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Head of Underwriting (Remote)

MEM
Illinois, IL Remote Full Time
POSTED ON 3/22/2026 CLOSED ON 4/21/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head of Underwriting (Remote) position at MEM?

Are you a strategic underwriting leader with a passion for driving performance and shaping the future of insurance? MEM Insurance is seeking a Head of Underwriting to lead our underwriting function with a focus on risk selection, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. In this high-impact role, you’ll partner closely with senior leadership to define underwriting strategy, oversee portfolio performance, and build a future-ready team. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are energized by innovation, data-driven decision-making, and talent development, we invite you to join our mission to protect and serve our customers with excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Strategic Leadership & Planning
    • Define underwriting priorities and performance strategies aligned with MEM’s growth, customer value, and risk posture.
    • Collaborate with leaders across Claims, Sales, Actuary, Strategy/Product, and more to integrate pricing, service, and risk management.
    • Advise senior leadership on underwriting implications of market trends, regulatory shifts, and organizational initiatives.
    • Lead underwriting-focused projects related to technology, process modernization, and workflow efficiency.
  • Operational Execution & Governance
    • Oversee execution of underwriting practices across teams, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and adherence to policy.
    • Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and adjust strategies to optimize profitability.
    • Review and approve risk decisions beyond delegated limits; manage escalation processes.
    • Establish and monitor key performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
    • Refine underwriting guidelines to reflect current conditions and support forward-looking strategies.
  • Financial Oversight
    • Develop and manage the departmental operating budget, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
    • Collaborate with Finance, Actuary, and Product teams to inform premium planning and margin management.
  • Talent & Capability Development
    • Lead and develop a team of underwriting managers and professionals, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
    • Champion talent development, succession planning, and capability building for future underwriting needs.
    • Ensure availability of effective training, coaching, and learning resources.
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
    • Serve as the senior liaison for underwriting across internal stakeholders.
    • Partner with Claims, Risk Control, and Sales to ensure coordinated servicing and retention of large or complex clients.
    • Engage external stakeholders such as producers and brokers to support profitable business acquisition.
  • Quality Assurance & Compliance
    • Oversee underwriting quality audits and implement improvement initiatives.
    • Maintain governance over delegated underwriting authority and ensure decision controls are in place.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Insurance, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • CPCU designation highly desired; AU or INS preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license required.
  • 10 years of experience in commercial insurance underwriting, with a focus on workers’ compensation.
  • 5 years in a supervisory or leadership role.


Company Culture and Values:

At MEM Insurance, we’re more than just a workplace—we’re a community. We live our values every day by putting people first, embracing innovation, and striving for excellence. Our culture is built on collaboration, integrity, and a shared commitment to protecting our customers and supporting our employees. We believe in empowering our team members to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact. Join us and be part of a company that values your expertise and invests in your future.

Total Rewards Overview:

We care deeply about our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth:

  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision
    • Includes fertility benefits and fully paid preventative care
    • Dental coverage includes adult orthodontia and other uncommon treatments
  • Fully Employer-Paid Life and Disability Benefits
    • Life Insurance – three times base salary
    • Accidental Death and Dismemberment
    • Short and Long-term Disability
  • Wellness & Recognition Program
    • Employer-paid incentives for employees and spouses
  • Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care Options
  • Health Savings Account with generous employer contribution
  • Time Away from Work
    • Generous PTO accruals
    • 11 Holidays and 4 Early releases
    • 16 Hours of Volunteer Time Off
    • 20 days of paid parental leave (in addition to STD)
    • Marriage, Bereavement, and Jury Duty leave policies
  • Employee Assistance Programs
  • 401k Retirement Plan with employer match and profit sharing
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Tuition Assistance

Salary.com Estimation for Head of Underwriting (Remote) in Illinois, IL
$157,796 to $197,057
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