Key Responsibilities

• Lead and perform actuarial analyses that support reserving, forecasting, financial planning, and strategic decision-making.
• Evaluate new business opportunities, programs, and strategic initiatives, providing data-driven insights that support profitable and sustainable growth.
• Monitor emerging risks, industry trends, and market developments, proactively communicating business implications and recommendations to leadership.
• Partner closely with Underwriting, Legal, Reinsurance, Accounting, Client Services, and Executive Leadership to provide actuarial expertise and support informed decision-making.
• Assess potential acquisitions, partnerships, and other strategic opportunities through thoughtful actuarial analysis and risk evaluation.
• Develop, enhance, and govern actuarial models, methodologies, and assumptions to drive stronger analytics, forecasting accuracy, and business insights.
• Translate complex actuarial concepts into clear, actionable recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Present findings and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, influencing key business decisions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on reserving, risk management, actuarial methodologies, and broader business strategy.
• Identify and champion opportunities for process improvement, automation, and innovation that enhance actuarial capabilities and operational effectiveness.
• Mentor and develop actuarial talent, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the Actuarial Department on cross-functional initiatives and enterprise-wide projects.
• Support State National's values, strategic priorities, and commitment to exceptional client service.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of actuarial principles, reserving methodologies, and insurance analytics.
• Strong commercial lines reserving expertise, including the ability to assess and communicate reserve adequacy, trends, and emerging risks.
• Ability to think strategically and connect actuarial insights to broader business objectives.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to explain complex actuarial concepts and technical analyses to non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated success building strong partnerships and credibility across large, cross-functional organizations.
• Experience collaborating with business leaders to drive data-informed decision-making and meaningful business outcomes.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to balance technical rigor and practical business judgment.
• Ability to effectively articulate and defend actuarial assumptions, methodologies, and recommendations.
• Experience identifying opportunities to improve processes, systems, and analytical capabilities through innovation and automation.
• Excellent understanding of insurance data, financial reporting, and actuarial reporting requirements.
• Strong project leadership skills, including prioritization, resource coordination, and execution against deadlines.
• Experience with analytical tools and programming languages such as SQL, Python, Excel, and related technologies.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented professional with a focus on high-impact priorities and continuous improvement.
• Ability to travel up to 15%, as needed.

Credentials

• ACAS required.
• FCAS preferred.

Experience

• 8+ years of progressively responsible actuarial experience, with significant commercial lines reserving experience.
• Demonstrated success leading complex actuarial analyses and supporting key business decisions through reserving, forecasting, and risk evaluation.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and influencing strategic decisions through data-driven recommendations.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and drive alignment among diverse stakeholder groups.
• Prior experience mentoring, developing, and supporting actuarial talent.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to balance technical excellence with practical business considerations.
• Experience with insurance financial reporting, annual statements, and actuarial reporting requirements.

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US Work Authorization

US Work Authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.

Pay information:

The base salary offered for the successful candidate will be based on compensable factors such as job-relevant education, job-relevant experience, training, licensure, demonstrated competencies, geographic location, and other factors. The national average salary range for the Actuarial Specialist is $116,080 to $159,610 with 25% incentive.