VP, Underwriting Manager, Special Risk

About the Company

Crum & Forster (C&F) provides market-leading property & casualty, accident & health, specialty, and standard commercial lines insurance solutions. With a 200-year history, C&F helps customers manage risk through focused expertise, integrity, and discipline. The company has an annual gross written premium of $6.2 billion and holds an "A+" (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best. C&F employs 3,000 people across the United States and India and is recognized as a great place to work, earning awards such as Great Place to Work®, Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For, and Fortune Best Workplaces for Parents and Millennials. C&F is part of Fairfax Financial Holdings.

About the Division

Since 2000, Crum & Forster’s Accident & Health (A&H) division has offered a diverse portfolio of specialty insurance and reinsurance products nationwide, with a focus on product development, creative distribution, and client service. The division operates domestically and internationally, providing flexible underwriting solutions across Special Risk, International Travel Medical, retail and wholesale Travel, Occupational & Alternative Risk, and Pet insurance. At year-end 2025, the A&H Specialty Business Unit (SBU) recorded $1.4 billion in gross premium written.

About the Role

This senior-level position is part of the Accident & Health (A&H) Specialty Business Unit (SBU), specifically within the Special Risk team, which delivers tailored insurance solutions to niche markets. The team manages a diverse portfolio of programs through partnerships with Managing General Underwriters (MGUs), Third Party Administrators (TPAs), and other key producers. As VP, Underwriting Manager, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping the profitability, direction, and multiyear growth goals of the book. The role involves strategic evaluation, selection, and management of complex risks, high-level negotiations, reinsurance oversight, and mentoring team members. You will drive operational efficiency, innovation, and the onboarding of new MGA and TPA partners across multiple business segments.

Responsibilities

• Drive profitability, retention, and written premium goals for the department.
• Make independent underwriting decisions within the letter of authority and maintain proper file documentation.
• Develop annual business goals for assigned agents/producers and analyze results to maintain accountability.
• Lead a high-performing underwriting team through communication, delegation, mentoring, and professional development.
• Refine sales orientation, negotiation skills, and risk management representation for C&F.
• Drive business and team results through accountability and performance metrics.
• Stay current with market trends, competitive landscape, and emerging threats/opportunities.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of department products and services and articulate the department’s value proposition.
• Collaborate with Senior Leadership on strategic planning and perform underwriting audits to evaluate portfolio performance.
• Attend due diligence reviews for new MGUs and participate in training initiatives.
• Onboard new clients and accounts and manage reinsurance relationships and processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• 15+ years of underwriting experience.
• Experience managing other underwriters.
• Ability to underwrite submissions for travel, travel medical, and blanket accident business segments.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Travel required: 25-30%.
• Underwriting and industry designations applicable to the SBU are desired.

• Strong problem-solving and risk management skills.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven leadership ability and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask with an emphasis on quality and customer service.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements.
• Competitive compensation package with an annualized base pay range of $138,700 to $260,800, determined by market pay, role responsibilities, and performance.
• Discretionary equity (stock) based compensation and performance-based variable pay programs.
• Generous 401K employer match and Employee Stock Purchase plan with employer matching.
• Generous Paid Time Off.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Wellness programs focusing on physical and mental wellbeing for employees and their families.
• Tuition reimbursement, industry-related certifications, and professional training opportunities.
• Matching donation program, volunteer opportunities, and employee-driven corporate giving.