RI
Hull & Liability Marine Underwriting Director
full-time•Seattle•$145k - $212k
About this role
About Us
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 Hull & Liability (H&L) Underwriter for the West Coast. This position will be responsible for 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 and proven experience in writing profitable business.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
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.
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.
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.
Expertise in Hull & Liability underwriting is essential; cargo experience is a plus.
Demonstrated track record of profitable portfolio management and broker development.
Existing relationships with marine wholesalers and regional retail agents 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 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
$145,535.00 - $212,117.00Total Rewards
At RLI, we're all owners. We hire the best and the brightest employees and allow them to share in the company's success through our Total Rewards. With the Employee Stock Ownership plan at its core, the Total Rewards program includes all compensation, benefits and perks that come with being an RLI employee.
Financial Incentives
Annual bonus plans
Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
401(k) — automatic 3% company contribution
Annual 401k and ESOP profit-sharing contributions (Up to 15% of eligible earnings)
Work & Life
Paid time off (PTO) and holidays
Paid volunteer time off (VTO) to support our communities
Parental and family care leave
Flexible & hybrid work arrangements
Fitness center discounts and free virtual fitness platform
Employee assistance program
Health & Wellness
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits
Flexible spending and health savings accounts
2x base salary for group life and AD&D insurance
Voluntary life, critical illness, & accident insurance for purchase
Short-term and long-term disability benefits
Personal & Professional Growth
RLI encourages its employees to pursue professional development work in insurance and job-related areas. We make a commitment to employees to provide educational opportunities that help them enhance their skills and further their career advancement. RLI fosters a true learning culture and encourages professional growth through insurance courses, in-house training and other educational programs. RLI covers the cost for most programs and employees typically earn a bonus upon successful completion of approved courses and certifications. Our personal and professional growth benefits include:
Training & certification opportunities
Tuition reimbursement
Education bonuses
Diversity & Inclusion
Our goal is to attract, develop and retain the best employee talent from diverse backgrounds while promoting an environment where all viewpoints are valued and individuals feel respected, are treated fairly, and have an opportunity to excel in their chosen careers. We actively support, and participate in, initiatives led by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association that aim to increase diversity in the insurance industry. Cultivating an exceptional and diverse workforce to deliver excellent customer service reinforces our culture and is a key to achieving superior business results.
RLI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
What you'll do
- The Hull & Liability Marine Underwriting Director will underwrite and oversee complex marine accounts, focusing on commercial marine risks. They will also develop relationships with key producers and monitor market trends to support pricing and product strategy.
About RLI Insurance Company
RLI is a U.S.-based specialty insurer that serves niche property, casualty and surety markets. We provide peace of mind to the customers we serve by safeguarding their assets and helping them manage risk. We hire smart, ethical people, make them owners of the business and give them the freedom to succeed. These are the principles that drive our success, and they’re the reasons we have been successful for more than 50 years.
We believe in a different way of doing business and RLI is not what you’d expect from a typical insurance company. Our creative and collaborative workplace is cultivated by employee owners empowered to make good decisions for customers and the business.
We have a reputation for niche expertise, superior service and an entrepreneurial culture. In the industry and among our peers, we’re known for:
The best and brightest people in the industry who build strong relationships and provide outstanding service.
An underwriting focus so we perform well in all market cycles.
Our empowered, creative ownership culture.
A customized approach to developing insurance products to meet very specific needs.
Proven financial strength.
Ready to join RLI Insurance Company?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does RLI Insurance Company pay for a Hull & Liability Marine Underwriting Director?
RLI Insurance Company offers a competitive compensation package for the Hull & Liability Marine Underwriting Director role. The salary range is USD 146k - 212k per year. Apply through Clera to learn more about the full compensation details.
What does a Hull & Liability Marine Underwriting Director do at RLI Insurance Company?
As a Hull & Liability Marine Underwriting Director at RLI Insurance Company, you will: the Hull & Liability Marine Underwriting Director will underwrite and oversee complex marine accounts, focusing on commercial marine risks. They will also develop relationships with key producers and monitor market trends to support pricing and product strategy..
Is the Hull & Liability Marine Underwriting Director position at RLI Insurance Company remote?
The Hull & Liability Marine Underwriting Director position at RLI Insurance Company is based in Seattle, Washington, United States. Contact the company through Clera for specific work arrangement details.
How do I apply for the Hull & Liability Marine Underwriting Director position at RLI Insurance Company?
You can apply for the Hull & Liability Marine Underwriting Director position at RLI Insurance Companydirectly through Clera. Click the "Apply Now" button above to start your application. Clera's AI-powered platform will help match your profile with this opportunity and guide you through the application process.