Sr Director, Workers Compensation Programs - E&S/Specialty

If you’re passionate about helping people protect what matters most to them, as well as innovating and simplifying processes and operations to provide the best customer value, then Nationwide’s Property and Casualty team could be the place for you! At Nationwide®, “on your side” goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we’re looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.

15+ years managerial experience in Workers Compensation (WC) both from a carrier and MGU perspective. Knowledge of the WC marketplace, general agency and program manager distribution system. Experience in placement and administration of reinsurance on a treaty basis as well as facultative placements. Experience in negotiations, influencing and leading, maintaining relationships, building effective teams, and driving results. Technical skills as well as interpersonal savvy, problem solving and strategic thinking.

This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization.  Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program.

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Job Description Summary

Are you a visionary underwriting leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation, strategy, and execution? Do you have a passion for solving complex risk challenges while building high-performing teams and driving market-leading solutions? If so, we want to hear from you.

As the Sr Director, Workers Compensation Programs – E&S/Specialty, you will lead the transformation and underwriting performance of our E&S/Specialty WC Programs portfolio. You’ll be responsible for developing and executing underwriting strategies that drive profitable growth and ensure operational excellence across program relationships. This role requires a dynamic leader with deep technical workers compensation underwriting expertise, strong business and industry acumen, and a collaborative mindset to influence across functions and with external partners.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute short & long-term underwriting strategies aligned with enterprise & Program goals.

• Develop portfolio management capabilities; upskilling staff and partners on leading metrics that drive business performance

• Lead innovation in small/middle market risk solutions including high deductibles

• Identify and evaluate new program opportunities and lead cross-functional due diligence and implementation.

• Serve as the senior technical authority for complex underwriting decisions

• Approve high-complexity accounts exceeding program manager and underwriter authority.

• Oversee the development and maintenance of underwriting guidelines, rates, forms, and compliance protocols.

• Direct operational processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and scalability across underwriting functions.

• Lead audits, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Collaborate with operations, data, technology, actuarial, claims, and legal to ensure seamless integration of systems and data.

• Cultivate strategic relationships with program administrators, reinsurers, brokers, and other key stakeholders.

• Represent the organization at industry events and forums to promote brand and thought leadership.

• Monitor market trends and competitive intelligence to inform strategy.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned. 

Reporting Relationships: Reports to Sr AVP and a leads a team of 4-7 underwriting professionals.

Typical Skills and Experiences: 

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in business, Risk Management, or related field required. Advanced degree (MBA, JD) or professional designations (CPCU, RPLU, ARM) preferred.

Experience:  10 years WC underwriting with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role preferably in a market leading program organization.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: 

• Deep technical underwriting knowledge across multiple states in workers compensation.

• Strategic thinker with strong execution and project management capabilities.

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and managing P&L responsibilities.

• Ability to build, develop, and engage a high performing team.

• Deep understanding of insurance industry, including regula