Remote Surety Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Hanover is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Underwriting Director to join our dynamic Commercial Surety team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-performing organization that values innovation, technical expertise, and teamwork. As Underwriting Director, you will help drive underwriting excellence, portfolio performance, and technical rigor from the Home Office, partnering closely with regional teams, senior leadership, and stakeholders across the enterprise.

The way we work continues to evolve. This role offers flexible work arrangements and may be hybrid or fully remote, with the ability to travel as needed to support agency engagement, market development, and key meetings. The position may be based in Itasca, IL; Somerset, NJ; Bloomington, MN; Howell, MI; Dallas, TX; Seattle, WA; Worcester, MA; Windsor, CT, or other US locations with the ability to travel as needed.

At The Hanover, our culture is grounded in our Care Values—we care about our people, our customers, and the communities we serve. We foster an inclusive, supportive environment where experienced professionals are empowered to make decisions, share ideas, and grow their careers while working together toward shared goals.

The Hanover is a diverse and inclusive organization committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen our teams, our performance, and the relationships we build every day.

Position Overview:

The Underwriting Director, Commercial Surety drives and supports underwriting excellence for designated areas or assigned territories with greater autonomy, managing account and portfolio underwriting, developing strategies, and providing technical expertise and support to local teams and leadership.

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

POSITION OVERVIEW:      This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on underwriting performance and strategy within a growing Commercial Surety business. You will collaborate with experienced underwriting leaders, influence key business outcomes, and help shape the future of Hanover Surety.

At The Hanover, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where professionals can do their best work. We recognize the demands of today’s fast-paced world and support flexibility through modern work arrangements.  This position may be performed at a hybrid or fully remote capacity, based near any Hanover office, with occasional business travel as needed.

THIS IS A FULL-TIME, EXEMPT ROLE.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

• Drive and support underwriting excellence across Commercial Surety
• Manage account-level and portfolio underwriting activities with a high degree of autonomy
• Develop, implement, and execute underwriting strategies in collaboration with senior leadership
• Serve as a technical authority and trusted advisor to underwriting teams and business leaders
• Lead underwriting initiatives and projects aligned with business growth, profitability, and risk management objectives
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and take appropriate underwriting actions
• Participate in underwriting, compliance, and internal audits as needed
• Identify and address economic, regulatory, and legal issues impacting underwriting results
• Collaborate with Product, Risk Management, Actuarial, Legal, and Claims partners to support underwriting quality and innovation
• Mentor and develop underwriters by providing coaching, guidance, and technical support
• Contribute to the development and delivery of underwriting tools, resources, and training programs

Technical & Professional Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of Commercial Surety underwriting principles, practices, and risk assessment
• Strong understanding of portfolio management, performance monitoring, and underwriting controls
• Awareness of market trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory requirements
• Ability to evaluate complex risks and apply sound underwriting judgment
• Experience leveraging underwriting systems, data, and analytics to drive decision-making

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:

• 10+ years of underwriting experience in Commercial Surety
• Demonstrated success in leading underwriting strategy, portfolio oversight, or underwriting excellence initiatives
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience, with the ability to influence without direct authority
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and execution skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across functions
• Advanced proficiency with underwriting tools, systems, and analytical platforms

Measures of Success

• Consistent delivery of underwriting excellence and adherence to underwriting standards
• Strong portfolio performance aligned with profitability and growth objectives
• Effective execution of underwriting strategies and initiatives
• High-quality technical guidance provided to underwriting teams and leadership
• Positive impact on underwriting capability, engagement, and talent development