Senior Manager, Underwriting

CVS Health • Hartford, CT

5d • $75,400 - $182,549

About The Position

The Senior Manager of Underwriting supports the Meritain Health underwriting team, providing day-to-day management and mentorship to a group of underwriters and helping drive consistency and collaboration across the unit. The role supports organizational goals through prospective and existing business quotations and proposals, including administrative fee pricing, stop loss, RFP questionnaire responses, and plan consultation. The position calls for strong ownership, independent work, proactive problem-solving, and a willingness to support colleagues, improve processes, and serve as a resource for internal partners and external stakeholders.

The role oversees workflow and team development, supports underwriting analysis and risk assessment for new and renewal business, and helps prepare quotes, questionnaires, and financial projections. It applies underwriting guidelines and negotiates financial terms within assigned authority, escalating exceptions as appropriate. The Senior Manager coordinates final rate submissions, collaborates across business functions, maintains carrier relationships, contributes to process improvements and strategic initiatives, and provides subject-matter expertise on Meritain products, underwriting, and stop loss strategy.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in underwriting/accounting pricing methodologies and funding arrangements.
• 5+ years of proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office.
• At least 2 years of relevant medical insurance experience, such as with brokers (producers), carriers, third-party administrators (TPAs), benefit analysis, underwriting, rating methodologies, or policy marketing.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and/or develop team members.
• Demonstrated success anticipating customer needs and negotiating with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent years of related experience.

Nice To Haves

• 2 to 3 years of prior leadership experience.
• Experience with Salesforce, Tableau, and/or VBA.
• Experience communicating with outside consultants or customers.

Responsibilities

• Manage underwriting-unit workflow and shifting priorities to support timely, accurate deliverables.
• Provide daily support, coaching, and mentorship to underwriters; foster skill development and professional growth.
• Conduct quality reviews, identify learning opportunities, and oversee training for internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Lead team meetings and serve as the first point of contact for complex case issues or challenges.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and ongoing talent development of direct reports.
• Provide coverage for the department leader as needed.
• Assist with underwriting analysis and risk assessment for new and renewal business, including cases with significant benefit implications.
• Assist in preparing quotes, questionnaires, and financial projections of varying complexity.
• Apply underwriting guidelines and negotiate financial terms within assigned authority; escalate exceptions and financial variances to senior leadership as appropriate.
• Ensure pricing strategies align with business objectives and client needs.
• Help team members navigate complex or sensitive sales and renewal situations.
• Serve as the central contact for final rate submissions through the Final & Firm process, including reporting and coordination with underwriters and operational teams.
• Collaborate with Business Analysis, Sales, Client Management, and other internal stakeholders to support sales and retention efforts.
• Present underwriting information and explain rate development, underwriting policies, and product standards to internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with stop loss carriers to support case resolution and negotiations.
• Communicate Meritain’s services, underwriting philosophy, and new initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead or contribute to departmental projects and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, accuracy, and customer service.
• Identify and implement opportunities for automation and operational efficiency, and influence the development of tools and resources.
• Support the use and optimization of underwriting tools, systems, and reporting platforms.
• Provide strategic input on stop loss placement, pricing, and product positioning.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Meritain’s product portfolio, underwriting philosophy, and market positioning.
• Support proposal development aligned with client goals and organizational strategies.
• Analyze operational data and apply insights to financial modeling and fee development.
• Serve as a trusted internal resource on underwriting and stop loss strategy.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Paid time off
• Retirement savings options
• Wellness programs
• Other resources supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being, based on eligibility
• CVS Health bonus, commission, or short-term incentive program
• Company equity award program

What This Job Offers

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