EQ & Flood Underwriter
Natural Catastrophe Underwriter (Earthquake / Flood / Wildfire)
Levels: Underwriter | Senior Underwriter | Lead Underwriter | Vice President
Location: California (Remote or Hybrid within CA)
About the Opportunity
We are working with a confidential specialty insurance platform focused on underwriting high‑severity, catastrophe‑exposed property risks in California. The organization operates with strong capital backing, advanced analytics, and a technically sophisticated underwriting culture.
This is a rare opportunity to join a growing CAT underwriting team with real authority, portfolio ownership, and leadership upside, scaling from individual contributor roles through VP‑level positions.
Role Overview
The Natural Catastrophe Underwriter will be responsible for underwriting and managing earthquake, flood, and/or wildfire risks across California. The role will scale in scope and authority based on experience level, from hands‑on underwriting to portfolio and strategy leadership.
Responsibilities (Level‑Appropriate)
Underwriting & Risk Evaluation
- Underwrite earthquake, flood, and wildfire property risks across California
- Analyze CAT model output (RMS, AIR, or equivalent), hazard data, and exposure reports
- Evaluate risk characteristics including construction, occupancy, defensible space, elevation, and mitigation
- Price risks in line with portfolio targets, reinsurance structures, and market conditions
- Maintain underwriting discipline in high‑hazard zones
Portfolio & Exposure Management
- Manage CAT aggregates, PMLs, and geographic concentrations
- Collaborate with actuarial and reinsurance teams on capacity deployment
- Support portfolio optimization and profitability goals
- Assist with new product, program, or underwriting guideline development (senior levels)
Broker & Market Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with wholesale and retail brokers
- Provide responsiveness, technical insight, and creative risk solutions
- Represent the underwriting team in broker meetings and market discussions
Leadership & Strategy (Senior / VP Levels)
- Set underwriting appetite and referral authority
- Approve complex, large‑limit, or non‑standard risks
- Mentor and develop junior underwriting staff
- Contribute to long‑term CAT strategy, growth initiatives, and capital efficiency
Qualifications
Underwriter / Senior Underwriter
- 3-8+ years of property insurance underwriting experience
- Direct experience with earthquake, flood, or wildfire exposures
- Strong understanding of California CAT risk and regulation
- Experience using CAT modeling platforms
- Strong analytical and decision‑making skills
Lead Underwriter / Vice President
- 8-15+ years of catastrophe insurance or reinsurance experience
- Proven success managing CAT‑exposed portfolios in California
- Strong leadership, referral authority, and strategic underwriting capabilities
- Experience launching or scaling catastrophe programs preferred
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary (commensurate with level and experience)
- Performance‑based bonus
- Long‑term incentive or equity participation (senior levels)
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Flexible work environment within California
Why This Role
- Meaningful underwriting authority in one of the most complex CAT markets
- Opportunity to help shape earthquake, flood, and wildfire strategy in California
- Entrepreneurial underwriting culture with strong analytical support
- Clear progression path from technical underwriting to executive leadership
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
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