Position Summary:
The Product Head is responsible for driving the underwriting strategy and aligning the supporting talent and capital to drive results for a given product. They build and/or contribute to the partnerships needed internally and externally to deliver. They provide transparency and ensure metrics and reporting on their product are source of truth. And they provide additional support to the MGU as relates to their product. This role collaborates with MGU President / MD to ensure they are delivering on targets. They promote a culture consistent with Ryan’s values and ensure a sustainable business result.
Location:
Toronto - Ontario
What will your job entail?
Responsibilities:
Drive Product Strategy and Portfolio Performance
- Define and execute product underwriting strategy aligned with capital provider appetite, premium objectives, target loss ratios, portfolio mix, and growth goals.
- Own portfolio performance across premium, new business, renewals, profitability, geographic distribution, line of business mix, and key loss drivers.
- Establish underwriting guidelines, referral practices, compliance standards, and first-line risk management controls.
- Continuously evaluate and enhance product offerings, including opportunities for geographic expansion and market growth.
- Partner with actuarial and pricing teams to develop, maintain, and refine pricing models and supporting analytics.
- Coordinate bespoke capital solutions and collaborate with capital providers, RSUM, and MGU leadership as needed.
- Recruit, develop, and retain top underwriting talent while building succession plans and appropriately delegating authority.
Build Strategic Partnerships
- Cultivate and manage key external relationships, including TPAs, service providers, data partners, and other strategic vendors that enhance product performance.
- Collaborate with shared service teams including actuarial, legal, compliance, finance, and operations to align resources and address business needs.
- Share best practices, market intelligence, and performance insights across the organization to support broader enterprise success.
Serve as the Product Portfolio Authority
- Establish and monitor portfolio health metrics that provide actionable insights to leadership, capital providers, and other stakeholders.
- Deliver transparent, accurate, and timely reporting on underwriting, operational, and financial performance.
- Ensure the integrity and quality of all product and portfolio-related data, reporting, and analytics.
Support Overall MGU Growth and Operations
- Partner with distribution and business development teams to strengthen broker and market relationships.
- Lead product-specific marketing strategies aligned with enterprise brand and growth objectives.
- Contribute to business planning, forecasting, staffing models, and compensation strategies for assigned product lines.
- Monitor production trends and portfolio performance, proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and variances to plan.
- Support executive reporting, KPI management, and strategic planning activities.
- Ensure operating plans and business initiatives effectively support current and future product needs.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Risk Management, Actuarial Science, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Experience
- 10+ years of Property & Casualty underwriting experience.
- Proven experience leading product strategy, portfolio management, and underwriting teams.
- Demonstrated success managing profitability, growth, and capital partner relationships.
Licenses and Certifications
- Active Property & Casualty and/or Surplus Lines license required.
- Professional designations such as CPCU, ARM, AU-M, or equivalent preferred.
Key Competencies
Technical Expertise
- Property & Casualty Underwriting
- Commercial Lines Underwriting
- Portfolio and Financial Management
- Pricing and Market Analytics
- Regulatory Compliance
- Underwriting Systems and Technology Solutions
- Market Intelligence and Competitive Analysis
Leadership Capabilities
- Strategic Thinking: Translates market insights and business objectives into profitable growth strategies.
- Execution Excellence: Drives accountability, operational discipline, and measurable business results.
- Influence and Collaboration: Builds strong relationships, earns trust, and effectively aligns diverse stakeholders.
- Talent Leadership: Attracts, develops, and retains high-performing teams while fostering a culture of growth and accountability.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset: Identifies opportunities, embraces innovation, and balances risk with growth objectives.
Why this role matters
This leader serves as the ultimate owner of product strategy, portfolio performance, underwriting discipline, and talent leadership, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability while delivering exceptional value to brokers, insureds, and capital partners.
Disclaimer
Ryan Specialty is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building and sustaining a diverse workforce throughout the organization. Our vision is an inclusive and equitable workplace where all employees are valued for and evaluated on their performance and contributions. Differences in race, creed, color, religious beliefs, physical or mental capabilities, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and many other characteristics bring together varied perspectives and add value to the service we provide our clients, trading partners, and communities. This policy extends to all aspects of our employment practices, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, discipline, firing, promoting, transferring, compensation, benefits, training, leaves of absence, and other terms, conditions, and benefits of employment.
