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.

#LI-CL1

#LI-Remote

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 regulatory requirements and market trends.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager’s leader and Human Resource Business Partner.

Values:  Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions: 

Overtime Eligibility: Not eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions: Normal office environment.

ADA:  The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job.  Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties. 

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 11/08/2025. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged. Nationwide prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.

Smoke-Free Iowa Statement: Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries comply with the Iowa Smokefree Air Act. Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on or around company premises as well as company issued vehicles. The company offers designated smoking areas in which smoking is permitted at each individual location. The Act prohibits retaliation for reporting complaints or violations. For more information on the Iowa Smokefree Air Act, individuals may contact the Smokefree Air Act Helpline at 888-944-2247.

For NY residents please review the following state law information: Notice of Employee Rights, Protections, and Obligations LS740 (ny.gov) https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/ls740_1.pdf

NOTE TO EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES:

We value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. Nationwide does not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. All resumes submitted by employment agencies directly to any Nationwide employee or hiring manager in any form without a signed Nationwide Client Services Agreement on file and search engagement for that position will be deemed unsolicited in nature. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is subsequently hired as a result of the referral or through other means.

Nationwide pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement within the actual starting salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity and location of the role as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. If a Sales job, Sales Incentives, based on performance goals are possible in addition to this range. Note on Compensation for Part-Time Roles: Please be aware that the salary ranges listed below reflect full-time compensation. Actual compensation may be prorated based on the number of hours worked relative to a full-time schedule.

The national salary range for Sr Director, Workers Compensation Program - E&S/Specialty : $136,000.00-$267,000.00

The expected starting salary range for Sr Director, Workers Compensation Program - E&S/Specialty : $142,000.00 - $237,000.00