Senior Underwriter- Employee Benefits (Northern, CA)

EPIC Brokers • Concord, CA

8h • $135,000 - $150,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Underwriter is a senior-level role responsible for evaluating, analyzing, and managing complex employee benefits underwriting and financial analytics for EPIC clients. This position partners closely with consultants, producers, and client service teams to deliver strategic, data-driven solutions for level funded and self-funded benefit programs.
The Senior Underwriter leverages deep industry knowledge, advanced analytical skills, and strong carrier relationships to support client objectives. This role also provides mentorship and oversight to underwriting and analytical support staff and plays a key role in advancing EPIC’s value proposition.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of employee benefits coverages and funding arrangements
• Strong underwriting, financial modeling, and analytical skills
• Ability to interpret and explain complex data to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Proven negotiation skills with carriers and vendors
• Strong project management, prioritization, and time management abilities
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to navigate carrier portals, data analytics platforms, and EPIC analytical tools
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Seven (7) or more years of experience in employee benefits underwriting, financial analysis, or a related role within a brokerage/consulting firm.
• Demonstrated experience underwriting both fully insured and self-funded benefit programs
• Active State Life and Health insurance license required (or ability to obtain within an agreed-upon timeframe)
• Valid driver’s license required (for client and carrier travel)

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting mid-sized to large, multi-state clients preferred
• Prior experience mentoring or leading junior underwriting or analytical staff strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with consultants, producers, and account teams to prepare and deliver client-facing financial analyses and presentations
• Assess complex client risk by analyzing demographics, claims experience, utilization, and market conditions
• Apply underwriting judgment to develop sound recommendations
• Project client claims experience to develop budgets, funding strategies, benefit costs, and IBNR reserves
• Analyze and negotiate stop loss renewals and proposals for financial accuracy, contract terms, and competitiveness
• Submit coverage specifications and obtain, compare, and evaluate quotes from potential stop loss carriers
• Serve as the primary underwriting contact with carriers and vendors fostering and maintaining strong relationships
• Prepare executive summaries that clearly communicate observations, conclusions, recommendations, and next steps
• Utilize EPIC’s standard underwriting tools, templates, and analytical models to develop alternative strategies, plan modeling, and cost-saving opportunities
• Identify opportunities to expand client relationships through additional product or service solutions
• Support client retention by delivering high-quality underwriting support and consultative insights
• Manage and provide guidance to underwriting and analytical support staff; mentor junior team members
• Assist service teams in educating clients regarding utilization trends, experience reporting, carrier tools, and self-funding concepts
• Stay current on industry trends, legislation, funding arrangements, and carrier product developments
• Participate in internal initiatives, peer review processes, and special projects as assigned

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time off
• Managed PTO for salaried/exempt employees (personal time off without accruals or caps); 22 PTO days starting out for hourly/non-exempt employees; 12 company-observed paid holidays; 4 early-close days
• Generous leave time options: Paid parental leave, pregnancy disability and bonding leave, and organ donor/bone marrow donor leave
• Generous employee referral bonus program of $1,500 per hired referral
• Employee recognition programs for demonstrating EPIC’s values plus additional employee recognition awards and programs (and trips!)
• Employee Resource Groups: Women’s Coalition, EPIC Veterans Group
• Professional growth & development: Mentorship Program, Tuition Reimbursement Program, Leadership Development
• Unique benefits such as Pet Insurance, Identity Theft & Fraud Protection Coverage, Legal Planning, Family Planning, and Menopause & Midlife Support
• Additional benefits include (but are not limited to): 401(k) matching, medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and wellness & employee assistance programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees