Head of Underwriting - Equine Division

Be Here. Be Great. Working for a leader in the insurance industry means opportunity for you. Great American Insurance Group's member companies are subsidiaries of American Financial Group. We combine a "small company" culture where your ideas will be heard with "big company" expertise to help you succeed. With over 30 specialty and property and casualty operations, there are always opportunities here to learn and grow.

At Great American, we value and recognize the benefits derived when people with different backgrounds and experiences work together to achieve business results. Our goal is to create a workplace where all employees feel included, empowered, and enabled to perform at their best.


This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Great American's Equine Mortality Division is one of the world's leading providers of equine mortality insurance and related coverages. The division is staffed with experts in all breeds and disciplines such as racing, showing, cutting, dressage, hunter/jumper, driving, reining, and pleasure riding. 

The Equine Division is currently searching for a Head of Underwriting/Officer Level leader to manage our Underwriting team in Ocala, FL. Great American’s culture is built on connection, shared learning, and strong relationships. To support this, employees in this role are expected to be on-site four days a week, with the flexibility to work one day remotely. Core in‑office days are Tuesday–Thursday, with the fourth day determined by business needs.

 Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership, coaching and direction to the underwriting team to ensure growth and profitability. 

• Identifies opportunities to develop new business.  

• Ensures the Equine book of business meets budget and performance targets. 

• Develops and maintains strong relationships with brokers and agents by providing excellent customer service in order to attract and retain profitable business.  

• Has accountability for the risk selection / rejection, pricing, retention, growth and profitability (within scope of authority and per divisional objectives). 

• Oversees receipt and analysis of submissions and decisions of what terms to offer (policy limits, credit limits, deductibles, coverage options and conditions, etc.). 

• Works with Predictive Analytics to ensure business is priced in accordance with company guidelines. 

• Approve and monitor underwriting guidelines, rules, practices and systems necessary to maintain and develop profitable commercial lines business 

• Works with other functional units within the division to identify goals and strategies to optimize customer service and satisfaction. 

• Ensures the appropriate utilization of underwriting and desktop systems. 

• Assesses risk quality and compliance within company guidelines and may initiate appropriate loss prevention actions. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

 
Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience   

• Generally, 10-15 years of experience in underwriting

• Previous management experience is strongly preferred

• Strong agent and broker relationships

• Must have strong organizational and analytical skills, as well as the ability to multi-task

• Ability to travel 20%, including overnight  

• Ability to relocate/commute to Ocala, FL

Business Unit:

Equine Mortality

Benefits:

We offer competitive benefits packages for full-time and part-time employees*. Full-time employees have access to medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness plans, parental leave, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement. Full-time and eligible part-time employees also enjoy Paid Time Off and paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with company match, an employee stock purchase plan, and commuter benefits.

 

Compensation varies by role, level, and location and is influenced by skills, experience, and business needs. Your recruiter will provide details about benefits and specific compensation ranges during the hiring process. Learn more at http://www.gaig.com/careers.

 

*Excludes seasonal employees and interns.