Life and Critical Illness Underwriting Co-Signer

The Life and Critical Illness Underwriting Co-Signer is a key role within our organization, pivotal in delivering high-quality underwriting services in alignment with Manulife's philosophy.

The individual in this position will collaborate closely with the underwriting team to assess and approve high-value insurance applications, while also providing mentorship and coaching to junior staff members. The Underwriting Co-Signer will diligently evaluate applications alongside the assigned Underwriter, critically assessing the approach and requested requirements to ensure that Manulife presents a competitive offer from the outset, all while maintaining robust risk management practices. 

Position Responsibilities:

• Underwriting Decisions: Evaluate and make underwriting decisions on life and critical illness insurance applications with approval limits up to $10 million.

• Volume Expectations: Manage a high volume of applications, with an expectation to process and make decisions on approximately 20-30 applications per day.

• Cycle Time: Ensure prompt and efficient service by maintaining a cycle time that supports timely decisions and exceptional customer service.

• Mentorship and Coaching: Provide guidance, mentorship, and coaching to junior underwriting staff to enhance their skills and performance.

• Quality Assurance: Conduct thorough reviews of underwriting decisions to ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

• Collaboration: Work collaboratively with other departments, including claims, legal, and customer service, to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience: A minimum of 7 years of experience in life and critical illness underwriting, with a proven track record of handling high-value cases.

• Education: Bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field. Professional underwriting certifications are highly desirable.

• Skills: Strong analytical and decision-making skills, excellent communication abilities, and proficiency in underwriting software and tools.

• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to mentor and coach junior staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (French & English) an asset – If in Québec, the successful candidate must communicate in English and French to support clients from various jurisdictions outside of Quebec.

Performance Metrics:

• Decision Accuracy: Maintain a high level of accuracy in underwriting decisions, with minimal errors and rework.

• Efficiency: Achieve or exceed the target cycle time for underwriting decisions, ensuring timely service to customers.

• Mentorship Impact: Measure the improvement in performance and confidence of junior staff through regular feedback and development sessions.

When you join our team:

• We'll empower you to learn and grow the career you want. 

• We'll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words. 

• As part of our global team, we'll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact

Referenced Salary Location

Working Arrangement

Salary range is expected to be between

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact for the salary range for your location. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

Manulife offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in Canada includes holidays, vacation, personal, and sick days, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence. If you are applying for this role in the U.S., please contact for more information about U.S.-specific paid time off provisions.