Chief Underwriter (Life Insurance)

knightsofc•New Haven, CT

81d•Remote

About The Position

Develop and execute life insurance underwriting strategy for KofC's operations. Chief Underwriter is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the underwriting team. The role will also recommend and implement changes to modernize platforms and risk assessment guidelines, enhance profitable growth and ensure risk assumptions are met. Core to the role is the ability to maintain strong relationships internally and externally (with distribution partners, reinsurers, and vendors.) Implement controls necessary to ensure mortality and morbidity results protect against fraud and anti-selection and adhere to the best cost model. Provides secondary underwriting reviews of high-profile and large-amount files. Takes the lead on large (multi-million dollar), complex cases. Coordinates intradepartmental and interdepartmental matters. Chief Underwriter will report directly to the Sr. Vice President of Operational Excellence.

Requirements

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
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
Authorization to work in the United States is required.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for a majority of the workday.

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

Benefits

Time Away: 13 paid holidays per year in addition to vacation and paid sick leave, and flexible workweek schedules.
Professional Development: Certifications, designation, and tuition reimbursement.
Retirement Benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching company contributions, and cash balance retirement plans fully funded by the company.
Short-term disability and term life insurance fully paid for by the company;
Up to 12 weeks of childbirth leave under STD policy.
One week of fully paid parental leave for all new parents, including adoptive and foster parents.
A variety of health insurance options, including premium-level family coverage and a pre-tax Health Savings Account with employer contributions. The Order's health plans do not cover abortion, sterilization, or contraception, and the Order has helped advocate for other employers who do not want to provide coverage.
Long-term disability insurance;
Dental insurance;
Vision insurance;
Health club membership reimbursement;
Employee Assistance Program