Life Underwriting Specialist
About The Position
Join Northwestern Mutual as an entry-level underwriter in a dynamic, supportive, inclusive, and fast-paced environment. The role offers an opportunity to learn life insurance risk assessment through a comprehensive training program, while contributing to quality risk assessment and exceptional field and client service. The specialist builds relationships with Financial Advisors and internal partners and develops the skills needed to underwrite life insurance policies while meeting quality, service, and production goals. The position includes analyzing insurance applications and making underwriting decisions with guidance; supporting Financial Representatives and customers; managing cases and requirements; and communicating underwriting decisions. The role also involves learning Northwestern Mutual products, underwriting standards, assessment methods, and reinsurance programs, while adapting to new underwriting approaches and following applicable procedures and regulatory processes. Candidates should anticipate a 10–12 week hiring process, with an expected start date of February 1, 2027.
Requirements
- A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience; a bachelor's degree is preferred.
- Analytical skills and the ability to make independent decisions and apply sound judgment when applying rules.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to handle confidential information with tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness.
- Proficiency with computer skills and various software packages.
- Ability to work accurately while maintaining speed and flexibility in a team and independent production environment.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to a changing work environment.
- Must successfully complete and pass any required testing.
Responsibilities
- Build credible and effective relationships and communicate with field partners and customers.
- Provide guidance and assistance to the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and Financial Representatives regarding case underwriting and risk appraisal.
- Handle prescreen inquiries with guidance.
- Analyze and appraise a broad range of insurance applications and approve, classify, or decline applications for various ages and policy amounts with guidance.
- Apply underwriting standards and develop an understanding of Northwestern Mutual product types and changes.
- Maintain mortality and morbidity expectations while adapting to change and adopting new underwriting approaches.
- Develop understanding of financial, medical, and lay underwriting assessments and reinsurance programs.
- Underwrite applications to maintain industry-leading mortality and morbidity while making the best possible offer.
- Manage cases and requirements and provide customized service with guidance.
- Explain modified or declined decisions to Field Partners, negotiate as appropriate, and assist with policy placement.
- Use effective methods to obtain necessary information, including Internet searches, digital health data, direct contact with insureds, and communication with third-party advisors, with guidance.
- Adhere to procedures and regulatory processes and meet quality, service, and production goals.
- Resolve issues and escalations with guidance.
- Discuss cases with peer reviewers and medical and technical staff as needed.
- Partner with Underwriting Support on case management.
- Potentially represent underwriting in product process improvement in collaboration with functional partners.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
