Senior Associate, Underwriting Advisor

New York Life • Philadelphia, PA

20h • $85,000 - $110,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Underwriter independently evaluates and manages risk across an assigned portfolio of employer group business, developing competitive and financially sound case strategies that support profitable growth, persistency, earnings, and long-term portfolio performance. The role evaluates new business and renewal opportunities, recommends pricing and plan design strategies, and provides consultative guidance to Distribution and broker partners. It primarily handles case-specific risk analysis for accounts with 1,000 or more lives.

The position also contributes to underwriting organizational effectiveness through disciplined desk and book management, collaboration, mentoring, knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, development of subject-matter expertise, and support of New York Life and Group Benefit Solutions initiatives. The role is hybrid, with three days per week in the designated workplace.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
• At least 5 years of Group Life, Accident, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, and Absence underwriting, or other relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of large employer groups with multi-carrier product offerings and awareness of the drivers of a marketing outside of group-insurance-specific dynamics.
• Thorough knowledge of risk factors that influence market and competitive conditions.
• Ability to make effective decisions based on strong knowledge of financial and risk levels, both internal and external.
• Strong time-management skills; highly organized and detail-oriented.
• Ability to foster strong working relationships.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas and persuade and negotiate effectively.
• Ability to lead discussions and deliver external presentations and analysis to a diverse client base.

Responsibilities

• Perform case-specific risk analysis and develop pricing, renewal, plan design, and case strategies that balance risk, competitiveness, customer needs, and financial objectives.
• Evaluate group demographics, claims and experience data, plan designs, industry and market information, actuarial tools, and other risk indicators.
• Exercise independent underwriting judgment within established Levels of Authority; escalate cases requiring additional review and present recommendations supported by analysis and rationale.
• Develop recommendations regarding competition, products, pricing, plan design, and case positioning to improve risk profile and support profitable growth, persistency, and earnings.
• Manage an assigned book of business, identify emerging risks and growth opportunities, and take actions that support sustainable financial outcomes.
• Serve as a case or risk reviewer, provide feedback and coaching, and identify and escalate recurring risk or quality trends.
• Consult with Sales, Client Management, brokers, Distribution, and other business partners; communicate underwriting positions and the rationale for recommendations.
• Partner with Distribution on solutions balancing customer objectives, competitive considerations, and risk management, including plan design and case-positioning alternatives.
• Identify appropriate opportunities for growth, enrollment, product positioning, and improved case outcomes.
• Build working relationships across Underwriting and matrix partner organizations and provide support across teams or regions as needed.
• Mentor and support less-tenured underwriters, interns, and peers in technical knowledge, case strategy, underwriting judgment, and decision quality.
• Develop expertise in designated strategic areas and serve as a resource to underwriting, Distribution, and matrix partners.
• Contribute to team, underwriting, and cross-functional initiatives; participate in improvement forums, team huddles, problem-solving sessions, and cross-underwriting discussions; share best practices and lessons learned.
• Identify and recommend process enhancements and contribute to underwriting guidelines, risk memos, and standard work as needed.
• Adapt to changing business needs, processes, tools, and technology; raise questions and alternative perspectives constructively and support adopted solutions.
• Pursue development opportunities, apply new knowledge, and share learning with others.
• Apply technical knowledge to evaluate complex employer risks, interpret experience and financial information, assess plan design implications, and determine underwriting actions.
• Maintain awareness of market and competitive conditions, product capabilities, regulatory considerations, funding arrangements, and other external factors that may affect risk or case strategy.
• Contribute to underwriting best practices and maintain accurate, complete, and guideline-compliant decision rationale, rate development, file organization, and case documentation.
• Complete assigned underwriting audits or quality reviews and address identified improvement opportunities.
• Own and prioritize an assigned book and desk, including new business, renewals, inquiries, and presale activity, to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes.
• Balance competing priorities while maintaining responsiveness to Distribution, customers, and internal partners.
• Maintain timely and accurate system data, case statuses, financial positions, and other information needed for reporting.
• Demonstrate organization, follow-through, and accountability for commitments, case outcomes, and portfolio responsibilities.

Benefits

• Full package of employee benefits.
• Leave programs.
• Adoption assistance.
• Student loan repayment programs.
• Annual discretionary bonus; employees may also be eligible for an incentive program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior