Commercial Surety - Underwriting Performance Director Surety (Remote/Hybrid)

The Hanover is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Underwriting Director to join our dynamic Commercial Surety team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a high-performing organization that values innovation, technical expertise, and teamwork. As Underwriting Director, you will help drive underwriting excellence, portfolio performance, and technical rigor from the Home Office, partnering closely with regional teams, senior leadership, and stakeholders across the enterprise.The way we work continues to evolve. This role offers flexible work arrangements and may be hybrid or fully remote, with the ability to travel as needed to support agency engagement, market development, and key meetings. The position may be based in Itasca, IL; Somerset, NJ; Bloomington, MN; Howell, MI; Dallas, TX; Seattle, WA; Worcester, MA; Windsor, CT, or other US locations with the ability to travel as needed.At The Hanover, our culture is grounded in our Care Values-we care about our people, our customers, and the communities we serve. We foster an inclusive, supportive environment where experienced professionals are empowered to make decisions, share ideas, and grow their careers while working together toward shared goals.The Hanover is a diverse and inclusive organization committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences strengthen our teams, our performance, and the relationships we build every day.Position Overview:The Underwriting Director, Commercial Surety drives and supports underwriting excellence for designated areas or assigned territories with greater autonomy, managing account and portfolio underwriting, developing strategies, and providing technical expertise and support to local teams and leadership.We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.POSITION OVERVIEW: This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on underwriting performance and strategy within a growing Commercial Surety business. You will collaborate with experienced underwriting leaders, influence key business outcomes, and help shape the future of Hanover Surety.At The Hanover, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where professionals can do their best work. We recognize the demands of today's fast-paced world and support flexibility through modern work arrangements. This position may be performed at a hybrid or fully remote capacity, based near any Hanover office, with occasional business travel as needed.THIS IS A FULL-TIME, EXEMPT ROLE.IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

Drive and support underwriting excellence across Commercial SuretyManage account-level and portfolio underwriting activities with a high degree of autonomyDevelop, implement, and execute underwriting strategies in collaboration with senior leadershipServe as a technical authority and trusted advisor to underwriting teams and business leadersLead underwriting initiatives and projects aligned with business growth, profitability, and risk management objectivesMonitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and take appropriate underwriting actionsParticipate in underwriting, compliance, and internal audits as neededIdentify and address economic, regulatory, and legal issues impacting underwriting resultsCollaborate with Product, Risk Management, Actuarial, Legal, and Claims partners to support underwriting quality and innovationMentor and develop underwriters by providing coaching, guidance, and technical supportContribute to the development and delivery of underwriting tools, resources, and training programs

Technical & Professional Expertise

Advanced knowledge of Commercial Surety underwriting principles, practices, and risk assessmentStrong understanding of portfolio management, performance monitoring, and underwriting controlsAwareness of market trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory requirementsAbility to evaluate complex risks and apply sound underwriting judgmentExperience leveraging underwriting systems, data, and analytics to drive decision-making

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:

10+ years of underwriting experience in Commercial SuretyDemonstrated success in leading underwriting strategy, portfolio oversight, or underwriting excellence initiativesProven leadership and mentoring experience, with the ability to influence without direct authorityStrong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and execution skillsExcellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across functionsAdvanced proficiency with underwriting tools, systems, and analytical platforms

Measures of Success

Consistent delivery of underwriting excellence and adherence to underwriting standardsStrong portfolio performance aligned with profitability and growth objectivesEffective execution of underwriting strategies and initiativesHigh-quality technical guidance provided to underwriting teams and leadershipPositive impact on underwriting capability, engagement, and talent development