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Head Underwriting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Munich RE

Head of Portfolio Underwriting

Hartford, CT · On-site

The Head of Underwriting will have underwriting binding authority via their letter of authority. Key Responsibilities * Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing underwriting team through coaching ...

Munich Re

Head of Portfolio Underwriting

Hartford, CT · On-site +1

The Head of Underwriting will have underwriting binding authority via their letter of authority. Key Responsibilities Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing underwriting team through coaching ...

Munich Re

Head of Portfolio Underwriting

Hartford, CT · On-site

The Head of Underwriting will have underwriting binding authority via their letter of authority. Key Responsibilities • Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing underwriting team through ...

Constrafor

Head of Credit Underwriting

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

Head Of Credit Underwriting NYC (Hybrid) Constrafor is a SaaS and fintech platform purpose-built for construction. We are setting new standards of productivity and cost-efficiency for the way General ...

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Head Underwriting information

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$62K

$140K

$206K

How much do head underwriting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for head underwriting in the United States is $140,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,000.00 and $168,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head underwriting?

To thrive as a Head of Underwriting, you need extensive knowledge of risk assessment, underwriting principles, and insurance regulations, usually backed by a relevant degree and significant industry experience. Mastery of underwriting software, data analytics tools, and familiarity with compliance systems and professional certifications such as CPCU are commonly required. Leadership, strategic thinking, and strong negotiation and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are essential for effectively managing underwriting teams, ensuring profitable portfolios, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by a head underwriting and how can they be addressed?

A Head of Underwriting often faces challenges such as balancing risk management with business growth objectives, keeping up with evolving regulatory requirements, and ensuring consistent underwriting standards across teams. To address these, effective communication with stakeholders, ongoing training for underwriters, and leveraging new technologies for risk assessment are essential. Building a collaborative culture and maintaining clear guidelines help ensure that both compliance and profitability goals are met.

What is the difference between Head Underwriting vs Underwriting Manager?

AspectHead UnderwritingUnderwriting Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire underwriting department, sets strategic direction, manages senior underwritersManages underwriting team, reviews policies, ensures compliance and quality
Required CredentialsTypically requires professional underwriting certifications, extensive industry experienceSimilar credentials, often with underwriting certifications and leadership experience
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic focus, high-level decision makingOperational focus, team management, policy review
Industry UsageCommon in large insurance companies, corporate hierarchyFound in various insurance firms, often reporting to Head Underwriting

In summary, the Head Underwriting holds a strategic, leadership role overseeing the entire underwriting department, while the Underwriting Manager focuses on managing the underwriting team and daily operations. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and level of responsibility.

How much do head underwriters make?

Head underwriters typically earn between $100,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles with extensive expertise and leadership responsibilities can exceed this range, often including bonuses and benefits.

What does a head of underwriting do?

A head of underwriting oversees the risk assessment and decision-making processes for insurance policies, ensuring that the company's underwriting standards are met. They lead a team of underwriters, develop underwriting strategies, and collaborate with other departments to manage risk and profitability. Strong analytical skills, industry knowledge, and experience with underwriting software are essential for this role.
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Head Underwriting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Underwriting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,035 per year, or $67.3 per hour.

Senior VP, Mortgage Underwriting & Operations (California)

Jobtailor

California, MO • On-site

$88K - $104K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Jobtailor is seeking a strategic leader to head underwriting across Correspondent, Portfolio, and Retail Lending in the United States. You will drive the vision, set performance targets, and manage senior underwriting professionals, ensuring high-quality loan decisions and regulatory compliance.

You will build essential partnerships with agency and non-agency lenders while guiding automation and digital capabilities to boost efficiency and shrink cycle times.

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