VP, Underwriting Manager, Special Risk

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a VP, Underwriting Manager, Special Risk based in United States. This is a senior leadership opportunity within a specialty insurance business focused on complex and evolving Special Risk markets. You will shape the profitability, strategic direction, and long-term growth of a diverse underwriting portfolio. The role combines sophisticated risk selection with portfolio management, partner development, reinsurance oversight, and team leadership. You will work closely with MGUs, TPAs, producers, brokers, and senior internal stakeholders to develop innovative insurance solutions. With significant autonomy and decision-making authority, you will influence outcomes at both the individual account and portfolio levels. The position is ideal for an experienced underwriting leader who brings deep market expertise, commercial judgment, and a strong track record of developing high-performing teams. Travel of approximately 25–30% is expected to support partner relationships, due diligence, and business development activities. Drive department profitability, retention, written premium, and broader business performance goals while maintaining disciplined underwriting practices. Make independent underwriting decisions within established authority levels, ensuring appropriate risk selection, pricing, documentation, and file quality. Develop annual business goals for assigned agents and producers and maintain accountability for their performance and results. Analyze portfolio results, profitability metrics, underwriting performance, and market conditions to identify opportunities, risks, and areas for improvement. Lead and develop a high-performing underwriting team through effective delegation, mentoring, coaching, accountability, and ongoing professional development. Strengthen the team's sales orientation, negotiation capabilities, technical expertise, and effectiveness when representing the organization and managing risk. Maintain current knowledge of market trends, competitive dynamics, emerging risks, and opportunities across relevant specialty insurance segments. Provide technical underwriting guidance across travel, travel medical, blanket accident, and other applicable Special Risk products. Clearly communicate the department's value proposition to brokers, producers, clients, and internal stakeholders. Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic planning, business development, and initiatives supporting long-term growth. Conduct underwriting audits and evaluate portfolio performance against profitability and business-unit objectives, overseeing corrective actions where needed. Participate in due diligence reviews for prospective MGU and TPA partners and support the onboarding of new partners, clients, and accounts. Manage reinsurance relationships and oversee the associated processes to support effective risk management and program structures. Build and maintain strong relationships with MGUs, producers, brokers, clients, and internal stakeholders. Participate in training programs, business initiatives, and other strategic projects as required. Requirements Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. 15+ years of underwriting experience, with substantial experience managing complex specialty risks and insurance portfolios. Proven experience managing, mentoring, and developing underwriting professionals. Demonstrated ability to underwrite submissions applicable to travel, travel medical, blanket accident, and related Special Risk business segments. Strong risk management, analytical, problem-solving, and financial judgment skills. Excellent understanding of specialty insurance products, underwriting principles, market dynamics, and portfolio profitability. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build productive relationships with brokers, producers, clients, MGUs, TPAs, and senior