Dir & Assoc Chief Underwriter
Western & Southern Life

Job Info

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Overview

Summary of Responsibilities:

Independently evaluates and classifies risks on applications for life, accident and critical illness insurance, including supplemental benefits and policy changes in accordance with mortality and morbidity pricing assumptions.

Underwrites life insurance applications and associated risks of up to $10 million. Classifies the risk with a minimum of underwriting requirements. Verbally discusses cases with producers and applicants, which may involve explaining the reasons the Company took adverse action on an application and attempting to diminish any negative reaction by the applicant.

Develops a strong knowledge of human physiology in order to glean the necessary information from the data collected. In addition, builds a high level of knowledge of other technical aspects of the underwriting process, which includes financial needs, insurable interests, avocations and occupations along with a comprehensive knowledge of the company's products and procedures.

Concurs on cases that are over the Underwriters' limits of authority; the Associate Chief Underwriter will be responsible for the final approval of these cases. Reviews the cases of the Underwriters to determine the quality of the work and any developmental needs.

Works closely with the Manager, Underwriting; Vice President & Chief Underwriter; Director of New Business; the Medical Department Doctors; and the New Business management staff to assist with the development of the underwriting staff, and the development of procedures and guidelines toward a goal of outstanding service and effective cost management.
Responsibilities

Position Responsibilities:

• Underwrites large amount applications and serves as backup to Vice President for concurrence on larger or difficult applications underwritten by the underwriters.
  
• Assists in the establishment of underwriting policies and standards in conjunction with the VP, Medical Director, and the management staff of underwriting and new business to assure that policies and standards are met toward an objective of consistently classifying risks, which will produce favorable mortality and morbidity.
  
• Works closely with field sales associates and management to encourage and promote profitable new business revenue into our organization, and routinely interacts with senior level management of the Enterprise with regard to daily administration and projects/initiatives.
  
• Participates in field advisory conferences, agent schools, meetings and office visits to answer questions and present information.
  
• Assists with audits of the underwriters to assure appropriate underwriting action with timely feedback to the underwriters and their line managers, when appropriate, towards the development of a highly proficient underwriting staff.
  
• Participates in research and makes decisions in departmental and corporate committees and projects. Manages intra-departmental projects and project teams related to Insurance Operations' or Companywide initiatives for process improvements, increased efficiency or expense reductions.
  
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with vendors and other insurance companies. Actively seeks improvements in current processes and/or cost reduction opportunities.
  
• Assists with the handling of complaints (both formal insurance department complaints and complaints from agents and policy applicants relative to underwriting) and assists the New Business and Claims management in analyzing and/or answering complaints and disputes.
  
• Supports the review of contestable claims providing fact-based, written underwriting decisions that can be used in the claim process for determination of payment of benefits.
  

Qualifications

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated experience evaluating risk and insurability on large face amount cases.
  
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology.
  
• Proven ability to successfully portray strong financial and medical underwriting skills.
  
• Demonstrated strong negotiation skills and experience "selling" adverse decisions to producers in a clear, concise and positive manner that leaves producers feeling good about the decisions.
  
• Proven strong analytical skills, including demonstrated experience identifying and quantifying problems, and providing effective resolution.
  
• Proven experience working in a customer-oriented field and effectively articulating information to clients in a patient and understanding manner while managing multiple tasks/issues involving clients.
  
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey information to internal and external customers in a clear, focused and concise manner.
  
• Proven examples of handling difficult situations effectively while maintaining high volumes of work.
  
• Demonstrated ability to show leadership within a work group and mentor associates with various levels of experience.
  
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail with excellent organizational skills. Cite examples of organization and time management methods used to manage or prioritize workload demands.
  
• Proven examples from work experience of going beyond the call of duty to assist team members.
  
• Proven experience adapting and demonstrating flexibility associated with changes to policies/procedures.
  
• Proven strong knowledge of insurance industry, business unit products and regulatory requirements related to underwriting.
  

Work Setting:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
  

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or relevant underwriting experience preferred.
  
• Fifteen years related experience.
  

Computer Skills and Knowledge of Hardware & Software Required:

• Proficient knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications.
  

Certifications & Licenses (i.e., Series 6 & 63, CPA, etc.):

• LOMA 280, 290, 311, 320, ACS-100 (Designation), ALU-1, ALU-2, FALU and/or CLU Designation preferred, but not required.
  

Position Demands:

• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects.
  

This job has expired.