Head of Commercial Marine Underwriting

Purpose

Seafarer Marine is seeking a strategic, growth-oriented Head of Commercial Marine Underwriting to lead and expand our nationwide commercial marine underwriting operation. This executive leadership role is responsible for underwriting strategy, portfolio performance, broker and carrier relationships, talent development, and profitable growth across Seafarer's commercial marine book of business.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in ocean marine and commercial marine underwriting, including marinas, yacht clubs, boat dealers, charter operators, commercial fishing vessels, and related marine exposures. This leader will play a critical role in shaping underwriting appetite, expanding distribution partnerships, mentoring underwriting talent, and driving profitable growth across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Underwriting Leadership

• Develop and execute the underwriting strategy for Seafarer's commercial marine portfolio.
• Establish underwriting guidelines, authority levels, pricing strategies, and risk selection standards.
• Maintain portfolio profitability while driving sustainable premium growth.
• Evaluate large, complex, and unique marine risks requiring executive underwriting authority.
• Monitor loss trends, market conditions, and emerging marine exposures.

Portfolio Management

• Oversee performance of the commercial marine book, including premium growth, retention, loss ratio, and profitability metrics.
• Partner with actuarial, claims, and carrier partners to optimize underwriting results.
• Identify opportunities to expand product offerings, market segments, and geographic reach.
• Lead portfolio reviews and underwriting audits.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing underwriting team.
• Provide coaching on underwriting analysis, risk assessment, broker negotiations, and portfolio management.
• Participate in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and succession planning initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Business Development & Broker Relationships

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with retail and wholesale brokers nationwide.
• Represent Seafarer at industry conferences, broker meetings, and marine industry events.
• Partner with distribution teams to identify new business opportunities and strengthen broker engagement.
• Support the acquisition and retention of key accounts.

Strategic Growth Initiatives

• Partner with executive leadership to identify new marine products and market opportunities.
• Evaluate expansion opportunities within commercial marine, ocean marine, inland marine, and specialty yacht segments.
• Support carrier negotiations and capacity discussions.
• Contribute to overall business planning and growth strategy.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 10+ years of commercial marine and/or ocean marine underwriting experience.
• 5+ years of underwriting leadership or management experience.

• Proven expertise underwriting: Marinas
• Yacht clubs
• Boat dealers
• Charter and excursion vessels
• Commercial fishing vessels
• Marine operators
• Waterfront risks and related marine exposures

• Demonstrated success managing profitable marine insurance portfolios.
• Strong broker and distribution relationships within the marine insurance marketplace.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with specialty yacht or inland marine products.
• Experience leading underwriting teams in an MGA, carrier, program administrator, or specialty insurance environment.
• Existing marine insurance carrier relationships.
• Experience launching or expanding specialty insurance products.

• Competencies
• Executive leadership
• Strategic thinking
• Financial acumen
• Portfolio management
• Relationship building
• Negotiation and influence
• Talent development
• Risk assessment and pricing expertise
• Decision-making under delegated authority
• Growth-focused mindset
• Education & Certifications

Bachelor's degree required.

Insurance designations preferred

• CPCU
• AMIM
• ARM
• AU
• CRM or equivalent industry credentials

Working Conditions

• Requires a quiet work environment with regular sitting at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasional walking and standing, and lifting of up to 10 lbs.
• Regular use of hands and fingers.
• Frequent talking or hearing.
• Vision requirements: Close, distance, color, peripheral, focus and depth perception.

Additional Information

• This is a remote position. Planned, in-office activities may be required on occasion (typically 2-4x per year).
• You must live in the United States and be authorized to work in the United States without requirement of employment sponsorship/visa.

• About Company ---

What We Offer

• Remote First Work Environment (US Based)
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401K, 401K Match

Life and Disability Benefits

• Unaccrued Paid Time Off
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Educational Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Paid Parental Leave