CNA Financial Corporation

Global Head of Life Sciences

CNA Financial Corporation$194K — $308K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred in a relevant field.
  • At least 12 years of related experience, including 7 years in management.
  • Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation preferred.
  • Deep expertise in underwriting and portfolio management with a track record of driving profitability.
  • Strong knowledge of commercial insurance products and market dynamics.

Responsibilities

  • Lead strategic direction and growth for CNA's U.S. Small Business and Middle Market Life Sciences.
  • Develop and execute global portfolio strategies to drive profitable growth and optimize market performance.
  • Provide thought leadership and consultative support to global partners in the Life Sciences domain.
  • Collaborate with various business leaders to execute profitable growth strategies.
  • Champion underwriting excellence and establish high standards for risk governance.
  • Enhance market presence through strategic broker engagement and team capability development.
  • Inspire and develop a high-performing underwriting organization, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive and competitive benefits package for physical, financial, emotional, and social wellbeing.
  • Flexibility with a hybrid work model.
  • Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
  • Access to AI-enabled technology for streamlined recruitment processes.
Full Job Description
As the Global Head of Life Sciences, you will lead an organization built on deep industry specialization and a commitment to supporting one of the most innovative and rapidly evolving sectors of the global economy. This executive leadership role is accountable for business strategy, portfolio performance, underwriting excellence, and talent development, with responsibility for driving the long-term growth, profitability, and competitive positioning of CNA's Life Sciences business.

Working across a broad network of internal and external partners, you will drive strategic priorities, strengthen market relationships and advance business performance through specialization, innovation, and disciplined portfolio management. You will have direct accountability for the performance and results of CNA's U.S. Small Business and Middle Market Life Sciences businesses and will provide thought leadership, technical expertise and consultative support to global counterparts, helping reinforce CNA's position as a market leader in Life Sciences.

This role is ideal for an accomplished underwriting executive who combines strategic vision, market insight, and strong leadership capabilities. You will have the opportunity to shape the future of a globally recognized Life Sciences business, develop high-performing teams, deepen industry partnerships, and deliver differentiated solutions that help trading partners navigate an increasingly complex and evolving marketplace.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:
  • Lead the strategic direction, growth, and profitability of CNA's U.S. Small Business and Middle Market Life Sciences businesses, ensuring alignment with enterprise objectives and long-term growth priorities.
  • Develop and execute global portfolio strategies that drive profitable growth, optimize performance, and strengthen competitive positioning in the marketplace
  • Serve as a trusted thought leader to global counterparts, providing consultative guidance and technical support that advances CNA's global Life Sciences business.
  • Partner closely with Distribution, Product, Actuarial, Finance, Claims, Risk Control and Operations leaders to develop and execute profitable growth strategies.
  • Champion underwriting excellence by establishing high standards for risk selection, governance, quality assurance, technical expertise and performance accountability.
  • Strengthen market presence and business results through strategic broker engagement and the development of sales and underwriting capabilities within the team.
  • Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing underwriting organization, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and results.
  • Attract, develop and retain top talent to build organizational capabilities and succession pipelines that support current and future business needs.


May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship
  • Typically SVP and above


Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
  • Deep underwriting and portfolio management expertise with demonstrated success driving profitable growth and business performance.
  • Proven strategic, analytical, and technical acumen, with the ability to translate plans into business results.
  • Proven ability to lead through influence in a matrixed, cross-functional environment.
  • Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated success leading high-performing teams and developing future leaders.
  • Strong executive presence, sound judgment, and proven ability to navigate complex business challenges.
  • Proficiency with business technology and data analytics tools used to support decision-making and portfolio management.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the commercial insurance industry, products, distribution channels, and market dynamics.


Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree with Master's preferred in a related discipline, or equivalent.
  • Typically a minimum of 12 years of related work experience, with seven years management experience.
  • Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation preferred.


#LI-KC1

#LI-Hybrid

In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $194,000 to $308,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees - and their family members - achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA's benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.

CNA utilizes AI-enabled technology during the recruiting process. For more information, please visit our careers page.

About CNA Financial Corporation

CNA Financial Corporation provides commercial property and casualty insurance products primarily in the United States. It offers professional liability coverages and risk management services to various professional firms, including architects, real estate agents, and accounting and law firms; directors and officers, employment practices, fiduciary, and fidelity coverages to small and mid-size firms, public and privately held firms, and not-for-profit organizations; and commercial property, general liability, cyber liability, umbrella, and excess liability, as well as various other property and casualty coverages for healthcare institutions, professional services firms, and other specialized industries. The company also provides warranty and service contracts for consumer goods, and extended service contracts for consumer automobiles and recreational vehicles; and accident and health, and group life insurance products. In addition, it offers management and professional liability insurance and risk management services, as well as other specialized property and casualty coverages to various healthcare organizations, including hospitals, physician groups, and nursing homes. The company markets its products through independent agents, brokers, and general underwriters to various customers, including small, medium, and large businesses; insurance companies; associations; and other industry groups. CNA Financial Corporation was founded in 1853 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
Learn more about CNA Financial Corporation
Size
5,600 employees
Market Cap
$11.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$690 million
Founded
1973
5 Year Trend
+4.7%
Revenue
$10.8 billion
NASDAQ

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