• Job Description

  Req#: 643856

  The Underwriting Director for Programs leads the overall strategy, execution, and profit and loss performance of the GuideOne Programs business unit. This role ensures alignment of long-term strategic and financial goals with effective business processes to successfully manage delegated authority arrangements. Key responsibilities include developing underwriting capabilities and talent, cultivating strong relationships with MGAs and brokers, managing program administrators, and driving profitable growth through disciplined oversight and robust controls.

  Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement strategic plans to expand and enhance programs in alignment with organizational objectives.
  • Oversee daily operations and performance of programs, driving efficiency, effectiveness, and quality outcomes.
  • Optimize program structure and underwriting capacity to minimize volatility and drive sustainable, long-term growth in premium and surplus.
  • Manage Programs team of underwriters and support who handle day-to-day activities in underwriting and distribution
  • Cultivate key MGA and broker relationships to ensure an optimal portfolio generating steady growth and profit
  • Design and develop internal capabilities that support underwriting and stewardship of profitable programs
  • Collaborate with Analytics, Programs team, and other resources to monitor top and bottom-line results and identify appropriate actions as needed, including management of authority, pricing, terms and conditions, appetite, and guidelines
  • Manage budget for programs team to ensure delivery of target expense ratio
  • Collaborate internally with other functional teams to ensure proper governance and oversight
  • Develop and refine program audit protocols to maintain underwriting integrity and regulatory compliance
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on the MGA market landscape, competitive positioning, and emerging opportunities
  • Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and MGA partner meetings, effectively representing and communicating overall value, vision and strategy in the marketplace

  Skills & Requirements

  Qualifications

  • Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of Program experience in the insurance industry, with at least 2+ years in a management or leadership role.
  • Education: Bachelor’s preferred, but not required

  Skills & Knowledge:

  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and influence stakeholders.
  • Strategic mindset with the ability to translate long-term vision into actionable initiatives.
  • Expertise in budgeting, financial management, and P&L oversight.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex concepts.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate risks, interpret data, and support sound decision-making.
  • Demonstrated negotiation expertise with a track record of securing favorable agreements.
  • Deep knowledge of insurance operations, risk management, and business operations.

  Compensation:

  • $138,000 - $175,000 commensurate with experience, plus bonus eligibility

  Benefits:

  We are proud to offer a robust benefits suite that includes:

  • Competitive base salary plus incentive plans for eligible team members
  • 401(K) retirement plan that includes a company match of up to 6% of your eligible salary
  • Free basic life and AD&D, long-term disability and short-term disability insurance
  • Medical, dental and vision plans to meet your unique healthcare needs
  • Wellness incentives
  • Generous time off program that includes personal, holiday and volunteer paid time off
  • Flexible work schedules and hybrid/remote options for eligible positions
  • Educational assistance

  #TMG

  Qualifications

  • Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of Program experience in the insurance industry, with at least 2+ years in a management or leadership role.
  • Education: Bachelor’s preferred, but not required

  Skills & Knowledge:

  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and influence stakeholders.
  • Strategic mindset with the ability to translate long-term vision into actionable initiatives.
  • Expertise in budgeting, financial management, and P&L oversight.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to clearly convey complex concepts.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate risks, interpret data, and support sound decision-making.
  • Demonstrated negotiation expertise with a track record of securing favorable agreements.
  • Deep knowledge of insurance operations, risk management, and business operations.

  Compensation:

  • $138,000 - $175,000 commensurate with experience, plus bonus eligibility

  Benefits:

  We are proud to offer a robust benefits suite that includes:

  • Competitive base salary plus incentive plans for eligible team members
  • 401(K) retirement plan that includes a company match of up to 6% of your eligible salary
  • Free basic life and AD&D, long-term disability and short-term disability insurance
  • Medical, dental and vision plans to meet your unique healthcare needs
  • Wellness incentives
  • Generous time off program that includes personal, holiday and volunteer paid time off
  • Flexible work schedules and hybrid/remote options for eligible positions
  • Educational assistance

  #TMG

• About the company

  GuideOne Insurance is a niche-market insurer based in West Des Moines, Iowa, and is one of the largest church insurers in the United States.

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