Underwriting Director- East Coast Hull & Liabilities

About the role

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 Purpose We 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 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. Education & Experience 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. Knowledge, Skills, & Competencies 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. Compensation Overview The 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 - $255,736.00