Apply on Employer Site

W. R. Berkley Corporation · 22 hours ago

VP – Underwriting

New York, NY

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$100K/yr - $156K/yr

W. R. Berkley Corporation is a leading company operating in the insurance sector, specifically within commercial property underwriting. The VP – Underwriting will develop and execute the underwriting strategy for Berkley Specialty Property’s New York office, overseeing underwriting activities and building relationships with brokers to drive portfolio growth.

Auto InsuranceFinancial ServicesHealth InsuranceInsuranceLife InsuranceProfessional ServicesProperty Insurance

No H1B

Responsibilities

Oversee daily underwriting activities, ensuring effective solicitation, selection, pricing, and retention of profitable business, in partnership with the AVP – Underwriting, BSP

Develop and implement underwriting best practices aligned with BSP and London Commercial Property Team standards

Assist in shaping and managing underwriting appetite, guidelines, forms, terms and conditions, training, and communications

Exercise sound judgement in risk selection, exposure analysis, pricing, and coverage, ensuring decisions align with underwriting authority and market segment requirements

Proactively build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with both Retail and Wholesale brokers across the US E&S market

Represent BSP at industry events, broker meetings, and market forums to enhance visibility and foster trust

Drive the development and expansion of the commercial property portfolio by identifying new business opportunities, monitoring market trends, and collaborating with brokers to source profitable risks

Gather and analyse market intelligence from broker interactions to inform underwriting strategy, product development, and portfolio management

Engage with IT, Operations, Actuarial, Finance, Marketing, and Claims to strengthen interdepartmental relationships

Adhere to underwriting quality and compliance processes, including peer reviews, self-audits, management reviews, and WRBC coordination

Collaborate with team members and other departments to address regulatory matters

Monitor and communicate emerging underwriting issues relevant to BSP’s strategic direction

Work with the CEO BSL, CUO BSL, and Chief Actuary to ensure rate adequacy and pricing integrity

Support the CEO BSL and CUO BSL in reinsurance placement

Perform additional responsibilities as assigned

Qualification

Commercial property underwritingInsurance regulatory knowledgeAnalyticalProblem-solvingBroker relationship managementNegotiation skillsBusiness judgementWritten communicationVerbal communicationInterpersonal skillsCreative problem-solvingStrategic thinking

Required

Demonstrated expertise in commercial property underwriting and a broad understanding of related insurance areas

Proven track record of successful underwriting, supported by quantifiable results

Strong knowledge of the insurance regulatory environment

Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities; capable of managing multiple priorities independently within tight deadlines

Sound business judgement and decision-making skills

Creative approach to resolving complex business challenges

Demonstrated ability to develop and manage productive broker relationships, with a proven track record of trading successfully with both Retail and Wholesale brokers

Strong networking and negotiation skills, with the ability to represent BSP effectively in the market and at industry events

Commercial acumen and strategic thinking to identify and capitalise on portfolio growth opportunities