• Job Description

  Req#: JR-43515

  Summary:

  Direct and manage the operations of an Underwriting unit through the recruitment, selection, training, development, motivation, and salary administration of underwriter staff. Specifically, oversee/coordinate division workflow and manage Underwriting projects, customer service initiatives, work efforts and risk analysis of underwriters, with the goal of ensuring a customer-centered communication focus at the agency level. Participate, coordinate, or independently lead complex projects to include major system and process improvement initiatives in the Underwriting Department. Serve as communication liaison/resource, providing technical problem resolution with field management, agents, company management, other companies, and insurance departments regarding underwriting concerns and issues. Develop, implement, and monitor customer service standards for agency-level staff.

  
  Primary Duties & Responsibilities

  • People Leadership and Management
  • Plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of an Underwriting unit - maintaining departmental service standards and objectives with favorable mortality experience and persistence at the lowest possible net cost.
  • Supervise and direct the work activities and risk analysis of underwriters.
  • Perform all aspects of performance management and career development through goal setting, ongoing assessment, and coaching.
  • Responsible for the development of underwriters through the referral process, individual instruction, case audits, and classroom instruction.
  • Coordinate and implement new underwriting guidelines, practices, and procedures.
  • Operational/Project Management:
  • Participate, coordinate or independently lead complex projects to include major system and process improvement initiatives in the Underwriting Department.
  • Provide leadership to all aspects of these systems and process improvements including workflow, process changes and systems development initiatives.
  • Act as a liaison to other insurance operations departments when implementing initiatives.
  • Execute change management and communication plans.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor customer service standards for the Field Force.
  • Initiate communication to address and resolve technical problems with field management.
  • Recommend and implement improved service strategies/standards to address work efficiencies.(i.e. divisional workflow roles/responsibilities; work area layout/workflow).
  • Coordinate designs, and deliver field visitations programs and videoconference to improve Home Office/Field relationships and to communicate New Business practices and changes.
  • Manage the budget for respective unit.
  • Technical Leadership/Escalation Point.
  • Respond to complex/sensitive customer service complaints and questions in compliance with the National Association of Insurance Commission guidelines.

  
  Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and/or an equivalent combination of education or progressively responsible work experience.
  • Experience may include people management experience, Lead Underwriter Consultant, and training development of underwriters at all levels resulting in performance improvements.
  • Previous life underwriting experience preferred.
  • Track record of obtaining results.
  • Demonstrated skills in relationship building, planning and directing work, decision-making, communication, and change management.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to lead or manage departmental projects or process improvement initiatives.
  • Strong interest in people development with competence in staff selection, assignment, training, development, motivation, and recognition.
  • Superior communication skills with the proven ability to build trusted relationships and successfully negotiate issues with the field, policy owners, and employees.
  • A minimum of seven years of operational experience is preferred.

  Compensation Range:

  Pay Range - Start:

  $92,750.00

  Pay Range - End:

  $172,250.00

  Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

  205 - Structure 110: 102,060.00 USD - 189,540.00 USD

  205 - Structure 115: 106,680.00 USD - 198,120.00 USD

  We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

  Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients' interests at the center of all we do. Get started now!

  Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

• About the company

  The year was 1859. An ox and a passenger train collided just outside Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, and two of our policyowners were killed in the wreck. The claims totaled $3,500, which was $1,500 more than our two-year-old company had on hand. Then President Samuel S. Daggett and his fellow trustees personally borrowed the money to settle the claims, proving that our dedication to our clients is as old as the company itself.

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