SVP, Underwriting - E&S PropertyLocation: La Jolla, CA; Remote
The Details:We are seeking a Senior Vice President, E&S Property to optimize, build and lead our Excess & Surplus Lines property portfolio. This executive owns the P&L, underwriting strategy, and team for a book that spans primary and ground-up, excess, layered and shared property placements, including catastrophe-exposed and non-catastrophe risks, written exclusively through wholesale distribution. You will set underwriting appetite, drive profitable growth, and build a high-performing team in a market that rewards discipline, speed, and technical rigor.
What will you do:Portfolio and P&L Leadership- Own the underwriting results, growth, and profitability of the E&S Property portfolio, including premium, loss ratio, and expense targets
- Develop and execute a multi-year strategy covering product, geography, class of business, and wholesale distribution
- Balance the portfolio mix across primary & ground-up, excess, layered and shared structures, deploying capacity where risk-adjusted returns are strongest
- Manage rate adequacy, terms and conditions, and attachment points in response to market cycles
Underwriting Excellence- Establish underwriting guidelines, authority levels, and referral protocols for each placement structure
- Oversee pricing, risk selection, and exposure management, including CAT-exposed zones (wind, quake, convective storm, wildfire, flood)
- Set line size and participation strategy for layered and shared programs, including position within the tower, attachment and exhaustion points, and alignment with other markets on the program
- Evaluate excess and layered exposures with attention to underlying limits, loss-sensitive terms, and drop-down and follow-form provisions
- Partner with actuarial, catastrophe modeling, and reinsurance teams to manage aggregates, PMLs, and capital usage
- Review and approve large or complex accounts and maintain a hands-on technical presence
Distribution and Market Presence- Build and maintain strong relationships with wholesale brokers and their retail partners
- Represent the company at industry events and with key trading partners
- Identify new wholesale distribution opportunities and strategic relationships
Reinsurance and Capital Management- Collaborate with Ceded Reinsurance on treaty structure, renewals, and reinsurer relationships, and ensure the portfolio aligns with the reinsurance program
People and Operations- Recruit, develop, and retain underwriters, underwriting assistants, and leaders
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Partner with Claims, Operations, Technology, Compliance, and Finance to improve workflow, data quality, and turnaround times
- Ensure compliance with surplus lines regulations, filing requirements, and internal controls
- Work closely with the Head of Marine and Property on divisional strategy, capital allocation, and cross-line portfolio management
What we are looking for:- 15+ years of commercial property underwriting experience, with 8+ years in E&S/wholesale is highly preferred
- Demonstrated experience underwriting primary & ground-up, excess, layered and shared property business
- 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing underwriting teams and a P&L
- Deep knowledge of property coverages, CAT exposures, modeling tools (e.g., RMS, AIR/Verisk), and valuation practices
- Strong understanding of reinsurance structures (quota share, per-risk, CAT XOL) and their impact on portfolio management
- Proven track record of profitable growth and strong wholesale broker relationships
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, risk management, or a related field
Preferred- CPCU, ARM, or other professional designations
- Experience launching new products or building underwriting platforms
- Familiarity with analytics-driven underwriting and portfolio management tools
- MBA or advanced degree
Core Competencies- Strategic thinking with strong financial acumen
- Sound judgment under uncertainty
- Executive presence and influence with brokers, board members, and reinsurers
- Talent development and team leadership
- Clear, decisive communication
We love people who want to:- Build strong relationships through transparency, trust, and respect for each other.
- Work in an agile environment, with a resilient mindset to find creative solutions to challenges.
- Collaborate and celebrate diverse perspectives, promoting inclusivity and equality.
- Do the right thing with strong conviction and integrity.
- Be bold and innovative to help make an impact.
- Demonstrable track record of working autonomously and driving progress
- Be intellectually curious, think creatively, and pragmatic
If you thrive in a dynamic environment, and like working with happy, authentic, talented people, you'll enjoy a career with Palomar!What will you get in return?- Full Suite of Medical Benefits
- Long Term Financial Incentives - STOCK!
- 401k with 3.5% Automatic Fully Vested Employer Contributions
- Competitive PTO + Holiday Program
- Lifestyle Spending Allowance
- Professional Development Assistance
- Career Exploration Opportunities
- Regular company-wide social events (even virtually!)
- To learn more visit us at www.plmr.com
