SVP, Underwriting - E&S Property

We are Hiring!

SVP, Underwriting - E&S Property

Location: La Jolla, CA; Remote

The Details:

We are seeking a Senior Vice President, E&S Property to optimize, build and lead our Excess & Surplus Lines property portfolio. This executive owns the P&L, underwriting strategy, and team for a book that spans primary and ground-up, excess, layered and shared property placements, including catastrophe-exposed and non-catastrophe risks, written exclusively through wholesale distribution. You will set underwriting appetite, drive profitable growth, and build a high-performing team in a market that rewards discipline, speed, and technical rigor.

What will you do:

Portfolio and P&L Leadership

• Own the underwriting results, growth, and profitability of the E&S Property portfolio, including premium, loss ratio, and expense targets
• Develop and execute a multi-year strategy covering product, geography, class of business, and wholesale distribution
• Balance the portfolio mix across primary & ground-up, excess, layered and shared structures, deploying capacity where risk-adjusted returns are strongest
• Manage rate adequacy, terms and conditions, and attachment points in response to market cycles

Underwriting Excellence

• Establish underwriting guidelines, authority levels, and referral protocols for each placement structure
• Oversee pricing, risk selection, and exposure management, including CAT-exposed zones (wind, quake, convective storm, wildfire, flood)
• Set line size and participation strategy for layered and shared programs, including position within the tower, attachment and exhaustion points, and alignment with other markets on the program
• Evaluate excess and layered exposures with attention to underlying limits, loss-sensitive terms, and drop-down and follow-form provisions
• Partner with actuarial, catastrophe modeling, and reinsurance teams to manage aggregates, PMLs, and capital usage
• Review and approve large or complex accounts and maintain a hands-on technical presence

Distribution and Market Presence

• Build and maintain strong relationships with wholesale brokers and their retail partners
• Represent the company at industry events and with key trading partners
• Identify new wholesale distribution opportunities and strategic relationships

Reinsurance and Capital Management

• Collaborate with Ceded Reinsurance on treaty structure, renewals, and reinsurer relationships, and ensure the portfolio aligns with the reinsurance program

People and Operations

• Recruit, develop, and retain underwriters, underwriting assistants, and leaders
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Partner with Claims, Operations, Technology, Compliance, and Finance to improve workflow, data quality, and turnaround times
• Ensure compliance with surplus lines regulations, filing requirements, and internal controls
• Work closely with the Head of Marine and Property on divisional strategy, capital allocation, and cross-line portfolio management

What we are looking for:

• 15+ years of commercial property underwriting experience, with 8+ years in E&S/wholesale is highly preferred
• Demonstrated experience underwriting primary & ground-up, excess, layered and shared property business
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role managing underwriting teams and a P&L
• Deep knowledge of property coverages, CAT exposures, modeling tools (e.g., RMS, AIR/Verisk), and valuation practices
• Strong understanding of reinsurance structures (quota share, per-risk, CAT XOL) and their impact on portfolio management
• Proven track record of profitable growth and strong wholesale broker relationships
• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, risk management, or a related field

Preferred

• CPCU, ARM, or other professional designations
• Experience launching new products or building underwriting platforms
• Familiarity with analytics-driven underwriting and portfolio management tools
• MBA or advanced degree

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with strong financial acumen
• Sound judgment under uncertainty
• Executive presence and influence with brokers, board members, and reinsurers
• Talent development and team leadership
• Clear, decisive communication

We love people who want to: 

• Build strong relationships through transparency, trust, and respect for each other.
• Work in an agile environment, with a resilient mindset to find creative solutions to challenges.
• Collaborate and celebrate diverse perspectives, promoting inclusivity and equality.
• Do the right thing with strong conviction and integrity.
• Be bold and innovative to help make an impact.
• Demonstrable track record of working autonomously and driving progress
• Be intellectually curious, think creatively, and pragmatic

If you thrive in a dynamic environment, and like working with happy, authentic, talented people, you'll enjoy a career with Palomar!

What will you get in return?

• Full Suite of Medical Benefits 
• Long Term Financial Incentives – STOCK! 
• 401k with 3.5% Automatic Fully Vested Employer Contributions 
• Competitive PTO + Holiday Program
• Lifestyle Spending Allowance
• Professional Development Assistance  
• Career Exploration Opportunities
• Regular company-wide social events (even virtually!)
• To learn more visit us at www.plmr.com