[Hiring] VP, Underwriting Manager, Special Risk @Crum & Forster

Role Description

Since 2000, Crum & Forster’s Accident & Health division (A&H) has offered a diverse portfolio of specialty insurance and reinsurance products nationwide. We place a strong focus on product development and creative distribution methods, along with excellent client service and support.

In addition to our robust domestic portfolio, which spans both special risk and medical solutions, A&H works on an international basis through various partnerships. Our global capabilities provide our partners with even broader flexibility in underwriting solutions.

The A&H SBU takes a forward-thinking, flexible approach to solutions that span a robust slate of products tailored to needs in Special Risk, International Travel Medical, retail and wholesale Travel, Occupational & Alternative Risk, and Pet insurance. At year-end 2025, the SBU recorded $1.4B in gross premium written.

This senior-level position is part of the Accident & Health (A&H) Specialty Business Unit (SBU), specifically within the Special Risk team—a group focused on delivering tailored insurance solutions to a broad range of niche markets. The A&H Special Risk team manages a diverse and evolving 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. With a high degree of autonomy, you will be responsible for the strategic evaluation, selection, and management of complex risks, while serving as a key decision-maker on underwriting and program structure. You will lead high-level negotiations, provide oversight on reinsurance placements with Crum & Forster for other carriers, and offer guidance on technical underwriting matters across multiple specialty lines.

In addition to cultivating strong relationships with MGUs, producers, and internal stakeholders, you will help drive operational efficiency and innovation across the business. You will lead the onboarding of new MGA and TPA partners across multiple business segments and serve as a mentor/technical resource to team members. This role requires a forward-thinking, solution-oriented leader with deep market knowledge, proven underwriting acumen, and the ability to influence strategy and outcomes at both the account and portfolio levels.

What you will do:

• Drive profitability, retention, and written premium goals for the department
• Make independent decisions within underwriting letter of authority and maintain proper file documentation
• Assist in developing annual business goals for assigned agents/producers
• Responsible for analyzing results and maintaining accountability of agency partners within the department
• Lead a high-performing and technically strong UW team through clear communication, delegation, mentoring, and ongoing professional growth and development
• Drive business results and team results through accountability
• Remain current with market trends, competitive landscape, and identify emerging threats and opportunities to the department
• Has an in-depth knowledge of department products and services
• Clearly articulate the department’s value proposition
• Collaborate with Senior Leadership in the development of strategic planning
• Perform Underwriting Audits, and evaluate portfolio performance based upon profitability metrics, overseeing execution to ensure alignment with business unit objectives
• Attend any necessary due diligence review for new MGUs
• Participate in training and initiatives
• Onboard new clients and/or new accounts
• Manage the reinsurance relationships and the process
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong risk management and analytical skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact with brokers, producers and clients
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Proven leadership ability
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to multi-task with an emphasis on quality and customer service

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• 15+ years of underwriting experience required
• Experience managing other underwriters
• Underwrite submissions of quotes that may be applicable to the travel, travel medical and blanket accident business segments
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
• Travel required, 25-30%
• Possesses underwriting and industry designations applicable to SBU desired

Benefits

• At C&F you will BELONG
• We value inclusivity and diversity
• Flexible work arrangements
• Competitive compensation package
• Generous 401K employer match
• Employee Stock Purchase plan with employer matching
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Excellent benefits that go beyond health, dental & vision
• A core C&F principle is that you manage your career
• A dynamic, ambitious, fun and exciting work environment
• A spirit of social responsibility, matching donation program, volunteer opportunities, and an employee driven corporate giving