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Lead Underwriter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tihinsurance

Lead Underwriter

Little Rock, AR

Lead underwriting strategy and decision-making for complex risks, including evaluating, approving, and guiding riskselectionand coverage structure * Manage and oversee underwriting operations ...

CRC Group

Lead Underwriter

Little Rock, AR · On-site

Lead underwriting strategy and decision-making for complex risks, including evaluating, approving, and guiding risk selection and coverage structure * Manage and oversee underwriting operations ...

Tmhcc

Lead Underwriter, Cyber

Chicago, IL

The Senior Underwriter serves as a trusted resource and advisor to brokers and clients by combining sound underwriting judgment with a clear understanding of the evolving cyber threat landscape. Key ...

Tmhcc

Lead Underwriter, Cyber

La Salle, IL

The Senior Underwriter serves as a trusted resource and advisor to brokers and clients by combining sound underwriting judgment with a clear understanding of the evolving cyber threat landscape. Key ...

Tokio Marine HCC

Lead Underwriter, Cyber

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Senior Underwriter serves as a trusted resource and advisor to brokers and clients by combining sound underwriting judgment with a clear understanding of the evolving cyber threat landscape. Key ...

East West Bank

Mortgage Underwriter Lead

El Monte, CA

$50/hr

The Team Lead Underwriter will play a critical role in supporting the daily operations of the mortgage underwriting team. This position requires strong analytical and decision-making capabilities to ...

East West Bank

Mortgage Underwriter Lead

El Monte, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Overview The Team Lead Underwriter will play a critical role in supporting the daily operations of the mortgage underwriting team. This position requires strong analytical and decision-making ...

CRC Group

Underwriting Team Lead

Memphis, TN · On-site

English (Required) Work Shift: 1st Shift (United States of America) Please review the following The Lead Underwriter is responsible for leading underwriting operations within a specialized segment ...

CRC Group

Underwriting Team Lead

San Antonio, TX · On-site

English (Required) Work Shift: 1st Shift (United States of America) Please review the following The Lead Underwriter is responsible for leading underwriting operations within a specialized segment ...

Tihinsurance

Underwriting Team Lead

San Antonio, TX

English (Required) Work Shift: 1st Shift (United States of America) Please review the following The Lead Underwriter is responsible for leading underwriting operations within a specialized segment ...

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All JobsLead Underwriter Jobs

Lead Underwriter information

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$32.5K

$78.9K

$139.5K

How much do lead underwriter jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead underwriter in the United States is $78,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $87,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Lead Underwriter do?

A Lead Underwriter is responsible for evaluating and approving insurance applications, loans, or other financial products by assessing the risks involved. They lead a team of underwriters, set guidelines, and ensure that policies are written in line with company standards. Lead Underwriters also review complex cases, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with other departments to improve underwriting processes. Their expertise helps organizations minimize risk and maintain profitability.

How much does a lead underwriter make?

A lead underwriter typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often oversee underwriting teams, analyze risk assessments, and require strong knowledge of insurance policies and underwriting software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Underwriter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Underwriter, you need strong analytical skills, deep knowledge of risk assessment, and a relevant degree in finance, business, or a related field. Proficiency in underwriting software, risk modeling tools, and familiarity with industry regulations and certifications like CPCU or ARM are typically required. Excellent judgment, leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for making informed decisions, managing teams, and ensuring profitable, compliant underwriting practices.

What is the role of a lead underwriter?

A lead underwriter is responsible for evaluating and assessing insurance applications, determining risk levels, and setting policy terms and premiums. They often oversee a team of underwriters, use specialized underwriting software, and ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.

What is the difference between Lead Underwriter vs Underwriter?

AspectLead UnderwriterUnderwriter
CredentialsTypically requires professional certifications (e.g., CPCU, ARM), relevant experienceSimilar certifications and experience, often entry to mid-level
Work EnvironmentLeads underwriting teams, makes high-level decisions, collaborates with senior managementPerforms individual risk assessments, supports team decisions
Industry UsageUsed in insurance companies, reinsurance firms, and large financial institutionsCommon across insurance, banking, and financial sectors

The main difference between a Lead Underwriter and an Underwriter lies in their responsibilities and seniority. Lead Underwriters oversee underwriting teams, make strategic decisions, and coordinate risk assessments, while Underwriters focus on evaluating individual risks and supporting team efforts. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to the insurance and financial industries, but the Lead Underwriter holds a leadership position with broader responsibilities.

How does a Lead Underwriter typically collaborate with other departments to ensure successful risk assessment and policy issuance?

A Lead Underwriter regularly works with teams such as sales, actuarial, claims, and legal to gather information and ensure that underwriting decisions align with company guidelines and client needs. This often involves reviewing applications with account managers, consulting actuaries for risk modeling, and verifying compliance with legal requirements. Effective collaboration ensures that policies are accurately priced, risks are clearly understood, and customer service remains high. Strong communication and coordination skills are essential, as the Lead Underwriter often acts as a bridge between different teams throughout the policy lifecycle.

Will AI replace underwriting?

Lead underwriters oversee risk assessment and decision-making in insurance and finance. AI tools are increasingly used to automate data analysis and streamline underwriting processes, but human judgment remains essential for complex cases and ethical considerations. Therefore, AI is expected to augment rather than fully replace underwriters in the foreseeable future.

What is the highest paying underwriting job?

The highest paying underwriting roles are typically senior executive positions such as Chief Underwriting Officer or Head of Underwriting, which can earn six-figure salaries plus bonuses. These roles require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often advanced certifications like CPCU or ARM, and they oversee large portfolios or entire underwriting divisions.
More about Lead Underwriter jobs
What job categories do people searching Lead Underwriter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Underwriter jobs are:
Lead Underwriter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Underwriter job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,878 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Lead Underwriter

Tihinsurance

Little Rock, AR

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The position is described below. If you want to apply, click the Apply button at the top or bottom of this page. You'll be required to create an account or sign in to an existing one.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the application, you can request a reasonable accommodation. Send an email to Accessibility (accommodation requests only; other inquiries won't receive a response).

Regular or Temporary:

Regular

Language Fluency: English (Required)

Work Shift:

1st Shift (United States of America)

Please review the following job description:

The Lead Underwriter is responsible for leading underwriting operations within a specialized segment, driving profitability through strategic risk selection and portfolio management. This role provides leadership and oversight to underwriting teams while ensuring adherence to company standards and regulatory requirements. The core function of this role centers on balancing underwriting authority with leadership accountability, including setting underwriting strategy, managing portfolio performance, and supporting business growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Followingis a summary of the essential functions for this job.Other duties may be performed, both major and minor, which are not mentioned below.Specific activities may change from time to time.

  • Lead underwriting strategy and decision-making for complex risks, including evaluating, approving, and guiding riskselectionand coverage structure

  • Manage and oversee underwriting operations, ensuring adherence to carrier guidelines, company policies, and regulatory requirements

  • Monitor portfolio performance and adjust underwriting practices to achieve profitability, growth, and risk management objectives

  • Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to underwriting teams to ensure consistent execution, quality, and performance outcomes

  • Serve as an escalation point for complex underwriting issues, providingexpertiseand resolution for challenging risk scenarios

  • Develop andmaintainstrong relationships with brokers, agents, and market partners to support growth and strategic initiatives

  • Coach, mentor, and develop underwriting staff to enhance technicalexpertiseand support career progression

  • Evaluate market trends, competitor activity, and data insights to inform pricing, product development, and underwriting strategy

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge,skilland/or ability required.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or a related field preferred

  • Extensive experience within underwriting, including commercial or specialty lines

  • Proven leadership experience managing underwriting teams and driving performance outcomes

  • Demonstrated success in achieving profitability and growthobjectivesthrough underwriting strategy and portfolio management

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

  • Relevant certifications such as CPCU or equivalent professional designations preferred. Appropriate state-specific insurance licensesrequiredbased on role responsibilities.

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS

  • Advancedexpertisein underwriting, riskselection, and portfolio management

  • Strong leadership and people management capabilities across underwriting teams

  • Financial acumen, including ability to analyze portfolio performance and profitability drivers

  • Strategic thinking and ability to translate market insights into underwriting action

  • Strong negotiation and relationship management skills with brokers and market partners

  • Proficiencyin underwriting systems, tools, and data analytics to support decision-making

General Description of Available Benefits for Eligible Employees of CRC Group: At CRC Group, we're committed to supporting every aspect of teammates' well-being - physical, emotional, financial, social, and professional. Our best-in-class benefits program is designed to care for the whole you, offering a wide range of coverage and support. Eligible full-time teammates enjoy access to medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and AD&D insurance; tax-advantaged savings accounts; and a 401(k) plan with company match. CRC Group also offers generous paid time off programs, including company holidays, vacation and sick days, new parent leave, and more. Eligible positions may also qualify for restricted stock unitsand/or a deferred compensation plan.

CRC Group supports a diverse workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, citizenship or national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status or other classification protected by law. CRC Group is a Drug Free Workplace.

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