CNA

AVP, Underwriting - West (Technology P&C)

Walnut Creek, CA, USA Full time

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. 

JOB DESCRIPTION:

For over three decades, CNA has been a trusted provider of insurance solutions for technology companies of all sizes, from emerging startups to global enterprises—across software, IT services, hardware, media, and telecommunications. Our Global Technology Practice delivers specialized coverage including Technology Errors & Omissions (Tech E&O), Cyber Liability, comprehensive international solutions, to complement our traditional Property & Casualty lines.

With deep industry expertise, flexible capabilities, and a collaborative approach, we craft innovative insurance programs tailored to the unique needs of each client. CNA remains the carrier of choice for our valued agent and broker partners.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership capabilities, guiding a team of underwriters in executing business strategy and driving sustainable production. Success in this role requires established industry relationships, demonstrated sales and marketing acumen, and the ability to navigate complex underwriting challenges. Candidates should bring a proven track record of progressive underwriting success within a carrier and/or broker environment, with experience spanning technology-focused solutions. A broad background across Middle Market Property & Casualty, Errors & Omissions, and Cyber products is strongly preferred.

Job Description Summary

This officer-level role is responsible for leading underwriting excellence across CNA’s established and strategically critical Middle Market Technology Property & Casualty portfolio in the West. As one of the most mature and influential technology markets in North America, the West represents a core pillar of CNA’s technology strategy and a key driver of sustained, profitable growth.

The position oversees a people leader and a high-performing team of underwriters, building on a strong historical foundation while deepening market presence and positioning the portfolio for continued expansion in a highly competitive, innovation-driven landscape.

The successful candidate will drive strategic execution by aligning underwriting practices, policies, and initiatives with company objectives. This role requires strong leadership, deep industry insight, and the ability to craft innovative insurance solutions that support continued growth and profitability in a dynamic and evolving market.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Leads the execution of strategic objectives, underwriting strategies, and best practices with meaningful impact on the short‑ and long‑term performance of the product line or segment.
     

  • Drives sustained profitability, growth, and operational effectiveness by actively assessing risk tolerance, market conditions, appetite, and emerging risk considerations.

  • Evaluates underwriting performance through financial and operational analysis, including rate, reserve adequacy, planning, and product reviews; communicates results to underwriting leadership and develops action plans to address identified opportunities or issues.

  • Oversees the utilization and profitability of alternative pricing programs, ensuring alignment with strategic and financial objectives.

  • Ensures consistent adherence to underwriting authority, audit standards, and catastrophe management practices across the product line or segment.

  • Partners closely with Risk Control, Actuarial, Claims, Worldwide Operations, and Compliance to address governance, regulatory, and compliance considerations related to underwriting practices.

  • Provides leadership and guidance in the development and enhancement of underwriting tools, training resources, and technical capabilities.

  • Leads, develops, and holds full management accountability for staff within the area of responsibility, with a strong emphasis on talent development, performance management, and succession planning.

  • Partners in the development of underwriting strategies, guidelines, and position papers for emerging risks and issues, as appropriate.

  • Maintains strong relationships with branches, brokers, agents, and customers to gain market insight, assess risk tolerance and appetite, and identify emerging issues and opportunities.

Reporting Relationship

Global Head of Technology

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

  • Strong technical expertise in underwriting principles, practices, and methodologies within the insurance discipline.

  • Proven ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with internal and external business partners at all levels within a team‑based and matrixed environment.

  • Demonstrated leadership and people management capabilities, grounded in integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.

  • Ability to drive results through analysis, problem identification, and effective resolution within scope of responsibility.

  • Comprehensive knowledge of the insurance industry, including products, services, and market dynamics.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and other business-related systems and tools.

Education & Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree with master’s preferred in a related discipline, or equivalent.
2. Typically, a minimum of 10 years of related work experience, with five years management experience. 

In certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $152,000 to $242,000 annually. Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees – and their family members – achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals.  For a detailed look at CNA’s benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com.

CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact leaveadministration@cna.com