense brain power and energy into finding greater insights to uncover better opportunities for our clients, partners, and people. We think at a higher level, so they can succeed at a higher level.

We are committed to a Diverse Workforce

Skyward Specialty is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nativity, neurodiversity, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. For more information about us please visit www.skywardinsurance.com

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team at Skyward Specialty Insurance, you will have the opportunity to lead and grow our Inland Marine division. This entrepreneurial role focuses on wholesale brokers and non-admitted coverage, providing the chance to shape the development, planning, and execution of strategic initiatives. You will be provided the authority, autonomy, and support required to build an industry-leading book of business of differentiated products, services, and solutions that meet the unique needs of our target markets.

Essential Responsibilities

• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with internal and external resources to identify promising classes within the inland marine segment. Focus on long-term profitability with minimized severity, achieving a loss ratio at or below 60% for the portfolio.
• Business Planning: Independently build and manage Skyward Specialty’s Inland Marine lines, including strategic execution of business plans, profit management, rate setting, and retention.
• Underwriting Standards: Create, establish, and continually refine Inland Marine underwriting guidelines and pricing guidelines
• Corporate Growth: Promote and influence the growth of the Inland Marine division, focusing on wholesale brokers and non-admitted coverage.
• Technology Implementation: Partnering with internal IT support, apply unique technologies and leverage underwriting expertise to inform risk selection.
• Distribution Channels: Establish and grow lasting relationships with qualified distribution partners that yield profitable premium volumes across small, mid-sized, and large markets.
• Competitive Intelligence: Monitor and analyze key competitor offerings, providing actionable insights to drive the division.
• Leadership: Lead a growing team of Inland Marine Underwriters including recruiting, training, and retaining top talent to support the continued growth of the business.
• QA Process Management: Oversee and manage the Quality Assurance process for the Inland Marine book of business, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
• Portfolio Management: Collaborate with claims, product development, and actuarial personnel to ensure the overall health of the portfolio. Lead quarterly business reviews with senior leadership to discuss overall health and ongoing strategy for the Inland Marine division
• Claims Review: Participate in claims review meetings to extract lessons learned and improve underwriting selection.
• Coverage Management: Evaluate and respond to requests for coverage changes, enhancements, and exclusions, working as needed with internal partners such as product development and legal to implement any necessary updates.
• Audit Assistance: Support in completing and processing interim and final audits as needed

• Experience: Primary inland marine experience int the E&S/Wholesale market, with a successful track record in profitable underwriting.
• Industry Tenure: At least 15 years in commercial insurance, dealing with multiline and multistate accounts.
• Market Development: Proven ability in developing non-admitted inland marine business through wholesale brokers.
• Team Management: Demonstrated success in managing underwriting teams to write profitable business in challenging markets.
• Account Expertise: Experience with middle market and large Inland Marine accounts.
• Broker Relationships: Established relationships with local, regional, and national agent/brokers.

Compensation & Benefits

The applicable base salary for this opportunity will be based on internal and external market data for similar positions and commensurate with experience.  The base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements.  In addition to the base salary, this opportunity will be eligible for performance-based incentives.

We are excited to offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition and professional certification assistance, 401k savings, elective participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Program, paid time off, paid holidays, and child bonding leave, as well as other employee assistance programs.

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