Sr. Underwriter

About the role

• Job Title: Sr. Underwriter
• Number of Positions: 0
• Location: Indianapolis, IN
• Location Specifics: Fully Remote

Job Summary

The Sr. Underwriter is a senior individual contributor responsible for supporting the profitable growth, retention, and financial performance of the Enterprise through the evaluation, analysis, and pricing of new and renewal business across dental, vision, life, and disability product lines.

The position leads the underwriting lifecycle for complex cases, including new business proposals, renewals, alternative funding arrangements, benefit plan design changes, rate negotiations, and financial forecasting. In addition to individual case management, the Sr. Underwriter plays a key role in process improvement initiatives, underwriting strategy development, and the mentoring and support of less experienced underwriting team members.

The ideal candidate brings advanced analytical and problem-solving capabilities, strong business and financial acumen, and the ability to communicate complex underwriting concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Success in this role requires sound judgment, attention to detail, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to influence decisions in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

• Evaluates risk and develops, reviews, and approves rates consistent with approved rating formulas and methodologies. Researches, reviews, and recommends improvements and enhancements to design of rating applications.
• Responds to Sales & Account Management requests and manages assignments to ensure that new sales, retention, and profitability expectations are met. Assists other underwriters in managing their assignments.
• Develops and approves new business rates, proposals, and contracts for assigned book of business.
• Develops and approves renewal rates and contracts.
• Creates and develops rating and underwriting reports and documents to support and assist Sales & Account Management.
• Provides technical guidance in rating methodology, benefit plan design, contract language, bid responses, and other underwriting issues to sales staff.
• Provides underwriting technical guidance and sales support for agents, brokers, consultants, and groups. Develops presentations and attends meetings.
• Provides training and mentoring to other underwriting staff. Assists with complex issues as a SME for the team.
• Develops, coordinates, implements, and leads underwriting programs and projects. Researches, negotiates, and resolves underwriting issues for complex groups, purchasing coalitions, and association business opportunities. Proficiently handles multiple segment complex groups. Meets internally and externally with management level staff.
• Audits and reviews other underwriters' work for quality and effectiveness and meeting department goals.
• Assists in providing training for sales and account management staff.

Minimum Requirements

• Position requires a bachelor's degree in mathematics or a related field such as business or finance and five years or more of experience underwriting groups up to 999 lives. Prior experience underwriting dental, vision, life, and/or disability lines preferred. Will accept any suitable combination of education, training, or experience.
• Position requires advanced level skills with word processing and spreadsheet applications; advanced analytical skills; attention to details; ability to apply mathematical and algebraic theory and formulas; ability to communicate results both orally and in writing; ability to resolve problems and use independent judgment.

Technical Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in underwriting dental, vision, life, and disability insurance products.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills, including advanced Excel capabilities.
• Experience with underwriting and rating systems, including CRM platforms.
• Knowledge of group insurance pricing methodologies, renewal strategy, and risk assessment.
• Understanding of state and federal regulations impacting ancillary benefits.
• Ability to interpret claims and utilization data to make sound underwriting decisions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience mentoring team members and contributing to underwriting strategy and process improvement.