Underwriting Team Lead

About Us

At South Shore Insurance Underwriters (SSIU), we’re not your typical insurance shop. We specialize in risks that don’t fit the standard mold, offering  fast, flexible solutions backed by decades of experience and strong authority with Lloyd’s of London and top-rated carriers. What we’re really known for?  Speed, technical expertise, and personalized service.

Position Summary

The Underwriting Lead directs SSIU’s day-to-day underwriting operations, serving as the go-to resource for underwriters, underwriting assistants, and support staff. This role combines hands-on technical underwriting expertise with people leadership — ensuring that underwriting decisions are sound, workflows stay efficient, and service expectations are consistently met.

The Underwriting Lead also oversees the Inspections Department, maintaining collaboration between underwriting, inspections, and operations to ensure timely completion, quality reviews, and accurate risk assessments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily underwriting operations for assigned product lines (HO3, HO5, DP3, Ex-Wind, Builder’s Risk, Flood, etc.).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for support staff, fielding underwriting questions, clarifying guidelines, and providing training or escalation support.
• Oversee the Inspections Department, including order tracking, inspection review quality, and coordination between inspectors and underwriters.
• Conduct regular touch-base meetings with underwriting support and inspections teams to align priorities, resolve workflow blockers, and maintain communication loops.
• Review and approve complex submissions, underwriting adjustments, and referrals within established authority.
• Ensure underwriting decisions adhere to SSIU and carrier guidelines while maintaining profitability and service standards.
• Collaborate with the Director of Underwriting to implement new guidelines, forms, and rate updates.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance feedback to underwriters and support staff.
• Track and report on team metrics — turnaround times, accuracy, and productivity.
• Maintain alignment with compliance, audit, and carrier requirements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and proactive problem-solving.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of P&C underwriting experience (preferred: coastal, HO, or E&S background).
• 2+ years in a supervisory, lead, or mentoring role.
• Strong knowledge of ISO forms, endorsements, and carrier-specific guidelines.
• Proven experience managing competing priorities and supporting cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Excel, SharePoint, ALIS, and Power BI preferred.
• Strong communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.

Successful Traits
Empathetic leader | Calm problem-solver | Confident decision-maker | Operationally sharp | Great communicator | Coach at heart

 
SSIU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.