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Head Underwriting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Head of Credit Underwriting

New York, NY · On-site +1

$190K - $210K/yr

As the Head of Credit Underwriting at Constrafor, you will embark on an exhilarating journey to shape the future of our industry. You'll be at the forefront of our mission to elevate construction ...

Manager, Underwriting

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$97K - $119K/yr

Partner with the Head of Credit Operations and cross-functional stakeholders to optimize underwriting workflows, improve queue management, and drive operational efficiencies. * Build and maintain a ...

Manager, Underwriting

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$97K - $119K/yr

Partner with the Head of Credit Operations and cross-functional stakeholders to optimize underwriting workflows, improve queue management, and drive operational efficiencies. * Build and maintain a ...

Showing results 21-40

Head Underwriting information

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$62K

$140K

$206K

How much do head underwriting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 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 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.

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.
More about Head Underwriting jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Underwriting jobs? Cities with the most Head Underwriting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Underwriting jobs? The most popular types of Underwriting jobs are:
What states have the most Head Underwriting jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Underwriting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Head Underwriting job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% 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.

Head of Underwriting

Delos Insurance Solutions

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$175 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

Delos Insurance Solutions is a tech-enabled MGA focused on underwriting complex homeowners risks, particularly in catastrophe-exposed regions. We combine proprietary risk models with a modern tech stack and deep insurance expertise. Backed by top-tier VCs, we’re growing rapidly and are looking for high-impact team members to help us scale.

Key Responsibilities Underwriting Strategy & Leadership
  • Define and execute underwriting strategy aligned with company risk appetite and growth goals
  • Establish clear underwriting frameworks, guidelines, and authority structures
  • Lead and develop the underwriting team to ensure consistent, high-quality decision-making
Team Management & Development
  • Manage, mentor, and scale a team of underwriters
  • Set performance expectations, KPIs, and accountability standards
  • Foster a culture of discipline, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Own portfolio performance, including loss ratio, exposure, and concentration risk
  • Monitor trends and adjust underwriting strategy based on performance and market conditions
  • Actively manage catastrophe exposure, including wildfire and other perils
Pricing & Risk Selection
  • Ensure alignment between underwriting decisions and pricing models
  • Partner with actuarial and data teams to refine segmentation and risk selection
  • Maintain balance between growth targets and profitability
Data & Analytics Integration
  • Drive adoption of data-driven underwriting tools, models, and risk scores
  • Collaborate with data science teams to improve model performance and usability
  • Ensure underwriting decisions are informed by robust analytics and insights
Reinsurance & Risk Alignment
  • Partner with reinsurance to align underwriting strategy with risk transfer programs
  • Ensure portfolio construction reflects reinsurance structures and constraints
  • Support optimization of retention and exposure
Governance & Compliance
  • Ensure underwriting practices meet regulatory requirements and internal controls
  • Maintain clear documentation, auditability, and consistency
  • Support regulatory interactions and internal reviews
Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Collaborate with claims, finance, and revenue teams to align on performance and strategy
  • Provide insights into loss drivers and emerging risks
  • Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on portfolio risk and growth
Qualifications
  • 10–15+ years of underwriting experience, preferably in property insurance
  • Active Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance license in at least one U.S. state is required. If not currently licensed in California, candidates must be able to obtain a California Non-Resident Property & Casualty license within 90 days of hire.
  • Proven leadership experience managing and developing underwriting teams
  • Strong expertise in catastrophe-exposed risks; wildfire experience strongly preferred
  • Deep understanding of underwriting, pricing, and portfolio management
  • Experience in insurtech or data-driven underwriting environments preferred
  • Familiarity with regulatory and compliance frameworks
Compensation and Benefits
  • Competitive salary plus equity stock options
  • Flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States
  • Unlimited PTO, including sick leave and company holidays
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. (25% paid by employee, 75% covered by Delos including dependents)
  • Professional development opportunities and tuition assistance

The pay range for this role is:

175,000 - 200,000 USD per year (Remote (San Francisco, CA, US))

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