Job Description
Delegated Underwriting (DUA) Leader – Location: New York, NY preferred | Open to other locations for the right candidate
About Our Client
Our client is a well-capitalized, internationally established insurance group that is strategically expanding into the US Specialty Commercial Lines market. With a strong underwriting track record and the financial backing to build something meaningful, they are standing up a new US division — and this role sits at the center of that effort.
The Role
The DUA Segment Leader will be a key member of the US leadership team, reporting directly to the President of the US Specialty division. You'll be responsible for building the Delegated Underwriting Authority business from scratch — assembling the team, developing the program portfolio, and driving new business, retention, and profitability through disciplined underwriting and strong partner relationships.
This is a true build role. If you've spent your career in DUA and want the platform and the autonomy to do it right, keep reading.
What You'll Be Doing
- Building and leading the DUA underwriting team for a newly established US Specialty division
- Developing and executing strategic goals in collaboration with US and international leadership
- Owning full P&L accountability for the DUA segment, including the annual business plan
- Serving as the external face of the segment — cultivating and managing relationships with DUA partners across the US market
- Implementing governance frameworks covering underwriting, reinsurance, financial, operational, and regulatory risk
- Collaborating across Distribution, Claims, and Operations to drive results
- Presenting performance updates, market insights, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership
What You Bring
- 15+ years in Commercial Lines insurance, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role within specialty or commercial lines
- 8+ years of hands-on experience in delegated authority underwriting and distribution
- Demonstrated P&L ownership and business planning experience
- Strong working knowledge of property, casualty, professional, and specialty lines
- A track record of building teams, not just managing them
- Deep familiarity with the US insurance market and key DUA relationships
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or professional designations (CPCU, ARM, etc.) preferred
- Willingness to travel up to 40%
Why This Opportunity
Not many roles give you the chance to build a segment from the ground up inside an organization with real capital behind it. This one does. If you're looking for a long-term leadership opportunity with genuine scope and autonomy, this is worth a conversation.
This is a confidential search. For more information or to express interest, please contact Melissa Colley at melissacolley