Director of Underwriting, Employee Benefits National Accounts

The Hartford•Hartford, CT

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Underwriting, Employee Benefits – National Accounts plays a key leadership role within The Hartford’s Employee Benefits organization, leading underwriting strategy and execution for employers with 5,000+ lives. In this role, the Director is accountable for driving profitable growth, disciplined risk management, and strong customer outcomes across the National Accounts portfolio. Reporting to the AVP of Underwriting, this role leads and develops a team of experienced underwriting professionals, providing strategic direction and oversight across a complex book of large employer business. The Director partners closely with Sales leadership and cross-functional stakeholders to support market-competitive solutions while maintaining underwriting integrity and consistent decision-making.

Requirements

7+ years of Group Employee Benefits underwriting experience, including significant exposure to National Accounts or complex large-case business
Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing underwriting talent; strong senior individual contributors will also be considered
Deep technical underwriting knowledge combined with strong business and financial acumen
Proven ability to apply sound judgment, influence outcomes, and lead through complexity
Excellent communication, decision-making, and collaboration skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
Willingness to travel as needed

Responsibilities

Lead underwriting strategy and governance for National Accounts, including oversight of new business, renewal execution, and in-force portfolio performance
Ensure disciplined risk selection and pricing across Group Life, AD&D, STD/LTD, PFML/Statutory Disability, and fee based arrangements.
Monitor portfolio performance to achieve National Account sales, profitability, and persistency objectives in partnership with Sales leadership
Build, develop, and engage a high-performing team of experienced underwriting professionals
Provide clear communication on business priorities, performance expectations, and change initiatives
Model integrity, ethical decision-making, and accountability while fostering an inclusive, collaborative culture
Establish leader standard work, including 1:1s, huddles, inventory reviews, mentoring, and performance calibration.
Partner with Sales, Actuarial, Product, Finance, Legal, and Operations to support customer solutions and underwriting outcomes
Support go-to-market strategies and regional business priorities while maintaining underwriting discipline
Maintain awareness of market trends and competitive dynamics to inform underwriting direction
Champion continuous improvement in underwriting execution, service delivery, and talent utilization
Encourage innovation and forward-thinking underwriting practices that strengthen long-term sustainability
Support enterprise initiatives that enhance underwriting effectiveness and organizational capability