AVP, Underwriting & Strategic Pricing

Blue Shield of North Carolina•Durham, NC

About The Position

Accountable for the underwriting of group prospects and renewals for both fully-insured and self-funded health & ancillary products. Ensures equitable and consistent application of underwriting principles and strategic pricing practices to drive profitable membership growth across all applicable segments. Key responsibilities include setting performance standards relating to accuracy, timeliness, productivity, and customer satisfaction. Oversees Underwriting systems and technology. Provides strategic leadership for Stop Loss and National business. Due to an internal promotion, Blue Cross NC is seeking a strategic and influential leader to serve as our next AVP, Underwriting & Strategic Pricing. This is a highly visible leadership role at the intersection of growth, risk management, affordability, and financial performance. As a key member of the leadership team, you will shape underwriting and pricing strategy for our Commercial Employer business, helping Blue Cross NC remain competitive in the market while delivering sustainable value for customers, members, and the communities we serve. This leader will partner across Sales, Actuarial, Finance, Product, Network Management, and Operations to drive profitable growth, inform enterprise strategy, and lead a high-performing underwriting organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 10 years of health insurance underwriting experience. OR 12+ years of related underwriting, pricing, or healthcare business experience in lieu of a degree.
Progressive leadership experience within underwriting, strategic pricing, actuarial partnership, or commercial insurance operations.
Strong business and financial acumen, including experience supporting growth, profitability, and forecasting initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and translate complex data into business decisions.
Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and executive presence.

Nice To Haves

MBA or other advanced degree.
Experience supporting Large Group and Commercial Employer markets.
Experience leading complex pricing, underwriting, or business transformation initiatives.
Six Sigma, Lean, or process improvement certification or experience.
Strong understanding of healthcare financing, risk management, and employer-sponsored health plans.

Responsibilities

Lead underwriting and strategic pricing efforts for the Commercial Employer market.
Partner with executive leaders to develop strategies that balance growth, competitiveness, customer retention, and financial performance.
Provide thought leadership and market insights that influence business decisions and enterprise outcomes.
Oversee risk assessment, rate development, underwriting governance, and pricing methodologies.
Analyze market trends, business performance, and profitability drivers to inform strategic recommendations.
Drive forecasting, financial planning, and performance management in partnership with Finance and Actuarial teams.
Lead modernization efforts through process improvement, automation, analytics, and operational excellence initiatives.
Develop and empower a high-performing team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.