Ocean Cargo Underwriting Manager (Remote)

Company Overview:

Cornerstone Insurance Producers “CIP” is a technology-driven Managing General Agent (MGA) dedicated to collaborating with affiliated and third-party carriers to develop and manage profitable insurance products and distribution channels. CIP is committed to empowering partners by delivering competitive and profitable products, building lasting relationships, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to adapt to the dynamic risk landscape. With over $100 million in annual Gross Written Premium (GWP) across multiple product lines, CIP distinguishes itself by partnering with SaaS providers to seamlessly integrate and cross-sell insurance solutions to their customers, driving innovation and growth in the insurance space.

Position Summary:

The Underwriting Manager is ultimately accountable for the profit and growth of the Shippers Interest product through underwriting, product development and distribution management. The role designs and executes initiatives to support the overall MGA strategy. Additionally, this role will analyze drivers of profitability, assist with developing risk appetite and marketing strategy, understand the products’ competitive position, and look for opportunities to introduce new segmentation variables. The Manager may manage employees. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Underwriting

• Evaluate underwriting submissions and referrals to carrier partners.

• Manage delegated level of authorities.

• Develop national guidelines.

• Secure and analyze market changes and recommend changes to the program.

Product Management

• Manage lifecycle of all assigned product changes, including new product development. This includes aspects from pricing, underwriting, coverage offerings, segmentation, risk appetite and system requirements.

• Identify opportunities to enhance product offerings and segmentation.

• Develop rate, rule, and form filings.

• Monitor and analyze KPIs (loss ratio, frequency, severity, new business production, hit ratio, retention, quality of business distributions, etc.) to understand and react to trends. Report to executive team monthly on outcome. 

• Understand existing and emerging risk factors and preemptively develop product strategies in response.

• Assist in development of business requirement specifications and user acceptance testing for specified product changes.

Distribution Management

• Establish, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with brokers and carriers alike.

• Develop distribution strategies that are profitable and efficient. Work with Business Development to implement distribution strategies, when assigned.

• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to identify opportunities for portfolio growth and development.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills) 

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience underwriting marine or ocean cargo.

• Excellent leadership experience required. 

• Must possess executive-level communication and influencing skills with the ability to resolve issues, build consensus among groups of diverse internal/external stakeholders and have proven skill in negotiating and mediating conflict.

• Strong analytical skills supporting data driven decisions.

• In-depth knowledge of freight industry practices and insurance regulations.

Physical Demands and Work Environment 

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, or reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

This position may be required to travel for business purposes.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.