Director, Corporate Programs

Merchants•Buffalo, NY

1d•$135,000 - $195,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Merchants Insurance Group is a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast and is looking for an experienced Director, Corporate Programs to join our Corporate Headquarters located in Buffalo, New York. The Director, Corporate Programs is a member of the Officer Team, and is responsible for providing leadership for all program business across the organization, with full accountability for the performance, growth, and profitability of the book. This role is responsible for driving the success of our program portfolio by partnering closely with external managing general agents, program administrators, reinsurers, brokers, and internal business units to deliver differentiated products and services. Merchants Insurance Group, rated A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook by the A.M. Best Company, is proud to be one of Buffalo Business First ’s Best Places to Work in Western New York (2023-2025), a Fast Track company (2019-2025), and a Top Private Company (2019-2025). Merchants was also granted the Ward’s 50® designation as a top-performing property-casualty insurance company for four consecutive years (2021-2024) and has been granted the Ivans Spark Award for innovation (2024-2025). In October 2024, Newsweek and Statista included Merchants Insurance Group on their first-ever America’s Most Reliable Companies list, which highlights organizations that other companies can feel confident doing business with in 2025. Of 1,500 B2B companies evaluated, Merchants was one of only 300 companies to make the list. Merchants offers its colleagues a Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule requires 8 days per month in the office, with the option to work the remaining days at home or in the office. This exciting Hybrid Work benefit offers colleagues a flexible work schedule with the ability to remain connected with their Merchants team and colleagues.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in applicable discipline.
10+ years of relevant work experience; specialized program underwriting experience.
5+ years management experience.
Or a combination of education and experience as noted above.
Effective communication and organizational skills required.
Solid commercial lines underwriting background required.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to flex their personal style to build trust and open communication.
Ability to resolve conflict through persuasive and effective communication and consensus building.
Able to work collaboratively within large and small groups, as well as one on one to achieve desired results.
Ability to champion mission and values and build commitment to organizational strategy.
Ability to manage numerous projects simultaneously to include resource allocation and acquisition, scheduling, managing budgets, coaching and training.

Nice To Haves

CPCU or other insurance related coursework required desirable.
Knowledge of Product Development activities is desirable.

Responsibilities

Lead the vision, direction, and ongoing management of all corporate program initiatives, ensuring strong alignment with enterprise growth objectives.
Identify, evaluate, and pursue new program opportunities and enhancements by analyzing market trends, distribution channels, competitive dynamics, and customer needs.
Build strong relationships with Program Administrators and distribution partners to drive premium growth, strengthen retention, and expand market presence.
Direct the research, development, and optimization of program products, including coverage design, endorsements, forms, rating, and pricing.
Own program performance, including direct responsibility for achieving loss ratio, premium, and profitability goals.
Oversee underwriting guidelines, technical support, compliance oversight, and referral handling across all programs.
Coordinate with reinsurers on underwriting strategy, adherence to treaty requirements, and results management.

Benefits

Welcoming and positive work environment.
Colleague Appreciation events.
Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule will require 8 full days per month in the office, with the option to work the remaining days per month at home or in the office
Flexible work arrangements, including flex scheduling and summer hours.
Competitive pay scale.
Generous paid time off package.
Full Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, 401(k) employer match amount is 100% up to 6% of your annual contributions. You are immediately 100% vested in the employer match dollars.
Outstanding company bonus programs.
Tuition Reimbursement.
And many more exciting company benefits!!