VP – Underwriting

Berkley Specialty Property operates in New York Georgia and California writing a U.S. nationwide book of business across a broad range of occupancy classes working hard to understand the unique needs of our clients. This is done with empowered underwriting a fair and efficient claims team and leading wordings and technical backup services to offer our clients a long-term sustainable product.

• Oversee daily underwriting activities ensuring effective solicitation selection pricing and retention of profitable business in partnership with the AVP Underwriting BSP.
• Develop and implement underwriting best practices aligned with BSP and London Commercial Property Team standards.
• Assist in shaping and managing underwriting appetite guidelines forms terms and conditions training and communications.
• Exercise sound judgement in risk selection exposure analysis pricing and coverage ensuring decisions align with underwriting authority and market segment requirements.
• Proactively build maintain and strengthen relationships with both Retail and Wholesale brokers across the US E&S market. Represent BSP at industry events broker meetings and market forums to enhance visibility and foster trust.
• Drive the development and expansion of the commercial property portfolio by identifying new business opportunities monitoring market trends and collaborating with brokers to source profitable risks.
• Gather and analyse market intelligence from broker interactions to inform underwriting strategy product development and portfolio management.
• Engage with IT Operations Actuarial Finance Marketing and Claims to strengthen interdepartmental relationships.
• Adhere to underwriting quality and compliance processes including peer reviews self-audits management reviews and WRBC coordination.
• Collaborate with team members and other departments to address regulatory matters.
• Monitor and communicate emerging underwriting issues relevant to BSPs strategic direction.
• Work with the CEO BSL CUO BSL and Chief Actuary to ensure rate adequacy and pricing integrity.
• Support the CEO BSL and CUO BSL in reinsurance placement.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

To succeed in this role candidates must meet the following requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated expertise in commercial property underwriting and a broad understanding of related insurance areas.
• Proven track record of successful underwriting supported by quantifiable results.
• Strong knowledge of the insurance regulatory environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities; capable of managing multiple priorities independently within tight deadlines.
• Sound business judgement and decision-making skills.
• Creative approach to resolving complex business challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage productive broker relationships with a proven track record of trading successfully with both Retail and Wholesale brokers.
• Strong networking and negotiation skills with the ability to represent BSP effectively in the market and at industry events.
• Commercial acumen and strategic thinking to identify and capitalise on portfolio growth opportunities.

The VP Underwriting is responsible for developing and executing the underwriting strategy for Berkley Specialty Propertys New York office. This role reports directly to the CEO Berkley Specialty London and works closely with both field and staff teams including regular collaboration with the UK-based Underwriting team to complement the business portfolio.