Practice Lead, Group Underwriting

Please note the base salary will be determined by the successful candidate's education, skills and experience. The listed salary range serves as a general pay guideline for this position's pay level.Practice Lead, Group UnderwritingLocation: Remote - Anywhere in Canada OR HybridEmpire Life is looking to hire a Practice Lead, Group Underwriting to join our Group Underwriting team The Practice Lead, Group Underwriting is responsible for the technical performance, auditing, learning and development of all members of the underwriting team (Levels I, II, III) and ensures the team operates at an expert level providing consistent and customer centric solution-based decisions in consultative fashion without jeopardizing established risk assumptions and according to prevailing underwriting guidelines. The incumbent is guided by defined goals and objectives and works under the general supervision of the Director of Underwriting.Why pursue this opportunityImpactful work - get the opportunity to work on meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our customers, our company, and society as a whole.Play an integral role - this is an opportunity that allows for you to grow your skills, while directly contributing to the business unit you are a part of.The opportunity - collaborate with cross-functional teams and work on a variety of projects that will keep you engaged and continuously learning.Diversity, equity, and inclusion - we are committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and welcome candidates who share this commitment.What you’ll be working onLeads in partnership with underwriting management, the development and communication of process and practice changes, including maintenance of the Underwriting Guidelines and other documents relevant to the functional unitAssess the financial risk, exposure for group insurance benefit products through comparison of Company financial condition, participation rates, type of industry, characteristics of employee groups, and/or past claims experience to determine benefit level and premium rates; approve the sale of group benefits policies, ensuring compliance with Company and Reinsurers’ guidelines, and governmental regulationsUse experience and judgment, in conjunction with Underwriting guidelines, product and services knowledge, and knowledge of government regulations, to determine optimal solutions to meet customer needsDevelop, maintain and ensure that Underwriters are adhering to sound underwriting philosophy and practices within predetermined Company guidelines; ensure sound Reinsurance administration policies and procedures are in placeAct as the subject matter expert and external technical point of contact for key high value partnerships; often consulting on methodology, acquisition, retention and profitability measuresSupport with review, internal coaching, exception handling and external stakeholder management for complex cases more than $500k in annualized premiumProvide consultation and problem resolution for the business units and the sales teams on complex risk scenarios and any other related issuesProvide support and expertise to the actuarial team, group marketing and group sales leadership on product development and industry trendsAct as primary contact and collaborate with reinsurance providers as requiredWork alongside Actuary, Distribution, Product and Senior leadership teams to further the state of the organizationRepresent Empire Life to external audiences, during presentations, conferences and on Distribution Partner visitsCoach, mentor and develop team members; identify employee training and development needsDesign, develop and administer the UW curriculum, such that a sustainable training program is delivered in a cadence that ensures methodology consistency,talent development and consultative practicesLead monthly key partner performance reviews to assess partnership success - identifying growth, retention or partner termination requirementsExecute partner specific UW practices, ensuring partnerships are documented, implemented and adhered to, ensuring profitability is maintained in line with top line revenueMonitor and guide metric performance in a number of areas to ensure operational success:Talent Development progress (skills matrix, resource dependency)Operational Performance (declination ratio stability, NAICs trend)Business insights (key partner performance, profitability)What we’re looking for you to haveStrong ability to drive independent initiatives and contribute as a member on initiatives focused on evolving the state of effective organization; digital transformation, process optimization & product evolution10+ years experience underwriting group business at a senior levelProven knowledge of group benefits products, contractual provisions, risk assessment and pricing methodologiesKnowledge of group insurance industry trends, economic and regulatory environmentProven ability to deliver customer focused solutionsWell developed excel skills; pivot tables, v look upsExperience providing services to and interacting directly with sales team and advisors is an assetWell-developed analytical and problem resolution skillsAbility to be decisive and show consistently good judgmentWell-developed mathematical skillsWell-developed communication, negotiation, persuasion and presentation skillsAbility to develop and maintain effective working relationshipsStrong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skillsCompletion of a university degree or college diploma in a relevant fieldGBA or CEBS DesignationIf you are applying for a position which is open to applicants across Canada, unless otherwise indicated in the position, language proficiency in English is required for communicating with customers, advisors, or employees across Canada.Beyond the salaryFor regular full-time positions, Empire Life offers a comprehensive total rewards package that includes:Competitive salaries with annual pay increasesAnnual bonus program, which recognizes both strong company performance and individual contributions, for non sales positionsCompetitive uncapped commission, for sales positionsA comprehensive employer-funded benefits package starting from day one of employment, that includes life insurance, disability, health and dental and a generous health accountFlexible work arrangements and an annual allotment of personal health days.Four weeks annual vacation from hire dateA defined contribution pension plan with generous employer matchingTop up programs for parental leave and compassionate leaveEmployer-sponsored wellness and recognition programsA cash employee referral programTo learn more about working at Empire Life, visit to know usEmpire life is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity, are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and welcome everyone to participate in our application process. We encourage those of all backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don't believe you meet each unique qualification outlined. Applicants will receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.Empire Life welcomes applications from people with disabilities and disabled people. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the screening and selection process. If you need this job posting in an alternative format or have any accessibility questions, please contact