Underwriting Manager

At Builders Mutual, we believe in the power of teamwork to get the job done right. Every day our team delivers comprehensive commercial insurance and trusted safety solutions to protect and advance the unique needs of the contractor community. Rooted in teamwork, inclusion, expertise, and community, we work together to serve better, achieve more, and build lasting impact. The Opportunity Come leverage your industry expertise and join our growing team in this Underwriting Manager opportunity. The Underwriting Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Express Account Underwriting Team. This role leads underwriting operations for an assigned business segment, portfolio, or team, with accountability for profitable growth, underwriting quality, operational effectiveness, and strong customer outcomes. The Underwriting Manager translates underwriting strategy into consistent execution, oversees portfolio performance and underwriting decisions, develops team talent, and manages relationships with agency and distribution partners. The position collaborates closely with Product Management, Sales and Distribution, Risk Management, Claims, Actuarial, and Operations to support business objectives while maintaining underwriting discipline, regulatory compliance, and service standards. Based in our Raleigh office, this hybrid role offers the flexibility to work from home three days per week, with a minimum of two days in the office. Your WORK as a n Underwriting Manager will make a difference as you: Lead underwriting operations for an assigned business segment, portfolio, or team, establishing priorities aligned with organizational strategy and ensuring consistent execution. Drive profitable growth through disciplined risk selection, pricing, retention, portfolio management, and adherence to underwriting guidelines and delegated authority. Monitor production, profitability, loss trends, exposure concentrations, service, and quality results; develop and implement action plans to improve performance. Review and approve complex, high-value, or exception risks within delegated authority, escalating matters and coordinating additional expertise as appropriate. Recruit, lead, coach, and retain a high-performing team by setting clear expectations, managing performance, and supporting technical development, succession, and career growth. Foster a collaborative, accountable, customer-focused culture that promotes sound judgment, continuous improvement, effective change adoption, and consistent service. Build and maintain productive relationships with agencies, brokers, and distribution partners, balancing growth opportunities with underwriting discipline and resolving escalated issues. Partner with Product Management and Sales and Distribution to identify market opportunities, provide portfolio insights, and support product, pricing, coverage, and distribution strategies. Collaborate with Risk Management, Claims, Actuarial, Compliance, and Operations to address trends, enhance underwriting practices, and support business initiatives and system improvements. Use data, analytics, systems, and workflow practices to improve decision quality, efficiency, workload allocation, service, and scalability while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, internal controls, and company policies. Skills to get the JOB done RIGHT: Bachelor’s degree in Business , Risk Management, Finance, Insurance, or a related field with 5–7 years of commercial lines underwriting experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Demonstrated knowledge of commercial insurance coverage, pricing, risk selection, underwriting guidelines, and portfolio management. Prior leadership, supervisory, or team lead experience with demonstrated ability to manage performance and develop underwriting talent. Proven track record of contributing to profitable growth, retention, underwriting quality, and customer service within an assigned portfolio or business segment. Demonstrated experience managing agency, broker, or distribution relationships and resolving complex underwriting or customer issues. Strong interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across organizational levels and functions. Strong planning, analytical, decision-making, and organizational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and lead through change. Proficiency with underwriting and rating systems, data and reporting tools, and standard office technology. Your Employee Experience at Builders Mutual At Builders Mutual, we’re intentional about creating a workplace where people can do meaningful work, feel supported by leaders who care, and grow their careers with confidence. Great workplaces don’t just happen — they’re built with intention. You’ll also be part of a team where people show up authentically, support one another, and take pride in what we’re building together. We support you with: • Competitive compensation and a performance bonus program • Comprehensive benefits that support your wellbeing today and your future tomorrow • 19 days of PTO to start, plus your birthday off and 11 additional paid holidays • 37.5-hour workweek, including Fridays ending at 2:30 PM • Professional development through Builders University • Everyday Wins recognition with swag and extra time off • 8 paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO) hours to give back LIFE at Builders Mutual Collaboration | You are part of a team working together to reach a common goal. Empowerment | You will feel trusted, valued, and given the resources to be successful. Flexibility | You will be part of a dynamic work environment designed to allow you to do your best work while also creating the best possible customer experience. Impact | You will positively influence our business, customers, and industry. Sense of pride | You will tell others how much you enjoy working at Builders Mutual.