Find & Apply For Chief Operating Officer Jobs in Culver City, California

About Us Sunset National Insurance Company is a newly licensed property and casualty insurance carrier writing commercial multi-peril and surety products. We are privately capitalized and are building a disciplined, service-driven carrier from the ground up. This is a founding leadership opportunity. The President & COO will help shape the company's underwriting philosophy, operating model, and culture from day one. Position Summary We are seeking an experienced insurance executive to serve as President & Chief Operating Officer . This individual will hold full responsibility for the company's underwriting results and day-to-day operations across both commercial multi-peril and surety lines. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution. In a start-up environment, the President & COO is expected to build the operating infrastructure, recruit the core team, establish distribution relationships, and personally participate in underwriting and operational decisions — not simply delegate them. Key Duties and Responsibilities Underwriting and Profitability Own the company's overall underwriting result, including loss ratio, expense ratio, and combined ratio performance Establish underwriting guidelines, appetite, and authority levels for commercial multi-peril and surety lines Direct surety credit underwriting, including contractor financial analysis, work-in-progress review, and determination of single and aggregate bonding capacity Oversee commercial multi-peril package underwriting, class appetite, catastrophe aggregation, and exposure management Monitor portfolio performance and take corrective pricing or appetite action when results deteriorate Operations and Infrastructure Build and manage the company's operating model, including underwriting workflow, policy issuance, bond execution, billing, and customer service Select, implement, and govern core systems: policy administration, billing, claims, and reporting platforms Establish and enforce service standards for agents and policyholders, with particular attention to bond turnaround time Determine which functions are performed in-house versus outsourced, and manage third-party administrators, actuarial consultants, and other vendors Manage operating expenses with discipline appropriate to a pre-revenue, growth-stage carrier Distribution and Growth Develop and manage relationships with retail agents, wholesalers, and surety bond producers Build the company's distribution strategy and appointment process Represent the company in the marketplace and within industry associations Execute a disciplined growth plan that prioritizes underwriting profitability over premium volume Financial, Regulatory, and Risk Management Work with the CFO and consulting actuaries on reserving, statutory reporting, and financial planning Ensure compliance with all state insurance department requirements, including rate and form filings Support reinsurance strategy and participate in treaty negotiations for both lines Manage capital and surplus utilization, including premium-to-surplus leverage and surety net retention Support rating agency and Treasury certification processes as applicable Leadership and Governance Recruit, develop, and retain the underwriting, operations, and service teams Establish company culture, performance standards, and accountability Report regularly to the Board of Directors on results, risks, and strategic progress Serve as an officer of the company, subject to regulatory approval Required Qualifications Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in the property and casualty insurance industry, including direct responsibility for underwriting results or a profit center Demonstrated ownership of a book of business, division, or program with accountability for loss ratio and profitability Direct experience in surety , commercial multi-peril , or both Working knowledge of statutory accounting principles, including surplus, risk-based capital, and reserve adequacy Experience building or managing insurance operations, including systems, workflow, and service delivery Established distribution relationships with agents, brokers, or surety producers Ability to satisfy all regulatory requirements for service as an officer of a licensed insurer, including completion of an NAIC Biographical Affidavit and third-party background verification Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience Preferred Qualifications Prior experience launching a carrier, managing general agency, program, or new division Surety credit underwriting experience, including General Indemnity Agreements, collateral, and default resolution Experience with reinsurance treaty structuring and negotiation Experience with policy administration system selection and implementation Professional designation such as

AFSB , CPCU

, or CPA Active involvement in industry associations (SFAA, NASBP, NAMIC, APCIA) What We Offer Competitive base salary and performance-based annual incentive Meaningful equity participation Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage Retirement plan with company contribution The opportunity to build a carrier from the ground up and own the outcome To Apply Submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing your underwriting results and operational leadership experience to ben@sunsetequitygroup.com . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Sunset National Insurance Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

Pay:

$200,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person