VP Underwriter, Railroad

Job Description

Are you looking for your next opportunity?

Sompo has a unique opportunity for a VP, Underwriter in our U.S. Railroad Insurance team.

Location: This position will be based remotely in Michigan.

We strive for collaboration, which is why we offer a work environment where our employees thrive and develop long-lasting careers.

Our business, your impact, our opportunity:

As the VP, Underwriter, you will support the established Sompo Rail Unit evaluating complex railroad related liability risks.  You will build and manage partnerships with brokers and other distribution partners, leveraging strategic thinking to develop and maintain a strong pipeline of opportunities that support profitable growth in Sompo’s U.S. Railroad business. You will underwrite within your authority level and established guidelines while partnering across functions to deliver strong portfolio performance.

What you’ll be doing:

• Underwrite complex accounts and contribute to product development, policy forms, and rate calibration.

• Analyze railroad related operations & safety protocols, as well as partner with risk engineers for site visits and loss control recommendations, when appropriate.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with retail and wholesale brokers specializing in rail liability risks.

• Meet stated financial objectives for growth and profitability for the elements of the portfolio.

• Create and maintain relationships to showcase Sompo’s products and capabilities beyond underwriting, including market trends, audits, and claims; represent Sompo through on-site visits, industry conferences, and other engagements.

• Utilize underwriting standards, practices, and tools to determine accurate classifications, rates, and premium charges.

• Review and analyze applicable laws, regulations, and litigation trends.

• Support internal and external audits; identify control gaps and drive remediation actions where needed.

• Partner with Claims, Actuarial, Finance, and Operations to support underwriting outcomes and portfolio health.

What you’ll bring:

• At least 10 years experience in the Railroad Liability Insurance space.

• Experience handling large, complex accounts and layered programs.

• CPCU, ARM or similar designations welcomed.

• Strong financial and analytical skills.

• Familiarity with required forms and coverages.

• Experience with non-admitted insurance, wholesale and retail brokers / agents.

• Demonstrates an understanding and ability to effectively engage in the negotiation process.

• Adept at risk selection, exposure evaluation and ability to rate, quote, and offer non-admitted solutions.

• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communication skills required.

• Proficient multi-tasker, with the ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Strong customer service with a professional attitude and approach needed.

• Ability to interact and communicate with various levels of the organization to cross-sell or address processing requirements.

• Demonstrate significant contribution to underwriting profit.

• Strong financial and analytical skills.

Actual compensation for this role will depend on several factors including the cost of living associated with your work location, your qualifications, skills, competencies, and relevant experience.

At Sompo, we recognize that the talent, skills, and commitment of our employees drive our success. This is why we offer competitive, high-quality compensation and benefit programs to eligible employees.

Our compensation program is built on a foundation that promotes a pay-for-performance culture, resulting in higher incentive awards, on average, when the Company does well and lower incentive awards when the Company underperforms. The total compensation opportunity for all regular, full-time employees is a combination of base salary and incentives that gets adjusted upfront based on overall Company performance with final awards based on individual performance.

We continuously evaluate and update our benefit programs to ensure that our plans remain competitive and meet the needs of our employees and their dependents. Below is a summary of our current comprehensive U.S. benefit programs:

• Two medical plans to choose from, including a Traditional PPO & a Consumer Driven Health Plan with a Health Savings account providing a competitive employer contribution

• Pharmacy benefits with mail order options

• Dental benefits including orthodontia benefits for adults and children

• Vision benefits

• Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts

• Company-paid Life & AD&D benefits, including the option to purchase Supplemental life coverage for employee, spouse & children

• Company-paid Disability benefits with very competitive salary continuation payments

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with competitive employer contributions

• Competitive paid-time-off programs, including company-paid holidays

• Competitive Parental Leave Benefits & Adoption Assistance program

• Employee Assistance Program

• Tax-Free Commuter Benefit

• Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Qualification benefits

In today’s world, what do we stand for?

Ethics and integrity are the foundation of delivering on our commitment to you. We believe that core values drive success, and that when relationships are held in the highest regard, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished. At Sompo, our ring is more than a logo, it is a symbol of our promise. Click here to learn more about life at Sompo.

Sompo is an equal opportunity employer and we intentionally value inclusion and diversity. Above all, we want you to work in an environment that respects everyone’s unique contributions – we are passionately committed to equal opportunities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex orientation, national origin, or age.