AVP, Underwriting

Title: Assistant Vice President, Underwriting

Reports To: Vice President, ORIM

Department: Underwriting

Location/Schedule: Chicago, IL/Hybrid, 3 days in-office or Remote

Classification: Full-Time/Exempt

Who We Are:

Old Republic is a leading specialty insurer that operates diverse property & casualty and title insurance companies. Founded in 1923 and a member of the Fortune 500, we are a leader in underwriting and risk management services for business partners across the United States and Canada. Our specialized operating companies are experts in their fields, enabling us to provide tailored solutions that set us apart.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced AVP, Underwriting to lead the development and profitable growth of an Inland Marine portfolio. This role focuses on key lines including Contractors Block (Property Package), Contractors Equipment, Installation Floater, and other Inland Marine segments. The AVP will work closely with Old Republic Inland Marine (ORIM) leadership to identify strategic opportunities, manage underwriting decisions, and build strong broker relationships.

Essential Job Functions:

• Build and manage a profitable Inland Marine book of business with assigned brokers across the country, using creative solutions to stay competitive.
• In coordination with the Vice President, identify, create, implement, and manage underwriting initiatives to drive the profitable growth of the portfolio.
• Oversee underwriting decisions and manage authority levels to ensure consistent evaluation of risks.
• Act as a go-to resource for technical underwriting questions and support across the team.
• Partner with the Vice President to place and negotiate reinsurance for individual risks when needed.
• Make independent underwriting decisions within authority and escalate referrals appropriately.
• Use catastrophe modeling results to support underwriting decisions and manage portfolio exposure.
• Promote a collaborative team environment and support knowledge sharing across underwriting.
• Mentor and develop team members to enhance skills and knowledge. Provide appropriate learning opportunities and knowledge transfer as needed.
• Identify and help implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Inland Marine brokers nationwide.
• Travel occasionally for broker meetings, industry events, or internal collaboration.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years of Inland Marine underwriting experience, with a strong understanding of various coverage lines and risk types.
• Proven experience with shared and layered placements; reinsurance negotiation experience is a plus.
• Established relationships with both wholesale and retail brokers across key markets.
• Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent industry experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and underwrite a broad range of Inland Marine exposures.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with a focus on risk selection and portfolio profitability.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present underwriting decisions clearly.
• Solid understanding of Inland Marine rating methodologies and catastrophe modeling tools.
• Proactive, solution-oriented approach to underwriting and problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Demands:

The employee is regularly required to sit at a desk for prolonged periods and work on a computer; occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. This is a direct support role; working from home is not permitted. Ability to travel as needed.

ORI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ORI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.