Home Office Commercial Surety Underwriting Director

Job DescriptionA leading national insurance organization is seeking a Commercial Surety Underwriting Director to join its Home Office team. This highly visible role can be based anywhere within the continental United States and includes periodic travel. The ideal candidate brings deep surety expertise, strong leadership capability, and a strategic mindset to support profitable growth across the organization's commercial surety portfolio.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and oversee Financial Products / Commercial Surety Underwriting operations, ensuring efficient workflows and high productivity.Develop, refine, and execute strategic plans for the production underwriting team in alignment with business objectives.Evaluate risk quality, underwriting volume, and portfolio performance; prepare and deliver comprehensive reporting with actionable insights.Build and leverage strong relationships with agents, brokers, and internal stakeholders to drive sustained profitable growth.Oversee and guide renewal reviews, endorsement evaluations, and risk-mitigation recommendations.Ensure exceptional customer service by reviewing service-level reporting and implementing operational improvements.Support product and service promotion efforts that align with market strategies and customer needs.Lead the implementation, governance, and updates of underwriting rules, rating manuals, and regulatory requirements.Coach, mentor, and develop underwriting staff; manage performance, training, and workforce planning.Ensure the team meets financial targets, budget expectations, and operational goals.Perform additional leadership and underwriting duties as assigned.QualificationsBachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field - or equivalent experience.10-15+ years of commercial surety underwriting experience, including:At least 5 years of leadership experience.Professional designations preferred, including:AFSB, CPCU, CPA, RPLU (or progress toward one).Experience contributing to strategic decision-making, policy development, and operational planning.Typically oversees a team of up to 2 underwriters; involvement in talent selection, development, and performance management.Strong communication, analytical, relationship-building, and decision-making skills.CompensationSalary range: $180,000 - $250,000, depending on experience, location, and role complexity.Total compensation is influenced by skills, background, certifications, and business need.Total RewardsThis employer offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include:Medical, dental, and vision plans starting on day onePTO and paid holidaysEmployee stock purchase planCommuter benefitsTuition/education reimbursementPaid parental leave / adoption assistance401(k) with company matchAdditional voluntary benefits