Actuarial Data Analyst

Shepherd is a technology-driven Managing General Underwriter (MGU) transforming commercial Property & Casualty insurance for high-hazard industries. Our mission is to make risk frictionless for the builders and operators shaping the physical world — protecting progress from concept through construction and into decades of operation.

We’re building the fastest, smartest commercial risk platform, where underwriting expertise, data, and automation work together to deliver:

• Faster decisions

• Smarter, more accurate pricing

• Better risk outcomes

With Shepherd, safety, speed, and quality no longer trade off against one another — they compound. We’re not just modernizing insurance products. We’re building the risk infrastructure for the next generation of financial services, where technology, underwriting, and partnerships operate in harmony to support the world’s most important industries — and the progress they make possible.

To date, Shepherd has raised over $20M from leading investors, including:

• Spark Capital

• Costanoa Ventures

• Y Combinator

• Susa Ventures

• Intact Ventures

• And several others

We're a team of technologists and insurance enthusiasts, bridging the two worlds together. Check out our About page to learn more.

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Actuarial Analyst to join our actuarial team supporting multiple commercial lines of business, including General Liability, Workers' Compensation, Commercial Property, and Excess Casualty. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on executing rigorous insurance analysis, collaborating cross-functionally, and delivering precise, actionable insights that drive competitive advantage.

As an Actuarial Data Analyst, you will be the bridge between market intelligence, regulatory requirements, and data-driven product decisions. You will be joining a small team of actuaries playing a critical role in ensuring our products remain competitive while maintaining compliance across all jurisdictions where we operate. The actuarial team works in close partnership with underwriters and software engineers, translating actuarial insights into the technology and decisions that power a modern insurance platform.

Ratemaking & Competitive Intelligence (50%)

• Assist in the development, pricing, and implementation of rating plans for filing with state Departments of Insurance

• Support the Compliance team in the preparation, documentation, and submission of rate and form filings

• Conduct comprehensive competitor analysis of rate and form filings across all commercial lines, utilizing SERFF, S&P Capital IQ Pro, and other regulatory databases to identify market trends and competitive positioning

• Analyze filings, rate manuals, underwriting guidelines, and coverage forms from industry resources including ISO manuals and NCCI data to develop detailed benchmarks and strategic recommendations

• Research and draft comprehensive responses to rate-related objections, ensuring actuarial justification is provided

Actuarial Reporting & Portfolio Monitoring (25%)

• Perform loss ratio analysis by line of business, territory, and risk characteristics to identify profitable segments and areas of concern

• Develop and maintain reporting requirements, including bordereaux and portfolio reporting, coordinating with internal teams and external partners on data accuracy and timely delivery

• Support workers’ compensation statistical reporting obligations, including WCSTAT and WCPOLS

Data Analytics (25%)

• Write SQL queries to extract and analyze data related to premium volumes, loss ratios, exposure metrics, and rate change impacts from internal PostgreSQL databases

• Create interactive BI dashboards using Metabase or similar platforms to track key product performance metrics

• Support data transformation processes using dbt for analytics and reporting workflows

Experience & Education

• 2-5 years of experience in commercial P&C insurance product analysis, actuarial, or competitive analysis functions

• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Finance, or related analytical field

• Demonstrated experience with commercial insurance products and insurance data analytics

• Actuarial exams such as P, FM, MAS-I, MAS-II, 5 (preferred but not required)

Technical Skills

• Advanced SQL proficiency for data extraction, manipulation, and analysis from PostgreSQL databases

• SERFF system knowledge including navigation, filing preparation, and objection response processes

• Advanced spreadsheet modeling skills for financial analysis and data manipulation

• Experience with industry databases and tools including ISO manuals, NCCI data, and regulatory research platforms

• Python experience for advanced analytics (preferred but not required)

Insurance Knowledge

• Understanding of commercial insurance products including rating methodologies and underwriting guidelines

• Knowledge of state insurance filings process

• Understanding of ISO forms, NCCI guidelines, and industry standard practices

• Understanding of actuarial concepts including loss development, rate adequacy, and predictive modeling principles

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to translate data into insights and recommendations

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, especially for time-sensitive regulatory deliverables

• Clear communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences

• Cross-functional collaboration experience working with actuarial, underwriting, compliance, and product management teams

• Competitive salary ranging from $110,000 - $140,000 based on experience and qualifications

• Equity participation with significant upside potential in our growing organization

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match

• Professional development opportunities including conference attendance and certification support

• Collaborative startup environment with opportunities for rapid career growth and expanded responsibilities

🏥 Premium Healthcare
100% contribution to top-tier health, dental, and vision

🏖️ Unlimited PTO
Flexibility to take the time off, recharge, and perform

🥗 Daily lunches, dinners, and snacks
We work together, and enjoy meals together too

🖥️ SF, NYC, or Dallas-Fort Worth Offices
Premium office spaces on both coasts with daily lunches provided

📚 Professional Development
Access to premium coaching, including leadership development

🏦 401(k) Plan
Competitive 401(k) plan offered

🐶 Dog-friendly office
Plenty of dogs to play with and make friends with in the SF office