Director, Program Manager

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential. 

This position leads the strategic management and performance of assigned programs within CNA’s P&C Programs unit. The position is accountable for program profitability, growth, and overall business performance, partnering closely with Program Administrators to define and execute strategies that drive sustainable, profitable growth.

This position serves as a key liaison across underwriting, product, actuarial, and claims to ensure strong program execution, operational effectiveness, and alignment with CNA’s broader business objectives.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

Drive Program Strategy & Profitability

• Own the financial performance of assigned programs, including profitability, growth, and portfolio health
• Develop and execute new and renewal business strategies aligned to profit and growth objectives
• Leverage data, analytics, and portfolio insights to identify opportunities and drive performance improvements

Lead Program Administrator Relationships

• Serve as the primary relationship leader with Program Administrators, establishing clear goals, expectations, and performance accountability
• Develop and maintain strategic engagement plans to drive alignment and long-term partnership success
• Communicate CNA’s priorities and performance expectations through regular, structured interactions

Oversee Underwriting & Program Governance

• Establish and maintain underwriting guidelines, policies, and procedures for assigned programs
• Provide oversight of underwriting quality, referrals, and decision-making to ensure adherence to CNA standards
• Lead internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with regulatory and company guidelines

Drive Cross-Functional Execution

• Partner with product, actuarial, claims, compliance, and operations teams to support program strategy and execution
• Ensure alignment across functions to optimize underwriting outcomes and customer experience
• Support product development and innovation efforts for new and existing programs

Optimize Operations & Processes

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and service delivery
• Drive operational consistency across programs while enabling flexibility for program-specific needs

Manage End-to-End Program Performance

• Oversee all aspects of program execution, including underwriting, pricing, marketing, compliance, and service delivery
• Monitor performance trends and proactively address risks or gaps impacting program success

May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

VP, P&C Programs

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Industry Knowledge

Knowledge of the insurance industry as a whole, specifically the P&C Programs sector

Program & Portfolio Management

Strong ability to manage program performance using financial and operational metrics to drive profitable growth

Underwriting & Technical Expertise

Technical and product specific expertise, underwriting skill and knowledge of insurance and underwriting principles, practices and procedures. Experience with ISO and proprietary forms and rating plans for both admitted and non-admitted business.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Ability to analyze complex data and translate insights into actionable business strategies

Governance & Risk Management

Strong understanding of compliance, audit processes, and risk controls within underwriting programs

Cross-Functional Leadership

Experience collaborating across internal business units to deliver business results

Operational Excellence

Demonstrated ability to handle multiple and varied assignments, and to improve processes, workflows, and operating models to increase efficiency and effectiveness

Relationship Management

Advanced communication, networking ability and relationship-building skills with both internal and external partners

Change Agility

Exhibits change agility, quickly adjusting strategies and behaviors to support evolving business priorities