Shepherd
Subcontractor Default Underwriting Lead
$200K–$240K
San Francisco +4 · On-site · Full-time · Posted Oct 19, 2026
- Location
- San Francisco
New York City
Los Angeles
DFW
Chicago - Experience
- 8+ years of underwriting experience; significant direct SDI underwriting experience, or contract surety underwriting with meaningful SDI exposure.
- Education
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
About the job
Lead the launch and profitable growth of Shepherd’s Subcontractor Default Insurance (SDI) product, setting underwriting strategy and building the underwriting team and supporting processes.
What you'll do
- Define SDI strategy, underwriting guidelines, authority, referral rules, and rating approach; underwrite new and renewal programs.
- Partner with capacity partners and Product, Engineering, and Data to build the insurance program and underwriting workflows.
- Manage portfolio performance and broker development, and hire, coach, and grow SDI underwriters.
What they ask for
- Significant direct SDI underwriting experience at an established carrier or program; contract surety underwriters with meaningful SDI exposure may also be considered.
- Demonstrated ability to build and grow an SDI portfolio profitably, with strong financial analysis and knowledge of contractor prequalification and management.
- Established regional or national broker relationships and experience leading, mentoring, or managing underwriters.
- Willingness to travel about 25%; bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
Nice to have
- Background in construction accounting, finance, or law.
Pay
USD 200,000 – 240,000 base salary
Model-written summary · the original posting is authoritative