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

The Hanover is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and experienced Underwriting Director to join our Commercial Surety team. This is an exciting opportunity to influence underwriting strategy, portfolio performance, and technical excellence within a high-performing organization that values innovation, expertise, and teamwork. As Underwriting Director, you will partner closely with regional teams, senior leadership, and key stakeholders across the enterprise to drive profitable growth, strengthen underwriting discipline, and enhance market impact from the Home Office.Candidates must possess significant Large Account Commercial Surety underwriting experience and strong underwriting acumen. More seasoned candidates may be considered for an AVP-level role.

The way we work continues to evolve. This role offers flexible work arrangements and may behybrid or fully remote, with the ability to travel as needed to support agency engagement, market development, and key meetings. The position may be based inItasca, IL; Somerset, NJ; Bloomington, MN; Howell, MI; Dallas, TX; Seattle, WA; Worcester, MA; Windsor, CT, or other U.S. locations with the ability to travel as needed.

At The Hanover, our culture is grounded in ourCARE Values. We care about our people, our customers, and the communities we serve, fostering an inclusive environment where experienced professionals are empowered to make an impact, share ideas, and grow their careers.

The Hanover is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. We believe diverse perspectives and experiences drive innovation, strengthen performance, and help us build lasting relationships with our customers, agents, and colleagues.

We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.

Position Overview:

TheUnderwriting 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.

THIS IS A FULL-TIME, EXEMPT ROLE.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

• Drive and support underwriting excellence across Commercial Surety
• Manage account-level and portfolio underwriting activities with a high degree of autonomy
• Develop, implement, and execute underwriting strategies in collaboration with senior leadership
• Serve as a technical authority and trusted advisor to underwriting teams and business leaders
• Lead underwriting initiatives and projects aligned with business growth, profitability, and risk management objectives
• Monitor portfolio performance, identify trends, and take appropriate underwriting actions
• Participate in underwriting, compliance, and internal audits as needed
• Identify and address economic, regulatory, and legal issues impacting underwriting results
• Collaborate with Product, Risk Management, Actuarial, Legal, and Claims partners to support underwriting quality and innovation
• Mentor and develop underwriters by providing coaching, guidance, and technical support
• Contribute 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 assessment
• Strong understanding of portfolio management, performance monitoring, and underwriting controls
• Awareness of market trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory requirements
• Ability to evaluate complex risks and apply sound underwriting judgment
• Experience leveraging underwriting systems, data, and analytics to drive decision-making

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY:

• 10+ years of underwriting experience in Commercial Surety
• Demonstrated success in leading underwriting strategy, portfolio oversight, or underwriting excellence initiatives
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience, with the ability to influence without direct authority
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and execution skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across functions
• Advanced proficiency with underwriting tools, systems, and analytical platforms

Measures of Success

• Consistent delivery of underwriting excellence and adherence to underwriting standards
• Strong portfolio performance aligned with profitability and growth objectives
• Effective execution of underwriting strategies and initiatives
• High-quality technical guidance provided to underwriting teams and leadership
• Positive impact on underwriting capability, engagement, and talent development