Role Description

The Director of Surplus Lines & Compliance is responsible for the day-to-day execution and oversight of surplus lines compliance, agent appointments, and regulatory operational processes across Novatae’s wholesale divisions. This role is responsible for leading a team and ensuring accurate filings, adherence to state-specific surplus lines requirements, and timely agency appointments. The position partners closely with brokerage, underwriting, accounting, licensing, and external vendors to maintain compliance while supporting efficient business operations.

• Manage surplus lines compliance operations including affidavits, tax filings, stamping office submissions, audits, and diligent search requirements.
• Oversee agent and market appointments and renewals across all applicable states.
• Coordinate with third-party vendors and platforms supporting surplus lines filings.
• Coordinate with corporate licensing to ensure compliance with state-specific producer licensing requirements.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of regulatory submissions and internal compliance documentation.
• Partner with accounting and finance teams to reconcile surplus lines taxes and related reporting.
• Maintain internal compliance procedures, checklists, and documentation standards for wholesale operations.
• Support internal audits, carrier reviews, and regulatory inquiries by gathering documentation and coordinating responses.
• Track regulatory deadlines and ensure proactive compliance with state-specific requirements.
• Assist with onboarding and offboarding compliance requirements for producers and staff.
• Identify process improvement opportunities to streamline compliance workflows and reduce operational risk.
• Provide guidance and training to internal teams regarding surplus lines and licensing requirements.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of experience in surplus lines, agency appointments, or compliance operations within wholesale insurance, MGA/MGU, or brokerage environments.
• Demonstrated team leadership with experience in process and quality improvement, organizational design, and issue resolution.
• Strong working knowledge of state surplus lines laws, stamping office processes, and producer licensing requirements.
• Experience working with licensing and compliance systems such as RegEd, AgentSync, NIPR, or surplus lines filing platforms.
• Demonstrated experience supporting audits, carrier reviews, or regulatory inquiries.
• Prior experience managing vendors or external compliance partners preferred.

Requirements

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills with close attention to regulatory detail.
• Ability to manage high-volume, deadline-driven compliance activities.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration skills across operations, finance, and brokerage teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and compliance tracking systems.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving skills within established regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Insurance, Risk Management, or a related field preferred.
• Industry certifications (CIC, CPCU, ARM) are a plus but not required.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Office work involves working at a desk most of the time, using a stand-up/sit-down adjustable desk.
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Typing, grasping, and repetitive motion typically is required every day.
• Walking and standing are required occasionally.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At World Insurance Associates (WIA), we celebrate and support our differences. We know employing a team rich in diverse thoughts, experiences, and opinions allows our employees, our products, and our community to flourish. WIA is honored to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are dedicated to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or Veteran status. In addition, WIA makes reasonable accommodations to known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.