Chief Underwriter (Life Insurance)

#LI-Remote

Overview

Core Responsibilities

• Provides strong leadership, development, vision and strategic direction to the underwriting function.
• Develops and implements procedures, practices, and processes to ensure organizational objectives such as operational excellence, exceptional customer service and appropriate business risk, mortality and morbidity objectives are understood and achieved.
• Drives efforts to modernize and transform procedures, controls and technology within underwriting to enhance sales growth, efficiency and customer experience.
• Provides direction and guidance on industry trends and best practices and shares Underwriting perspective on Division wide initiatives.
• Responsible for developing highly skilled professionals and for overall performance of Underwriting operations. In concert with Medical Director responsible for training underwriters.
• Performs second signature reviews on most complex cases. Along with Medical Director, performs audits of underwriter decisions as part of their performance evaluations and development.
• Establishes underwriting strategy and ensures consistent processes and standards are in place and adhered to by underwriters across all teams.
• Partners with reinsurers and product team to identify and develop underwriting niches and growth opportunities.
• Proactively identifies and determines impact and or action needed for upcoming regulatory requirements. Participates in internal/external audits and collaborates on antifraud and litigation compliance

Skills Qualifications

• Expert understanding of: all risk factors relating to mortality risk management (medical, financial, occupational, environmental, etc.; insurance principles
• Ability to balance distribution needs with mortality results; demonstrated strong risk management skills
• Ability to influence and persuade using compelling arguments to gain the support and commitment across the organization
• Ability to think strategically and create new and better ways for the underwriting department and organization to be successful
• Makes good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward; combines analysis, wisdom, experience and judgment in decision quality
• Ability to prioritize, negotiate and work with a variety of external and internal stakeholders; ability to interface with all levels of management
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills; creates a climate where people are motivated to their best to help the organization achieve its objectives
• Builds strong teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals
• Develops and delivers communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences
• Team development
• KPI/Goal setting and performance management
• Build foundation of trust and open communication
• Effectively lead team through change

Education

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum of 10 - 15 years of experience, with advanced underwriting acumen in the insurance industry required
• Holds FALU, FLMI and/or CLU industry designation

Compensation

The wage range for this role takes into account a broad array of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.  The range below applies as long as the work is performed in Connecticut; the Knights of Columbus reserves the right to adjust the wage range if the position is performed in another location.  At the Knights of Columbus, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $126,100 - $220,500.

Authorization to work in the United States is required.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Physical Demands