Director, E&S Specialty Business

Director, E&S Specialty Business

Hybrid Work Schedule

Buffalo, New York

Merchants Insurance Group is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast and is looking for an experienced Director, E&S Specialty Business, to join our Corporate Headquarters located in Buffalo, New York.

The Director, E&S Specialty Business is a member of the Management Team and is responsible for providing leadership for all program business across the organization, with full accountability for the performance, growth, and profitability of the book. This role is responsible for driving the success of our program portfolio by partnering closely with external managing general agents, program administrators, reinsurers, brokers, and internal business units to deliver differentiated products and services.

Merchants Insurance Group is rated A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook by A.M. Best and is consistently recognized as a top employer and high-performing organization. Recent honors include:

• Best Places to Work in Western New York (Buffalo Business First, 2023–2026)
• Fast Track Company (2019–2025) and Top Private Company (2019–2025)
• Ward’s 50® top-performing property-casualty insurer (2021–2024)
• Ivans Spark Award for Innovation (2024–2025)
• Named to Newsweek and Statista’s America’s Most Reliable Companies list (2025), ranked among the top 300 of 1,500 B2B organizations evaluated

We offer a hybrid work schedule, requiring two full days per week in the office, with flexibility to work remotely or onsite the remaining days. This model supports collaboration while providing flexibility and work-life balance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Lead the vision, direction, and ongoing management of all corporate program initiatives, ensuring strong alignment with enterprise growth objectives.
• Identify, evaluate, and pursue new program opportunities and enhancements by analyzing market trends, distribution channels, competitive dynamics, and customer needs.
• Build strong relationships with Program Administrators and distribution partners to drive premium growth, strengthen retention, and expand market presence.
• Direct the research, development, and optimization of program products, including coverage design, endorsements, forms, rating, and pricing.
• Own program performance, including direct responsibility for achieving loss ratio, premium, and profitability goals.
• Oversee underwriting guidelines, technical support, compliance oversight, and referral handling across all programs.
• Coordinate with reinsurers on underwriting strategy, adherence to treaty requirements, and results management. 

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable discipline. CPCU or other insurance related coursework required desirable.
• 10+ years of relevant work experience; specialized program underwriting experience.
• 5+ years management experience.
• Or a combination of education and experience as noted above.
• Effective communication and organizational skills required.
• Solid commercial lines underwriting background required.
• Knowledge of Product Development activities is desirable.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to flex their personal style to build trust and open communication.
• Ability to resolve conflict through persuasive and effective communication and consensus building. Able to work collaboratively within large and small groups, as well as one on one to achieve desired results.
• Ability to champion mission and values and build commitment to organizational strategy.
• Ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously to include resource allocation and acquisition, scheduling, managing budgets, coaching and training.

Merchants Insurance Group Pay information:

Merchants Insurance Group offers a competitive pay scale.  The estimated salary for this role ranges from $125,000 - $165,000 based on leveling and geography, along with an equity component and a comprehensive benefits package.  This range is merely an estimate; actual compensation may deviate from this range based on skills, experience and qualifications.

Merchants Insurance Group Benefits:

• Welcoming and positive work environment.
• Colleague Appreciation events.
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule will require two full days per week in the office, with the option of working the remaining days per month at home or in the office
• Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
• Competitive pay scale.
• Generous paid time off package.
• Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
• Outstanding company bonus programs.
• Tuition Reimbursement.

And many more exciting company benefits!!

Merchants Insurance Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. Merchants Insurance Group supports a safe workplace through pre-employment background screenings.