Vice President - Program Manager, Delegated Authority

Experience Aviva

Individually, we are people, but together we are Aviva. Individually, these are just words, but together they are our Values: Care, Commitment, Community, and Confidence.

At Aviva, we help customers build resilience and move forward with confidence. We foster an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, innovation is encouraged, and colleagues are empowered to grow their careers while making a meaningful impact.

The Opportunity

The Vice President, Program Manager – Delegated Authority is a senior leadership role responsible for helping build, execute, and scale Aviva Specialty’s delegated underwriting authority strategy.

Reporting to the Head of Delegated Underwriting Authority and Portfolio Solutions, this role will lead underwriting strategy, portfolio performance, and governance across delegated authority arrangements, with accountability for disciplined growth, profitability, and strong partner relationships.

The successful candidate will work across underwriting, actuarial, pricing, claims, reinsurance, finance, distribution, data, and operations to identify attractive opportunities, establish fit-for-purpose underwriting frameworks, and ensure delegated portfolios operate within Aviva Specialty’s risk appetite.

This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in building a differentiated delegated authority platform within a growing U.S. specialty insurance business.

What You’ll Do

• Partner with the Head of Delegated Underwriting Authority and Portfolio Execution to develop and execute a multi-year delegated authority roadmap aligned with Aviva Specialty’s strategy, risk appetite, and growth priorities.
• Lead underwriting strategy and execution across delegated authority arrangements, including program selection, underwriting guidelines, authority structures, referral protocols, pricing expectations, and portfolio controls.
• Identify, assess, and advance new delegated authority opportunities in partnership with underwriting, actuarial, pricing, claims, reinsurance, distribution, finance, legal, compliance, data, and operations.
• Lead underwriting due diligence for prospective managing general agents, program administrators, and other delegated partners, evaluating underwriting capabilities, controls, data quality, distribution, claims practices, and strategic alignment.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with delegated and capacity partners; support commercial and contract negotiations and establish clear performance expectations, governance standards, and escalation protocols.
• Oversee underwriting performance, governance, and optimization of delegated authority agreements, with accountability for premium, profitability, loss ratio, rate adequacy, retention, aggregation, expenses, and overall portfolio health.
• Own or materially influence the delegated authority underwriting P&L, business plan, forecasts, and performance reviews, providing clear strategic recommendations to senior and executive leadership.
• Leverage portfolio data and analytics to identify trends, emerging risks, and performance drivers, ensuring appropriate reporting, pricing, exposure management, and decision-support tools are in place.
• Establish and maintain portfolio review, audit, bordereaux, referral, and remediation disciplines that support underwriting quality, regulatory compliance, and effective risk management.
• Monitor concentrations, catastrophe and systemic exposures, emerging risks, and market developments; recommend corrective actions, changes in appetite, or reinsurance solutions as appropriate.
• Partner with claims leadership to evaluate claims trends, strengthen feedback loops, and incorporate insights into underwriting guidelines, partner oversight, and portfolio actions.
• Partner with technology, data, and operations leaders to develop scalable solutions and ensure infrastructure, controls, and resources keep pace with portfolio growth and complexity.
• Translate strategy into annual business plans, key performance indicators, and measurable objectives; lead forecasting, business reviews, and portfolio action planning.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team, fostering accountability, collaboration, sound judgment, and continuous improvement.
• Represent Aviva Specialty with brokers, delegated partners, capacity providers, and industry stakeholders, helping position the organization as a disciplined and valued market partner.

What You’ll Bring

• 15+ years of insurance industry experience, including at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.
• 5+ years of technical experience within an insurance carrier, such as underwriting, product, claims, actuarial, or reinsurance; direct delegated authority, programs, or portfolio management experience strongly preferred.
• Deep understanding of insurance financials, portfolio dynamics, underwriting economics, and the delegated authority business model.
• Demonstrated experience managing or materially influencing underwriting P&L, portfolio performance, and strategic business plans.
• Proven ability to evaluate delegated partners and programs, establish underwriting frameworks, and govern performance against agreed expectations.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional strategic initiatives and translating strategy into practical execution.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate, and collaborate with senior executives and external partners.
• Advanced analytical capabilities and a strong track record of using data to inform underwriting, portfolio, and investment decisions.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting to senior and executive leadership.
• Proven ability to lead teams through change, ambiguity, and organizational transformation in a build-oriented environment.
• High degree of professional integrity, judgment, accountability, and business acumen.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Risk Management, Finance, or a related field preferred.
• CIP, CPCU, or equivalent insurance designation preferred.

What You’ll Gain

At Aviva Specialty, we put people first: our colleagues, our customers, and our communities. We are building a culture grounded in care, inclusion, and collaboration, where your voice matters and your work can directly shape a growing U.S. specialty insurance business.

• Base salary range of $200,000–$300,000. Individual compensation is determined based on factors including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, internal equity, and market considerations.
• Competitive rewards package, including base compensation, eligibility for an annual bonus, retirement savings, health benefits, and volunteer opportunities.
• Hybrid, flexible work model.
• Outstanding career development opportunities.
• Competitive vacation package.

Additional Role Information

Travel Requirements: Up to 40% travel for delegated partner and broker engagements, executive leadership meetings, portfolio reviews, strategic planning sessions, industry conferences, and cross-functional business initiatives.

Physical Requirements: This position is primarily performed in an office or remote work environment and requires prolonged periods of computer use, analysis of complex business and underwriting data, communication with internal and external stakeholders, and participation in virtual and in-person meetings.

Aviva Specialty welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and has a process in place to provide accommodations for persons with disabilities at all stages of the hiring process and during employment. If you require an accommodation during the interview or hiring process, please contact your Aviva Talent Acquisition Partner so that an appropriate accommodation can be arranged.