VP, Product, Underwriting & Insurance Products

Established in 2021, Independence Pet Holdings is a corporate holding company that manages a diverse and broad portfolio of modern pet health brands and services, including insurance, pet education, lost recovery services, and more throughout North America.

We believe pet insurance is more than a financial product and build solutions to simplify the pet parenting journey and help improve the well-being of pets. As a leading authority in the pet category, we operate with a full stack of resources, capital, and services to support pet parents. Our multi-brand and omni-channel approach include our own insurance carrier, insurance brands and partner brands.

Job Profile Summary

The Vice President, Product, Underwriting & Insurance Products is a strategic executive leader responsible for the development, pricing, underwriting, profitability, regulatory compliance, and ongoing management of pet insurance products across North America. This role leads product & pricing strategy, actuarial analytics, underwriting philosophy, and product innovation to drive sustainable growth, customer value, and underwriting profitability.

The VP will partner closely with the carrier, product, operations, finance, legal, and commercial teams to develop and implement innovative insurance products, pricing strategies, underwriting standards, and go-to-market initiatives. This leader is accountable for delivering profitable growth, maintaining regulatory compliance, optimizing performance, and transforming product and underwriting capabilities to support long-term business objectives.

Job Description/Key Responsibilities:

Product Strategy & Management

• Develop and execute short and long-term product strategies aligned with company growth and profitability objectives.
• Lead the design, development, implementation, and enhancement of pet insurance products, pricing structures, coverage offerings, and underwriting programs.
• Conduct market research, competitive analysis, and industry trend assessments to identify opportunities for innovation and product expansion.
• Establish annual business plans, budgets, and performance objectives for Product and Underwriting functions.
• Ensure products, services, pricing, and risk eligibility guidelines meet the evolving needs of customers, MGA partners, and strategic stakeholders.
• Oversee go-to-market strategies and product implementation initiatives across all channels.

Pricing, Actuarial & Analytics Leadership

• Direct actuarial analyses, pricing strategies, and financial modeling to support growth and profitability targets.
• Leverage advanced pricing methodologies utilizing predictive analytics, statistical modeling, and emerging data sources.
• Analyze portfolio performance, loss trends, retention metrics, utilization patterns, and profitability at both geographic and product levels.
• Establish management reporting and KPIs to monitor business performance and identify corrective actions when necessary.
• Drive continuous enhancement of pricing sophistication and analytical capabilities to maximize underwriting margin and customer retention.

Underwriting & Risk Management

• Establish and maintain underwriting philosophy, policies, procedures, risk acceptance guidelines, and governance frameworks.
• Ensure underwriting execution aligns with strategic objectives, regulatory requirements, and profitability goals.
• Conduct underwriting and claims audits to evaluate performance, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain underwriting manuals, rules, rating plans, guidelines, and related documentation.
• Monitor underwriting quality, portfolio mix, and emerging risk trends, implementing action plans to address adverse developments.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize risk assessment and risk management practices.

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

• Lead the development, maintenance, filing, and approval of policy forms, endorsements, rates, rules, and product documentation.
• Prepare and submit state regulatory filings and respond to regulatory inquiries and objections.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable insurance regulations across the United States.
• Maintain strong relationships with regulators, industry associations, carrier partners, and external stakeholders.
• Provide oversight for underwriting compliance and governance requirements.

Partner & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the centralized Product team, carrier partners, fronting carriers, regulators, and industry organizations.
• Collaborate with business leaders to identify growth opportunities and support strategic initiatives.
• Serve as a senior representative in discussions related to risk exposure, product development, underwriting strategy, and business performance.
• Assist in the development and negotiation of MGA and partner agreements.
• Prepare and deliver executive presentations, business cases, and strategic recommendations to leadership and partners.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, develop, and mentor Product, Underwriting, and actuarial teams.
• Build organizational capabilities through talent development, succession planning, and ongoing training programs.
• Recruit, retain, and develop high-performing leaders and subject matter experts.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure effective execution of strategic initiatives and operational excellence.

Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Finance, Risk Management, Business, Data Science, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Associate or Fellow designation from the Society of Actuaries (SOA) or Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS).
• 10+ years of insurance industry experience with significant responsibility in product management, underwriting, pricing, actuarial analysis, or insurance operations.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership experience in product, underwriting, or insurance management roles.
• Demonstrated experience developing insurance products, underwriting guidelines, and pricing strategies.
• Experience with insurance regulatory filings, rate development, and form management.
• Strong knowledge of personal lines, property & casualty insurance, and risk management principles.
• Proven success leading cross-functional initiatives within matrix organizations.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent).
• Experience in pet insurance, affinity insurance, or specialty insurance products.
• Experience working with MGA, carrier, and reinsurance partner models.
• Knowledge of predictive analytics, advanced pricing methodologies, and data-driven underwriting strategies

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinker with strong business and financial acumen.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong executive presence with outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to influence and gain alignment across a complex stakeholder environment.
• Results-oriented leader with a focus on profitable growth and operational excellence.
• High personal and professional integrity.
• Ability to manage change and lead transformational initiatives.
• Strong relationship-building skills with internal and external partners

Compensation
Base pay range: $195,000 – $275,000 per year. This is the range we reasonably expect to pay at hire. Placement within the range depends on job-related factors such as experience, skills, and certifications.
This position is eligible for an annual bonus.
This position is eligible for long-term incentives (equity).
This position may be eligible for a sign-on bonus.

Base pay is one part of a total rewards package that includes the benefits listed below.

All of our jobs come with great benefits including healthcare, parental leave and opportunities for career advancements. Some offerings are dependent upon the location of where you work and can include the following:

• Comprehensive full medical, dental and vision Insurance

• Basic Life Insurance at no cost to the employee

• Company paid short-term and long-term disability

• 12 weeks of 100% paid Parental Leave

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Retirement savings plan

• Personal Paid Time Off

• Paid holidays and company-wide Wellness Day off

• Paid time off to volunteer at nonprofit organizations

• Pet friendly office environment

• Commuter Benefits

• Group Pet Insurance

• On the job training and skills development

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

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