Manager Of Underwriting

Job Description: Job Description Description: In-Office Position Job Summary The Underwriting Manager is responsible for leading underwriting operations across Commercial and Personal Lines to achieve profitable growth, underwriting discipline, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence. This role sets underwriting strategy, manages underwriting leaders and senior staff, and partners with key stakeholders to optimize portfolio performance, enhance customer and agent experience, and support organizational objectives. Reports To: Vice President of Underwriting Duties/ResponsibilitiesLeadership & People ManagementLead, develop, and coach underwriting supervisors, senior underwriters, and underwriting teams across Commercial and Personal LinesEstablish performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and support career development and succession planningFoster a culture of accountability, collaboration, risk awareness, and continuous improvementParticipate in hiring, workforce planning, and organizational designUnderwriting Strategy & OversightDefine and execute underwriting strategies for Commercial and Personal Lines aligned with company goals, market conditions, and risk appetiteProvide guidance and authority on complex, high-exposure, or non-standard riskEnsure consistent underwriting practices, appropriate pricing, and disciplined risk selectionOversee adherence to underwriting guidelines, authority levels, and regulatory requirementsPortfolio & Financial ManagementMonitor portfolio performance, including loss ratios, premium growth, retention, and exposure management across both lines of businessAnalyze trends, profitability, and loss drivers to identify risks, opportunities, and corrective actionsPartner with Actuarial and Claims to evaluate product performance and support rate, guideline, and appetite changesSupport balanced growth while maintaining underwriting quality and profitabilityOperational ExcellenceOversee underwriting workflows, service standards, and productivity across all underwriting teamsDrive process improvements, automation initiatives, and system enhancementsEnsure timely, accurate underwriting decisions and documentationLead underwriting audit preparation and corrective action plansCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Sales, Marketing, and Distribution to support agency strategies and customer needsServe as underwriting subject matter expert for Commercial and Personal LinesCollaborate with Product, Claims, Finance, Compliance, and Operations to support enterprise initiativesRepresent underwriting leadership on internal committees and cross-functional projectsStrategy & Change ManagementContribute to short- and long-term underwriting and company strategic planningLead implementation of new products, programs, or market expansions across lines of businessEffectively manage change related to system implementations, regulatory updates, or market shiftsPerform other duties as requested.Requirements: Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)8-12+ years of underwriting experience across Commercial and Personal LinesStrong knowledge of Commercial Lines: BOP, Package, Property, General Liability, UmbrellaKnowledge of Personal Lines: Homeowners, Umbrella, Specialty Personal Lines (as applicable) Technical & Professional SkillsExpert underwriting judgment and risk evaluation skillsStrong financial analysis and portfolio management capabilitiesExperience with underwriting systems, rating platforms, and policy administration systemsProficiency in Microsoft Office; advanced Excel and reporting skills preferred Professional Designations (Preferred)CPCU strongly preferredARM, AU, CLU, or other advanced insurance designations a plus Core CompetenciesStrategic and analytical thinkingLeadership and talent developmentFinancial and portfolio managementRisk assessment and underwriting disciplineClear, effective communicationRelationship management with agents and internal partnersChange leadership and adaptability Physical Requirements This position requires the ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer, both in a home and office environment. The role involves frequent use of a headset, keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment. Occasional movement within the office may be required, such as walking to meetings or accessing shared equipment. Pay Range: The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of Utica First's total compensation package for employees. Utica First offers a competitive salary and benefits package to include: Medical (1st of the following month of hire) Dental Vision 401k(s) after 90 days of employment Flexible Spending Accounts Health Savings Accounts Generous Vacation/Sick/Personal Time Off Generous Paid Holidays (to include birthday) Company Paid Basic Life Insurance Company Paid LTD Compensation details: 00 Yearly Salary PI045e9a6ca5-