Life Underwriting Manager

At Northwestern Mutual, we are strong, innovative and growing. We invest in our people. We care and make a positive difference.

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

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