ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Vice President Merchant Underwriting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PDP Group, Inc.

VP - General Liability

Chicago, IL

Purpose of the Job: VP-Underwriting is responsible for producing, underwriting, managing and retaining profitable business for the company. The primary objective of the VP-Underwriting is to ...

RadNet, Inc.

VP, Merchandising

Oakdale, MN · On-site

$180 - $280/hr

The VP of Merchandising leads the merchandising strategy, product assortment, pricing, and lifecycle management for Slumberland across all channels. This role is accountable for delivering a ...

PDP Group, Inc.

VP Casualty Treaty

Vice President (VP)-Underwriting is responsible for producing, underwriting, managing and retaining profitable business for the company. The primary objective of the VP-Underwriting is to underwrite ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsFinance and Insurance JobsInsurance JobsInsurance Underwriter JobsVice President Merchant Underwriting Jobs

Vice President Merchant Underwriting information

See salary details

$62K

$140K

$206K

How much do vice president merchant underwriting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for vice president merchant 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 does a vice president merchant underwriting do?

A Vice President of Merchant Underwriting oversees the risk assessment process for approving businesses to accept credit and debit card payments. They lead teams that evaluate merchant applications, analyze financial documents, and determine risk levels to protect the company from fraud and losses. This role involves setting underwriting policies, ensuring compliance with industry regulations, and collaborating with other departments to improve procedures. Ultimately, they are responsible for maintaining a high-quality portfolio of merchants while minimizing financial risk.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vice president merchant underwriting?

To thrive as a Vice President Merchant Underwriting, you need deep expertise in risk assessment, credit analysis, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in finance or business and significant industry experience. Familiarity with underwriting software, risk management platforms, and analytics tools is typically required, along with knowledge of PCI DSS and KYC/AML standards. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for leading teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These abilities ensure sound risk management, regulatory adherence, and the growth of profitable merchant portfolios.

How does a vice president merchant underwriting typically collaborate with sales and risk teams to balance growth and risk management?

A Vice President of Merchant Underwriting works closely with both sales and risk teams to ensure that new merchant accounts are onboarded efficiently while maintaining rigorous risk standards. This often involves developing clear communication channels, setting underwriting guidelines, and providing regular training sessions to keep all teams aligned. By collaborating on complex or high-value accounts, the VP ensures that risk is appropriately assessed without unnecessarily slowing down business growth. This role also frequently participates in cross-departmental meetings to review policies and address emerging trends, fostering a proactive approach to both risk management and sales objectives.

What is the difference between Vice President Merchant Underwriting vs Senior Merchant Underwriter?

AspectVice President Merchant UnderwritingSenior Merchant Underwriter
ResponsibilitiesOversees underwriting strategies, manages teams, and sets policiesPerforms detailed risk assessments and approves merchant accounts
CredentialsTypically requires extensive experience, leadership skills, and industry certificationsRequires underwriting experience, industry knowledge, and relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic, often in corporate officesOperational, analytical, often in underwriting departments
Industry UsageCommon in financial services, payment processing companiesCommon in merchant acquiring, payment processing, and financial institutions

The Vice President Merchant Underwriting holds a strategic leadership role, overseeing underwriting teams and policies, while the Senior Merchant Underwriter focuses on detailed risk analysis and account approvals. Both roles require industry experience and certifications, but the VP position involves broader management responsibilities and strategic planning.

What cities are hiring for Vice President Merchant Underwriting jobs?

Cities with the most Vice President Merchant Underwriting job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Merchant Underwriting jobs?

The most popular types of Merchant Underwriting jobs are:

What states have the most Vice President Merchant Underwriting jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vice President Merchant Underwriting jobs include:

Vice President Merchant Underwriting jobs near you

Senior Vice President of Underwriting

Balavant Insurance Group

Remote

$150K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Overview
The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Underwriting serves as the executive leader responsible for defining and executing the underwriting strategy across the organization's E&S commercial lines platform. This individual owns full accountability for underwriting vision, profitable growth, and disciplined risk management across a specialty product portfolio. The SVP partners closely with the Executive Management Team and carrier partners to drive product innovation, strengthen distribution relationships, and scale their business unit P&L sustainably. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring both strategic vision and a deep, hands-on command of the surplus lines marketplace.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Vision
  • Define and deliver the strategic roadmap for E&S underwriting, product development, and program expansion across the specialty lines portfolio.
  • Serve as the executive leader accountable for underwriting vision, profitability, and growth strategy within a specialty lines of business.
  • Partner executive team to grow the business, optimize performance, and build scalable processes that support long-term success.
  • Identify and lead initiatives to expand into new E&S markets, specialty lines, niche programs, or product opportunities aligned with carrier appetite and market demand.
  • Represent the underwriting function to executive leadership, regulators, reinsurers, and industry partners.

Underwriting Oversight & Excellence
  • Establish companywide underwriting policies, appetite, and risk tolerance.
  • Ensure underwriting profitability through strong management of loss ratios, retention, and rate adequacy.
  • Implement KPIs and dashboards to monitor performance, financial results, risk exposure, and customer satisfaction.
  • Oversee regulatory compliance and ensure adherence to all legal, financial, and operational standards.
  • Champion consistency, rigor, and data-informed decision-making across all underwriting functions.

Talent, Management & Culture
  • Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing underwriting team across multiple programs.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and compliance.
  • Drive talent development, succession planning, and leadership continuity.
  • Serve as a visible, values-based leader who models professional excellence and operational discipline.

Financial Performance & Analytics
  • Contribute to annual budget planning and P&L management, ensuring alignment with corporate financial goals.
  • Use analytics and data-driven insights to evaluate underwriting performance, identify trends, and inform pricing and portfolio strategy.
  • Drive initiatives to enhance expense efficiency, pricing accuracy, and operational productivity.

Requirements
Qualifications & Experience
  • 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in underwriting, risk management, or insurance operations within an E&S, surplus lines, MGA, or program-driven environment.
  • Deep expertise in at least one E&S specialty line, including but not limited to, E&S Casualty, Professional Liability (E&O), Management Liability (D&O / EPLI), Cyber, Construction & Contracting Specialty, Environmental Liability, or Medical Professional and Commercial Liability. Demonstrated ability to lead that line as a standalone product with full ownership of underwriting strategy, appetite, and performance.
  • Proven track record of driving profitable growth through new product launches, market expansion, or improved performance metrics.
  • Strong analytical and financial acumen, with proficiency in data-driven decision-making.
  • Experience with operational scaling, technology adoption, or insurance innovation a strong plus.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Bachelor's degree required

Personal Attributes
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically when needed.
  • High integrity and sound judgment with a strong sense of risk awareness.
  • Resilient, adaptable, and effective in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
  • Collaborative leader who builds trust and alignment across teams.
  • Results-oriented, metrics-driven, and committed to continuous improvement.

Salary Description
$150,000 to $250,000 commensurate with experience

Apply