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Sammons Financial Group Companies · 2 days ago

Manager, Underwriting

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$95K/yr - $159K/yr

10+ years exp

Sammons Financial Group Companies is seeking a Manager for their Underwriting team to ensure timely evaluation of life insurance applications and support the staff in their professional development. The role involves directing workflow, conducting compliance reviews, and fostering relationships with internal and external partners to maintain efficient operations.

FinanceFinancial ServicesRetirement

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Perform compliance review of larger complex cases in order to provide our agents with timely and fair underwriting decisions

On a daily basis, direct workflow among staff to ensure timely processing of all cases within the underwriting teams. Lead daily huddle boards and problem solve for peak workload days or unexpected challenges

Foster the professional and technical development of the Underwriters to empower them to more effectively execute and communicate full spectrum underwriting and meet key producer expectations

Establish guidelines and procedures to ensure understanding of and competency in Full Spectrum Underwriting in order to give Sammons Financial Group product lines underwriting a competitive advantage

Give direction, guidance and counsel to Underwriters on difficult unusual cases and escalations

Handle problem cases or situations with an Underwriter, Sales Support Team or Service Account Manager (SAM when these problems or situations that exceed the authority or expertise of the Underwriters

Collaborate with internal/external business partners and Distribution Partners to ensure timely, open communication about field matters to maintain good field relationships and to encourage additional sales of quality business; active participation in occasional field meetings. Provide coaching to Underwriters based upon feedback received form internal/external business partners and Sales Distribution Partners

Review Underwriting audits performed by Corporate Underwriting for of each Underwriter’s performance to ensure consistency in decisions and appraise individual Underwriter growth and professionalism; perform additional or special audits, as circumstances require. Provide feedback and coaching to Underwriters based upon Audit results; take appropriate corrective action based upon internal audit performance guidelines

Complete evaluations and compensation level reviews based upon each Underwriter’s performance

Responsible for training and developing Underwriters on career development; handle Corrective Action situations; identify high potential Underwriters, mentor and groom for promotional opportunities; communicate developmental criteria and assist in creation and execution of each Underwriter’s action plan

Responsible conducting appropriate performance evaluations and TIP reviews; provide SMART goals with measurable milestones and action items; monitor in scheduled one on one’s

Approve vacation requests and monitor Underwriter absenteeism

Actively pursue professional growth through LOMA, ALU and CLU and promote staff participation to foster solid relationships between field organizations and the Executive Office

Keep abreast of current developments in risk selection, business administration, medicine, insurance law, claims decisions, competitors’ activity, mortality/morbidity trends and general social economic, political and military matters in order to advise management and staff of developments which need to be addressed in the underwriting and risk management process

Conduct regular underwriting meetings and coordinate subject assignments to ensure informative, effective and educational benefits to the underwriting staff

Execute compliant procedures for all departmental Operational Readiness; ensure consistent adherence to internal guidelines and controls by underwriting team

Execute, maintain, and ensure departmental compliance with Record Information Management (RIM) requirements

Conduct or direct the handling of issued cases referred for rescission consideration, contestable claim review and policy change/reinstatement in order to ensure fairness for policyholders and to avoid selection against the company

Work with Legal and outside counsel as requested to provide expert testimony and represent the company as the subject matter expert

Assist the Reinsurers with their underwriting audits and prepare for the AVP & Chief Underwriting Officer the written reply to the life audit findings

Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect and Integrity)

As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands

Participate in other initiatives and/or projects as necessary

Qualification

Underwriting experienceManagement skillsRisk selection knowledgeInterpret EKGsFellowship in LOMACustomer centric mindsetResolve issuesDecision-making skillsEffective leadership skillsMotivational skills

Required

Bachelor's Degree or industry related equivalent Required

Management skills and training Required

Minimum 10 years of underwriting experience Required

Ability to interpret EKGs is required

Ability to deal with Sales organization, Executive Office, and Underwriting staff effectively is critical

Act independently to identify and resolve issues within the scope of the role; possess the judgment necessary in recognizing when issue should be escalated

Strong decision-making and analytical skills

Ability to act independently to identify and resolve complex issues

Strong sense of Urgency

Customer centric mindset

Accomplishes staff results by communicating job expectations; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees; developing, coordinating, and enforcing systems, policies, procedures, and productivity standards

Effective leadership skills

Strong motivational skills; Advanced knowledge of risk selection is essential

A good relation with the Field and all departments in the Executive Office is important

Criminal background check required

Preferred

Minimum 3 years' experience in a management role Preferred

Fellowship in the Academy of Life Underwriters or LOMA and/or completion of CLU courses of study is preferred

Benefits

Health

Dental

Vision

Company Paid Retirement

PTO

Holiday Pay

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Healthy balance between work and personal lives

Competitive PTO

Generous number of paid holidays

Incentive program for defined goals subject to eligibility and performance

Monetary rewards are based on individual and/or overall company performance

Company

Sammons Financial Group Companies

Sammons® Financial Group Companies (collectively, Sammons Financial Group) provide today’s most sought after life insurance, annuity, and retirement products.

Founded in 1938

West Des Moines, Iowa, USA

1001-5000 employees