CUO, Specialty Line

Job Summary

The CUO, Specialty Line leader for Builder’s Risk & Inland Marine is responsible for building and scaling a best-in-class specialty franchise, positioning the organization as a recognized industry leader in construction-related property risks.

This role sets the strategic direction for the portfolio, expands underwriting appetite, develops innovative products, and drives penetration into underserved markets and segments. The leader oversees a national underwriting organization, ensuring strong risk selection, disciplined portfolio management, and market-leading broker and client engagement while delivering sustainable, profitable growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Build and Scale a Market-Leading Franchise

• Define and execute a multi-year strategy to establish Builder’s Risk and Inland Marine as a top-tier, differentiated franchise in the marketplace
• Expand into underpenetrated segments, geographies, and distribution channels to unlock new growth opportunities
• Continuously assess competitive positioning and evolve strategy to maintain market leadership

Set Underwriting Strategy, Appetite, and Product Direction

• Establish portfolio strategy, underwriting appetite, and authority frameworks aligned to risk tolerance and growth objectives
• Lead development of new products, forms, and solutions to address emerging construction exposures and evolving client needs
• Drive innovation in coverage structures, program design, and underwriting approach to differentiate in the specialty market

Deliver Profitable Growth Through Portfolio Leadership

• Own portfolio performance across Builder’s Risk and Inland Marine lines, balancing growth, profitability, and volatility
• Monitor rate adequacy, exposure management, and portfolio mix; adjust strategies dynamically based on market conditions
• Evaluate underwriting performance using financial analysis and key metrics to drive continuous improvement

Lead Complex Underwriting and Risk Selection Excellence

• Provide executive oversight and guidance on large, complex construction risks and programs
• Ensure consistent application of underwriting discipline in pricing, terms, and conditions
• Integrate insights from actuarial, risk engineering, and claims to enhance risk selection and portfolio outcomes

Strengthen Broker, Client, and Market Relationships

• Build and maintain deep, strategic relationships with key brokers, agents, and clients to strengthen market presence
• Represent the organization as a visible industry leader within the construction and inland marine ecosystem
• Drive distribution strategy and enhance ease of doing business to improve competitiveness

Lead and Develop a High-Performing Underwriting Organization

• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing underwriting team aligned to strategic objectives
• Develop technical capabilities, succession pipelines, and leadership bench strength across the organization
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement

Drive Operational Excellence and Underwriting Governance

• Establish clear underwriting authority, guidelines, and audit frameworks to ensure consistency and compliance
• Improve underwriting workflows, tools, and processes to enhance efficiency and quality
• Oversee catastrophe exposure management, aggregation, and portfolio controls

Advance Strategic Innovation and Industry Leadership

• Identify emerging risks, trends, and opportunities across construction, infrastructure, and specialty property markets
• Champion innovative underwriting solutions and partnerships to shape the future of Builder’s Risk and Inland Marine offerings
• Contribute to enterprise-level strategy, aligning product innovation with broader business goals

• Extensive experience in Builder’s Risk, Inland Marine, and/or construction property underwriting, including leadership responsibility for complex portfolios
• Proven track record of building and scaling specialty insurance products or portfolios
• Demonstrated ability to drive profitable growth while maintaining underwriting discipline
• Deep understanding of commercial P&C underwriting, distribution, actuarial concepts, and regulatory environment
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence brokers, clients, and senior stakeholders

Leadership Profile - This role requires a leader who can operate across 4 dimensions:

• Strategist: Shapes portfolio direction, appetite, and long-term growth strategy
• Operator: Delivers execution excellence and operational discipline
• Steward: Ensures governance, risk management, and financial performance
• Catalyst: Drives innovation, product development, and cultural transformation

Success Profile / Outcomes

• Establish Builder’s Risk & Inland Marine as a recognized market-leading franchise
• Successfully launch new products and expand into targeted whitespace segments
• Achieve sustained profitable growth and improved portfolio quality
• Build a high-performing, technically excellent underwriting organization
• Strengthen market reputation and broker/client engagement

Employees should review all role requirements and apply only for positions for which they are eligible. Hiring processes may vary by country, including differences in procedures, requirements, and timelines. For country-specific details, please consult your local recruiting / HR team.

Pay Philosophy: The typical starting salary range for this role is determined by a number of factors including skills, experience, education, certifications and location. The full salary range for this role reflects the competitive labor market value for all employees in these positions across the national market and provides an opportunity to progress as employees grow and develop within the role. Some roles at Liberty Mutual have a corresponding compensation plan which may include commission and/or bonus earnings at rates that vary based on multiple factors set forth in the compensation plan for the role.

At Liberty Mutual, our goal is to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and can thrive. We build an environment that welcomes a wide range of perspectives and experiences, with inclusion embedded in every aspect of our culture and reflected in everyday interactions. This comes to life through comprehensive benefits, workplace flexibility, professional development opportunities, and a host of opportunities provided through our Employee Resource Groups. Each employee plays a role in creating our inclusive culture, which supports every individual to do their best work. Together, we cultivate a community where everyone can make a meaningful impact for our business, our customers, and the communities we serve.

We value your hard work, integrity and commitment to make things better, and we put people first by offering you benefits that support your life and well-being. To learn more about our benefit offerings please visit: https://www.libertymutualgroup.com/about-lm/careers/benefits

Liberty Mutual is an equal opportunity employer. We will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, pregnancy, genetic information or on any basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

Fair Chance Notices

• California
• Los Angeles Incorporated
• Los Angeles Unincorporated
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco