Head of Underwriting

Are you a strategic underwriting leader with a passion for driving performance and shaping the future of insurance? MEM Insurance is seeking a Head of Underwriting to lead our underwriting function with a focus on risk selection, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. In this high-impact role, you’ll partner closely with senior leadership to define underwriting strategy, oversee portfolio performance, and build a future-ready team. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are energized by innovation, data-driven decision-making, and talent development, we invite you to join our mission to protect and serve our customers with excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Planning

◦ Define underwriting priorities and performance strategies aligned with MEM’s growth, customer value, and risk posture. ◦ Collaborate with leaders across Claims, Sales, Actuary, Strategy/Product, and more to integrate pricing, service, and risk management. ◦ Advise senior leadership on underwriting implications of market trends, regulatory shifts, and organizational initiatives. ◦ Lead underwriting-focused projects related to technology, process modernization, and workflow efficiency.

• Operational Execution & Governance

◦ Oversee execution of underwriting practices across teams, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and adherence to policy. ◦ Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and adjust strategies to optimize profitability. ◦ Review and approve risk decisions beyond delegated limits; manage escalation processes. ◦ Establish and monitor key performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. ◦ Refine underwriting guidelines to reflect current conditions and support forward-looking strategies.

• Financial Oversight

◦ Develop and manage the departmental operating budget, ensuring alignment with business objectives. ◦ Collaborate with Finance, Actuary, and Product teams to inform premium planning and margin management.

• Talent & Capability Development

◦ Lead and develop a team of underwriting managers and professionals, fostering a culture of accountability and growth. ◦ Champion talent development, succession planning, and capability building for future underwriting needs. ◦ Ensure availability of effective training, coaching, and learning resources.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

◦ Serve as the senior liaison for underwriting across internal stakeholders. ◦ Partner with Claims, Risk Control, and Sales to ensure coordinated servicing and retention of large or complex clients. ◦ Engage external stakeholders such as producers and brokers to support profitable business acquisition.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance

◦ Oversee underwriting quality audits and implement improvement initiatives. ◦ Maintain governance over delegated underwriting authority and ensure decision controls are in place.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Insurance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• CPCU designation highly desired; AU or INS preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• 10+ years of experience in commercial insurance underwriting, with a focus on workers’ compensation.
• 5+ years in a supervisory or leadership role.

Company Culture and Values:

At MEM Insurance, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community. We live our values every day by putting people first, embracing innovation, and striving for excellence. Our culture is built on collaboration, integrity, and a shared commitment to protecting our customers and supporting our employees. We believe in empowering our team members to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact. Join us and be part of a company that values your expertise and invests in your future.

Total Rewards Overview:

We care deeply about our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth:

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision

◦ Includes fertility benefits and fully paid preventative care ◦ Dental coverage includes adult orthodontia and other uncommon treatments

• Fully Employer-Paid Life and Disability Benefits

◦ Life Insurance – three times base salary ◦ Accidental Death and Dismemberment ◦ Short and Long-term Disability

• Wellness & Recognition Program

◦ Employer-paid incentives for employees and spouses

• Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care Options
• Health Savings Account with generous employer contribution
• Time Away from Work

◦ Generous PTO accruals ◦ 11 Holidays and 4 Early releases ◦ 16 Hours of Volunteer Time Off ◦ 20 days of paid parental leave (in addition to STD) ◦ Marriage, Bereavement, and Jury Duty leave policies

• Employee Assistance Programs
• 401k Retirement Plan with employer match and profit sharing
• Adoption Assistance
• Tuition Assistance