The E&S General Liability Senior Underwriter OR AVP is responsible for underwriting new and renewal middle market accounts within an E&S/non-admitted environment. This role requires strong technical underwriting judgment, thoughtful risk selection, and the ability to structure coverage/terms to achieve profitable growth. The Senior Underwriter should have established wholesale broker relationships with individual brokerage offices.  The Senior Underwriter will independently manage a renewal book, grow new business through select wholesale broker relationships, and provide mentorship and technical guidance to underwriting team members.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Underwrite and manage a middle market GL portfolio including new business, renewals, and account stewardship to achieve profitability, retention, and growth objectives.
• Evaluate risk and exposure by analyzing operations, loss history, financials (as appropriate), coverage needs, and industry trends; determine suitability within company appetite.
• Develop coverage, pricing, and terms aligned with risk characteristics and rate adequacy; leverage deductibles/SIRs, endorsements, and coverage restrictions when needed to achieve appropriate risk-adjusted return.
• Structure and negotiate deals with wholesalers, including quote development, proposal presentation, counteroffers, and binding decisions within delegated authority.
• Oversee account lifecycle management, including:
  • underwriting file documentation (analysis, rationale, pricing support, referrals),
  • issuance coordination and policy review,
  • mid-term endorsements,
  • renewal strategy and execution,
  • collaboration with claims, loss control, and operations as applicable.
• Maintain excellent underwriting governance: ensure compliance with guidelines, regulatory/non-admitted requirements, documentation standards, and referral/authority protocols.
• Broker relationship management and marketing
  • manage a targeted group of wholesale brokers,
  • actively source and qualify middle market opportunities,
  • communicate underwriting appetite clearly and consistently,
  • differentiate through expertise, responsiveness, and creative problem solving—not price alone.
• Portfolio management
  • monitor aggregates, concentration, mix of business, and loss trends,
  • identify remediation actions on underperforming segments/accounts,
  • contribute to planning and forecasting efforts.
• Mentor and support junior underwriters
  • provide technical coaching, file guidance, and decision support,
  • participate in training, peer reviews, and knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to underwriting discipline and continuous improvement
  • assist in refining guidelines, workflows, tools, and product/coverage approach for middle market GL,
  • support underwriting file audits/reviews and participate in system testing/enhancements as needed.

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of General Liability underwriting experience, with demonstrated success underwriting E&S/non-admitted business.
• Experience underwriting middle market accounts with higher complexity (e.g., multi-location, multi-state, higher hazard classes, layered or manuscript coverage considerations, heavier loss history, complex operations).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong technical knowledge of GL coverage, policy forms, exclusions/endorsements, and non-admitted market practices.
• Demonstrated ability to assess risk, analyze data, and make sound decisions with clear underwriting rationale.
• Strong command of pricing concepts and rate adequacy, including using terms/structure (not just price) to appropriately underwrite risk.
• Proven ability to build and maintain wholesale broker relationships and to generate profitable submissions.
• Excellent communication skills—able to explain decisions and coverage positions clearly to brokers and internal partners.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across underwriting, claims, loss control, and operations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple accounts and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred / Beneficial Qualifications

• Insurance designations (e.g., CPCU, AU, ARM, RPLU) preferred.
• Experience with specific middle market segments relevant to your appetite (e.g., construction, habitational, products, light manufacturing, distribution, social services, etc.).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel) and underwriting systems/analytics tools.
• Experience participating in audits/file reviews, guideline creation, or product refinement.

Compensation & Benefits

The applicable base salary for this opportunity is $135,000 – $200,000. The base pay offered will be determined by factors such as experience, skills, training, location, certifications, education, and any applicable minimum wage requirements. In addition to the base salary, this opportunity may be eligible for performance-based incentives.

We offer a competitive total rewards package which includes health and welfare benefits, tuition and professional certification assistance, 401(k) savings, elective participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Program, paid time off, paid holidays, and child bonding leave, as well as other employee assistance programs.

#LI-Remote

Bachelor's degree required; 5+ years general liability underwriting experience with E&S/non-admitted business; strong technical knowledge of GL coverage and pricing; ability to build wholesale broker relationships; proficiency in Microsoft Office and underwriting systems.

Key Responsibilities

• underwriting accounts
• managing portfolio
• mentoring underwriters

Skills & Tools

Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel

Job Details

• Category: Finance and Accounting
• Seniority: Senior Level
• Commitment: Full Time
• Workplace: Remote — United States
• Salary: USD 135,000 – 200,000 / year
• Languages: English

Benefits

• Generous paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Retirement plan
• Generous parental leave

About Skyward Specialty Insurance

A rapidly growing specialty insurance company delivering commercial property and casualty products and solutions. — Industry: Finance