Senior Manager, Underwriting

Kettle is a fast-growing Managing General Agency (MGA) specializing in property insurance solutions that combine advanced underwriting technology, data analytics, and deep industry expertise. Originally focused on wildfire risk, we are expanding our product portfolio to include broader All Other Perils (AOP) commercial property solutions across the United States. We are seeking an experienced Senior Manager, Underwriting to lead underwriting operations, manage a team of underwriters, and contribute to the profitable growth of our E&S property portfolio. This position reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Underwriting and plays a critical role in portfolio management, underwriting strategy, broker development, and operational excellence. Salary Range: $130,000 – $160,000 annually, plus performance-based bonus eligibility and subject to board approval, stock options (subject to board approval). Position Summary The Senior Manager, Underwriting is responsible for evaluating and managing complex E&S commercial property risks while overseeing a team of underwriters. This role balances technical underwriting expertise, leadership, portfolio management, broker relationship development, and regulatory compliance to support profitable growth and long-term business objectives. The successful candidate will possess deep E&S property underwriting experience, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven ability to develop and execute underwriting strategies in a dynamic and technology-driven environment. Primary Responsibilities Underwriting Leadership & Portfolio Management Underwrite and approve complex commercial property risks, including Ground-Up, Primary, Shared, and other potential placements. Manage and grow a profitable book of E&S property business while maintaining underwriting discipline and profitability targets. Establish, implement, and monitor underwriting guidelines, authorities, and best practices. Evaluate emerging risks, market trends, catastrophe exposures, and competitive conditions to support underwriting strategy. Ensure consistency in underwriting decisions across the portfolio. Team Management & Development Directly supervise, mentor, and develop a team of underwriters. Conduct performance management, coaching, training, and professional development activities. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and retaining top underwriting talent. Review underwriting quality and provide technical guidance on complex risks. Broker & Distribution Management Develop and maintain strong relationships with wholesale brokers, carrier partners, and other key stakeholders. Serve as a senior underwriting representative in broker meetings, industry events, and business development initiatives. Identify opportunities for profitable growth within existing and prospective distribution relationships. Strategy & Product Development Collaborate with executive leadership and cross functional teams to develop and launch new products and coverage offerings. Support expansion into All Other Perils (AOP) property products while maintaining expertise in wildfire and catastrophe-exposed business. Provide underwriting input for pricing, product design, forms development, and portfolio management initiatives. Utilize underwriting technology, predictive analytics, and data-driven insights to improve underwriting outcomes. Compliance & Operational Excellence Ensure compliance with surplus lines regulations, carrier guidelines, delegated authority requirements, and company policies. Monitor underwriting controls, audit findings, and quality assurance metrics. Participate in implementation and optimization of underwriting workbench, policy administration, and workflow management platforms. Support regulatory examinations, carrier audits, and internal compliance reviews. Additional Responsibilities Participate in underwriting committee meetings and portfolio reviews. Assist with catastrophe management and aggregation monitoring. Travel up to 30% for broker visits, conferences, carrier meetings, and business development activities. Perform other duties as assigned. Requirements Required Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, Insurance, or related field. Minimum 7+ years of commercial property (E&S) underwriting experience Including experience underwriting wildfire and severe convective storms Minimum 5+ years of leadership, supervisory, or management experience in commercial property (E&S) underwriting. Demonstrated success managing profitable property portfolios. Strong understanding of commercial property forms, rating methodologies, catastrophe exposures, and risk selection principles. Experience working with MGA, MGU, Lloyd’s, or delegated authority environments. Proven track record of developing, maintaining, and growing broker relationships. Knowledge of surplus lines regulations and regulatory compliance requirements. Experience underwriting E&S Ground-Up, Primary, and Shared property accounts. Surplus Lines licenses in home state and multiple non-resident states Strong analytical, decision-making, negotiation, and communication skills. Ability to lead teams and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Strongly Preferred CPCU, AU, ARM, or other insurance industry designations. Surplus Lines licenses in western states and/or all 50 states preferred. Familiarity with predictive analytics, geospatial modeling, catastrophe models, and automated underwriting platforms. Experience implementing underwriting technology solutions and workflow optimization initiatives. Benefits Competitive salary and bonus opportunity Comprehensive benefits package. Eligible for stock options (subject to board approval) Remote work environment with a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture Opportunity to help shape a rapidly growing underwriting organization. Exposure to innovative underwriting technology and advanced risk analytics. Professional development and leadership growth opportunities. Join us in building the next generation of property underwriting solutions while helping businesses manage increasingly complex property risks across the United States. Our Kettle Inc. ("Kettle") is an equal opportunity employer. Kettle provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.