This position is an Assistant Vice President (AVP) level role that will support our Combined U.S. division.  The AVP role will be responsible for both strategic and tactical initiatives – helping to develop strategy, building strategic capabilities consistent with growth targets, balancing growth and profitability targets, building effective teams and expertise, and leading the  daily activities of the Combined U.S. underwriting team.

This role is also responsible for oversight of underwriting rules/guidelines and will work with business partners to develop strategic solutions to achieve profitable growth.  Enhancing overall reporting capabilities, coaching and mentoring employees, providing support for and problem-solving escalated customer issues, and occasional auditing of team functions will be required as well.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in both traditional Group and Voluntary employee benefits, a minimum of 15+ years relevant industry experience including  at least 7+ years of team management and leadership, and 5+ years of consultative collaboration with a 1099 sales organization  Experience with reporting and analytics is also preferred.

Responsibilities 

Build, develop and lead a high-performing underwriting team to effectively manage the volume and complexity of business needed to achieve the division’s growth and profit objectives while providing consultative support to a 1099-focused sales organizationDevelop, execute, and manage underwriting risk management strategies to optimize the oversight of in-force business, including the assessment of performance at both the account and block levels.Collaborate with business and sales leaders to develop strategies and guidelines that ensure alignment and consistency between Worksite and Signature Solution product and underwriting offeringsReinforce the strategic direction and help cultivate a profitable book of business according to the business plan; ensure team objectives are aligned to the organization’s goalsEnsure underwriters are compliant with company practices and standardsBuild and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, business partners, and colleaguesEngage with product development teams to keep abreast of market dynamics and market cycle awareness in support of business plan objectivesOversee underwriting activities in accordance with all legal and regulatory requirementsMaintain subject matter expertise and technical knowledge through continuous learning and developmentBuild understanding of full customer experience, through their eyes, to highlight opportunities to improve our offering – this includes understanding products, actuarial, enrollment, admin, and claim methodologies/processesManage, mentor, and coach UW teams on technical and professional skillsLead and motivate teams to cultivate an environment of continuous improvement; recommend and implement changes to optimize efficiency as neededSupport, advocate, and provide guidance to our distribution teams to maximize company’s objectives Lead other strategic initiatives as assigned

Qualifications

Client, Quality and Service Focus 15+ years of progressive industry experience plus 7 years management experience with insurance operations and administration, preferably in both a Worksite/Voluntary Benefits and Group environmentProven history of managing and leading underwriting and administrative staffProven ability to lead and/or support business development initiatives and manage third-party customer/broker relationshipsCollaborates well and influence others at all levels of employeesProfessional maturity with excellent technical, verbal and written communication skillsProven history of establishing and maintaining effective relationshipsManages and prioritizes multiple projects concurrentlyAbility to manage conflict/resolution and problem solvingKnows how to align people and resources with strategic prioritiesExperience in developing and executing underwriting strategy including guidelines, process and automationAbility to structure and manage work across multiple functions & locationsStrength in skills needed in identifying issues, remediation tactics and escalation pathsComfortable multi-tasking in an extremely fast paced environment

Level commensurate with experience.