The Role
The Director will lead marine underwriting for Hull & Liability, manage a team, build relationships with brokers, and drive strategic growth.
Summary Generated by Built In
About Us We’re not like other insurance companies. From our specialty products to our business model, our culture to our results — we’re different. Different is who we are, and how we work, interact, deliver and succeed together. Creating a different and better insurance experience doesn’t just happen. It takes focus and a shared passion for going beyond the expected to forge relationships and deliver care that makes a difference. This approach rises from and is supported by our talented, ethical and smart team of employee owners united around a single purpose: to work alongside our customers and partners when they need us, in unexpected ways, with exceptional results. Apply today to make a difference with us. RLI is a Glassdoor Best Places to Work company with a strong, successful background. For decades, our financial track record has been stellar — a testament to our culture and validation of our reputation as an excellent underwriting company.
Position PurposeWe are seeking a highly experienced and market-savvy Director of Ocean Marine Underwriting to lead our Hull & Liability (H&L) portfolio on the East Coast. This position will play a critical role in shaping our Ocean Marine strategy, building regional distribution, and leading a high-performing underwriting team. It will require both strategic oversight and hands-on underwriting for complex marine accounts, with a focus on commercial marine operations. The ideal candidate brings deep technical knowledge in Hull & Liability, broad market relationships across the Northeast from the Mid-Atlantic up through New England, and proven experience in managing underwriting teams and driving profitable growth.Principal Duties & Responsibilities
Compensation OverviewThe base salary range for the position is listed below. Please note that the base salary is only one component of our robust total rewards package at RLI. The salary offered will take into account a number of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, experience, scope & responsibilities of the role, qualifications/credentials, talent availability & specialization, as well as business needs. The below range may be modified in the future. Base Pay Range$179,000.00 - $255,736.00Total RewardsAt RLI, we're all owners. We hire the best and the brightest employees and allow them to share in the company's success through our Total Rewards. With the Employee Stock Ownership plan at its core, the Total Rewards program includes all compensation, benefits and perks that come with being an RLI employee.Financial Incentives- Lead the underwriting strategy and execution for the Hull & Liability segment within the Ocean Marine product line, ensuring profitable portfolio growth.
- Underwrite and oversee complex new and renewal submissions across commercial marine risks, including tugs, barges, workboats, and marine liabilities.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key producers, particularly regional retail agents and marine specialty wholesalers, to increase quality submission flow.
- Drive regional distribution by identifying underserved markets and building broker relationships.
- Oversee and mentor underwriters, providing technical guidance, training, and performance management to ensure consistent underwriting discipline.
- Monitor market trends, loss experience, and legal developments to support pricing, coverage, and product strategy.
- Represent the company at industry functions and with key accounts to strengthen market presence and reputation.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to deliver on P&L goals, contribute to product development initiatives, and ensure alignment with broader business objectives.
- Participate in strategic projects and lead initiatives related to process improvement, systems enhancement, or market expansion.
- Bachelor’s degree in Insurance, Business, or a related field required; advanced degrees or marine insurance certifications preferred.
- Minimum 8+ years of commercial marine underwriting experience, with supervisory or team leadership responsibilities.
- Expertise in Hull & Liability underwriting is essential; cargo experience is a plus.
- Demonstrated track record of profitable portfolio management, broker development, and team leadership.
- Existing relationships with marine wholesalers and regional retail agents, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, preferred.
- Deep technical understanding of Ocean Marine underwriting, especially Hull & Liability exposures, rating methodologies, and loss trends.
- Strong market presence and ability to generate new business opportunities through trusted broker relationships.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to lead a team, coach talent, and make sound risk decisions.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills with the ability to represent the company externally and advocate internally.
- Analytical skills to assess complex risks and inform pricing, coverage terms, and portfolio-level decisions.
- Comfortable with data tools and technology platforms to monitor performance and support reporting needs.
- Annual bonus plans
- Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
- 401(k) — automatic 3% company contribution
- Annual 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contributions (Up to 15% of eligible earnings)
- Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- Paid volunteer time off (VTO) to support our communities
- Parental and family care leave
- Flexible & hybrid work arrangements
- Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform
- Employee assistance program
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits
- Flexible spending and health savings accounts
- 2x base salary for group life and AD&D insurance
- Voluntary life, critical illness, & accident insurance for purchase
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits
- Training & certification opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement
- Education bonuses
Top Skills
Data Tools
Hull & Liability
Ocean Marine Underwriting
Technology Platforms
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The Company
What We Do
RLI is a U.S.-based specialty insurer that serves niche property, casualty and surety markets. We provide peace of mind to the customers we serve by safeguarding their assets and helping them manage risk. We hire smart, ethical people, make them owners of the business and give them the freedom to succeed. These are the principles that drive our success, and they’re the reasons we have been successful for more than 50 years.
We believe in a different way of doing business and RLI is not what you’d expect from a typical insurance company. Our creative and collaborative workplace is cultivated by employee owners empowered to make good decisions for customers and the business.
We have a reputation for niche expertise, superior service and an entrepreneurial culture. In the industry and among our peers, we’re known for:
The best and brightest people in the industry who build strong relationships and provide outstanding service.
An underwriting focus so we perform well in all market cycles.
Our empowered, creative ownership culture.
A customized approach to developing insurance products to meet very specific needs.
Proven financial strength.
