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The primary purpose of this position is to lead and implement the strategic vision and plan of assigned product line(s). Provide leadership, direction and support to underwriting team(s) and/or direct reports. Is responsible for product profitability, growth and retention of new and renewal business that is consistent with underwriting strategies. Manage assigned product line(s) to achieve profit, revenue, loss ratio, and expense targets. Ensure effective execution of best practices. Provide coaching and training for underwriting staff based on results of underwriting audit review. Develop and maintain relationships with internal resources (Actuarial, Product Development, Claim, IT, Operations, Regulatory, etc.) to coordinate services to customers and ensure that superior products are being delivered to our internal and external customers..
Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Ocean Cargo to lead our Ocean Cargo product line, set the long-term vision, and drive operational excellence across the platform. This individual will play a critical role in shaping product strategy, enhancing underwriting performance, and ensuring our Ocean Cargo operations are efficient, compliant, and positioned for sustainable growth.
As the Head of Ocean Cargo, you will collaborate closely with underwriting leadership, operations, analytics, and corporate stakeholders to optimize portfolio performance, introduce innovative solutions, and elevate our market presence. This is a high-impact leadership role for a dynamic executive who thrives at the intersection of strategy, operations, and technical expertise.
Strategic Leadership & Product Line Oversight
- Lead the strategic direction, management, and performance of the Ocean Cargo product line.
- Drive initiatives that support profitable growth, operational efficiency, and market competitiveness.
- Oversee portfolio performance, ensuring underwriting discipline, product sustainability, and strong risk selection.
Operational Excellence & Process Optimization
- Develop, document, and implement strategies to streamline workflows and improve business processes across the product line.
- Ensure a lean, scalable operating platform that supports current needs and future business expansion.
- Partner with internal operations teams to ensure successful rollout of system enhancements and operational changes.
Underwriting Support & Guidance
- Provide leadership and technical direction to underwriting teams, ensuring alignment with product strategy.
- Lead annual guideline reviews and support the implementation and ongoing governance of underwriting standards.
- Use data-driven insights to manage rate adequacy, exposure aggregates, and key performance metrics.
Compliance, Forms & Regulatory Oversight
- Serve as the key contact for forms development, regulatory changes, and compliance matters impacting the Ocean Cargo business.
- Ensure alignment with industry bureaus, regulatory bodies, and internal compliance requirements.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities for incremental improvements across people, processes, and systems.
- Promote best practices, operational consistency, and knowledge sharing across the Ocean Cargo team.
- Drive and support strategic projects that strengthen product offerings, improve efficiency, and enhance customer value.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience of Ocean Cargo Experience
- Proven track record of leading teams, managing portfolios, and delivering profitable results.
- Strong understanding of Ocean Cargo products, regulatory environment, forms, and market dynamics.
- Demonstrated ability to drive operational improvements and manage complex cross-functional initiatives.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to execute tactically.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to lead and shape a core product line within a growing Marine division.
- High visibility role with direct impact on strategic direction and business performance.
- Collaborative culture with strong support from underwriting, operations, data, and executive leadership.
- Competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities.
Reporting Structure:
- Reporting into Mike Keely Head of Ocean Marine
Location:
US Work Authorization
US Work Authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.
Pay information:
The base salary offered for the successful candidate will be based on compensable factors such as job-relevant education, job-relevant experience, training, demonstrated competencies, geographic location, and other factors. The base salary range for the Sr. Director, Underwriting position is $188k - $259k/year with a 55% bonus potential.
Markel Group (NYSE – MKL) a fortune 500 company with over 60 offices in 20+ countries, is a holding company for insurance, reinsurance, specialist advisory and investment operations around the world.
We’re all about people | We win together | We strive for better
We enjoy the everyday | We think further
In keeping with the values of the Markel Style, we strive to support our employees in living their lives to the fullest at home and at work.
All full-time employees have the option to select from multiple health, dental and vision insurance plan options and optional life, disability, and AD&D insurance.
We also offer a 401(k) with employer match contributions, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, PTO, corporate holidays and floating holidays, parental leave.
Are you ready to play your part?
Choose ‘Apply Now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.
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Markel is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic. This includes race; color; sex; religion; creed; national origin or place of birth; ancestry; age; disability; affectional or sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; genetic information, sickle cell trait, or atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait; refusal to submit to genetic tests or make genetic test results available; medical condition; citizenship status; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, or family responsibilities; military or veteran status, including unfavorable discharge from military service; personal appearance, height, or weight; matriculation or political affiliation; expunged juvenile records; arrest and court records where prohibited by applicable law; status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence; public assistance status; order of protection status; status as a smoker or nonsmoker; membership or activity in local commissions; the use or nonuse of lawful products off employer premises during non-work hours; declining to attend meetings or participate in communications about religious or political matters; or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Should you require any accommodation through the application process, please send an e-mail to the rarecruiting@markel.com.
No agencies please.
