Job DescriptionThe SVP, Head of North America Program Business Underwriting has overall accountability for the North America program business underwriting function, including strategy, business origination, underwriting standards, portfolio performance, and new product development. The role balances sustainable growth with disciplined risk selection, pricing adequacy, contract quality, and compliance with SCOR's underwriting and enterprise risk management frameworks.
The SVP leads, develops, and manages the Program Business Underwriting team; allocates account and portfolio responsibilities; provides decision support on complex referrals; and maintains clear accountability for execution. The role partners with the North America CEO, CUO office, actuarial, claims, legal, finance, reserving, risk management, operations, and technical accounting teams to deliver profitable results and an effective control environment.
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, Strategy and Underwriting Governance:
- Set and execute the North America Program Business strategy in alignment with regional and global objectives.
- Own portfolio profitability and growth, establishing underwriting appetite, performance targets, and corrective actions.
- Establish underwriting governance, authorities, referral standards, controls, and management reporting for the team.
- Review and approve complex transactions within delegated authority and sponsor matters requiring senior approval.
- Represent the portfolio in governance forums and provide clear, timely reporting on performance, exposures, emerging risks, and strategic priorities.
Business Development and Transaction Leadership:
- Lead origination, evaluation, structuring, negotiation, and onboarding of new program opportunities. • Sponsor robust business cases and recommendations for approval by the North America CEO, CUO office, and other applicable governance bodies.
- Ensure contract wording, pricing, operational readiness, due diligence, and control requirements are addressed before binding.
- Team Leadership and Talent Management:
- Lead, coach, and develop Program Business Underwriters, setting clear objectives and reinforcing accountability for results and conduct.
- Allocate portfolios and decision authorities based on experience, capacity, business priorities, and succession needs.
- Build a high-performing, inclusive team through regular feedback, talent reviews, development planning, knowledge sharing, and effective workforce planning.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration and ensure issues are escalated and resolved promptly. •
- Marketing Activities:
- Own senior market relationships with Program Administrators, MGAs, brokers, and strategic partners.
- Represent SCOR at key industry events and strengthen SCOR's visibility and reputation in the program market.
- Direct origination priorities and maintain a qualified pipeline consistent with underwriting appetite and portfolio objectives.
- Compliance and ERM and ESG Activities:
- Ensure an effective control environment, including compliance with licensing, legal, regulatory, ESG, underwriting, and enterprise risk management requirements.
- Oversee portfolio reviews, audits, and quarterly closing activities in partnership with control and support functions.
- Drive timely remediation of underwriting, operational, claims, or control issues and escalate material matters appropriately.
Qualifications- College degree or equivalent work experience
- 15+ years of progressively responsible property and casualty (re)insurance experience, with substantial program business and underwriting leadership experience.
- Demonstrated success leading an underwriting team and delivering profitable growth across a complex portfolio. • Deep knowledge of MGA and program structures, delegated authority, pricing, contract wording, portfolio management, claims trends, and underwriting controls.
- Strong strategic, commercial, financial, and underwriting judgment, with the ability to translate portfolio data into decisive action.
- Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders, lead through a matrix organization, and resolve complex business and risk issues.
- Strong people leadership capabilities, including coaching, performance management, talent development, succession planning, and change leadership.
- Executive-level communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Ability to build trusted relationships with MGAs, brokers, clients, regulators, and internal partners. • Sound decision-making under uncertainty and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Strong command of portfolio analytics and business technology, including Office 365, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint.
You may not meet every requirement listed in the job description. If you bring broad expertise and alignment to the role and resonate with our core values, we encourage you to apply.
Relocation assistance within the U.S. is available for this position. Candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Hybrid Work Policy: SCOR is committed to an "in-office" culture where people can collaborate, exchange ideas, and establish stronger working relationships while ll providing flexibility. To support employee work-life balance and increase opportunities for employees to excel every day, SCOR operates with a hybrid working arrangement. SCOR employees work 3 days per week in an office with the flexibility to work 2 days per week remotely.
At SCOR, we CARE about clients, people, and societies, and we are committed to placing them at the center of everything we do. Providing great benefit choices to you and your family is just one of the ways we support the physical, financial, and emotional well-being of the people who make our company successful - you.
Benefits We Offer
• Medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) Plan with a competitive match
• Company-funded Defined Contribution Retirement Program
• Life and AD&D insurance
• Long- and Short-Term Disability
• Flexible Parental Leave
• Unlimited Sick Days
• Volunteer Time
• Summer Fridays
• Learning & Development Resources
• Personal Wellness Tools and Rewards
• Competitively priced gym memberships from a large nationwide network of gym brands and local fitness studios
• And More!
Pay Range for roles performed in NY & CHI: $330,000-$445,000 and $305,000-$410,000 base salary per year. Actual salaries may vary based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, role and performance. The range listed is just one component of SCOR's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long term incentives. In addition, we provide a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement saving plan, paid holidays and paid time off.
