Actuarial Analyst - Commercial Lines

What we do

We provide savings on insurance premiums for commercial businesses that are leveraging modern technology on their worksites.

While we began with commercial construction, we're expanding into adjacent sectors, including Energy, Agriculture, and Real Estate.

Our investors

To date, Shepherd has raised over $20M from leading investors, including:

• Y Combinator – W21 cohort

• Susa Ventures – lead our Pre-Seed round

• Spark Capital - lead our Seed round

• Costanoa Ventures + Intact Ventures – lead our Series A round

• And several more.

Our team

We're a team of technologists and insurance enthusiasts, bridging the two worlds together. Check out our team page to meet some of us!

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Actuarial Analyst to join our actuarial team supporting multiple commercial lines of business, including General Liability, Workers' Compensation, Inland Marine, and Excess Casualty. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on executing rigorous insurance analysis, collaborating cross-functionally, and delivering precise, actionable insights that drive competitive advantage.

As an Actuarial Analyst, you will be the bridge between market intelligence, regulatory requirements, and data-driven product decisions. You will play a critical role in ensuring our products remain competitive while maintaining compliance across all jurisdictions where we operate.

Key Responsibilities

Data Analytics & Performance Monitoring (50%)

• Write SQL queries to extract and analyze data related to premium volumes, loss ratios, exposure metrics, and rate change impacts from internal PostgreSQL databases

• Develop and maintain spreadsheet-based models for competitive analysis and rate monitoring

• Create interactive BI dashboards using Metabase or similar platforms to track key product performance metrics

• Support data transformation processes using dbt for analytics and reporting workflows

• Conduct analytical work including rating factor impact analysis, product performance summaries, and segmentation studies to support product design and optimization

• Perform loss ratio analysis by line of business, territory, and risk characteristics to identify profitable segments and areas of concern

• Support actuarial and underwriting teams with data extraction and analysis for pricing studies and rate filings

Competitive Intelligence & Market Analysis (50%)

• Conduct comprehensive competitor analysis of rate and form filings across all commercial lines, utilizing SERFF, S&P Capital IQ Pro, and other regulatory databases to identify market trends and competitive positioning

• Analyze filings, rate manuals, underwriting guidelines, and coverage forms from industry resources including ISO manuals and NCCI data to develop detailed benchmarks and strategic recommendations

• Research and track competitor product launches, rate changes, and form modifications to inform product development and pricing strategies

• Prepare competitive analysis reports with recommendations for product enhancements, rate adjustments, and market positioning

• Research and draft comprehensive responses to rate-related objections, ensuring actuarial justification is provided

Required Qualifications

Experience & Education

• 2-5 years of experience in commercial insurance product analysis, actuarial, underwriting, or competitive analysis functions

• Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Finance, or related analytical field

• Demonstrated experience with commercial insurance products and insurance data analytics

• Actuarial exams such as P, FM, MAS-I, MAS-II, 5 (preferred but not required)

Technical Skills

• Advanced SQL proficiency for data extraction, manipulation, and analysis from PostgreSQL databases

• SERFF system knowledge including navigation, filing preparation, and objection response processes

• Advanced spreadsheet modeling skills for financial analysis and data manipulation

• Experience with industry databases and tools including ISO manuals, NCCI data, and regulatory research platforms

• Python experience for advanced analytics (preferred but not required)

Insurance Knowledge

• Understanding of commercial insurance products including rating methodologies and underwriting guidelines

• Knowledge of state insurance filings process

• Understanding of ISO forms, NCCI guidelines, and industry standard practices

• Understanding of actuarial concepts including loss development, rate adequacy, and predictive modeling principles

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to translate data into insights and recommendations

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, especially for time-sensitive regulatory deliverables

• Clear communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences

• Cross-functional collaboration experience working with actuarial, underwriting, compliance, and product management teams
  

Benefits 

🏥 Premium Healthcare
100% contribution to top-tier health, dental, and vision

🏖️ Unlimited PTO
Flexibility to take the time off, recharge, and perform

🥗 Daily lunches, dinners, and snacks
We work together, and enjoy meals together too

🖥️ SF, NYC, or Dallas-Fort Worth Offices
Premium office spaces on both coasts with daily lunches provided

📚 Professional Development
Access to premium coaching, including leadership development

🏦 401(k) Plan
Competitive 401(k) plan offered

🐶 Dog-friendly office
Plenty of dogs to play with and make friends with in the SF office