Manager of Underwriting

Responsibilities

• Oversee the underwriting process for group benefits products, such as group health, life, disability, and other related coverages.
• Ensure that all applications are evaluated and analyzed using underwriting guidelines, policies, and principles to ensure profitability and competitiveness of the block as a whole.
• Work with the team to evaluate the risk associated with group insurance applications.
• Review and analyze group data, claims history, medical information, and other relevant factors to determine appropriate coverage levels and premium rates.
• Collaborate with carriers to set competitive and sustainable premium rates for group benefit plans based on the underwriting assessments and risk analysis.
• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives within the underwriting group to enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience.
• Develop and refine underwriting guidelines and policies for group benefits based on industry trends, competitive analysis, and company objectives.
• Develop, maintain and improve relationships with key clients, brokers, and partners, to ensure a high level of service and client loyalty.
• Identify new business opportunities through networking and referrals.
• Manage and train sales staff; implement sales incentive programs and goals to increase employee performance; give direction towards possible resources and sales strategies.
• Lead the proactive education of BBD and Partner Solutions about Underwriting processes, as well as abilities and limitations as a Third-Party Administrator.
• Generate new and innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Liaise with the Marketing department to create thorough and effective sales campaigns and strategy.
• Collaborate with BBD and Partner Solutions departments to develop strong relationships, share information, and instill confidence with Supplier Partners.
• Represent the client’s needs internally to ensure customer-focused sales mindset.

Business Results

• Work with the VP, Distribution TPA+ to set team goals and objectives to align with the Underwriting department.
• Collaborate with sales and account management teams to provide underwriting support during client presentations and meetings; address inquiries from clients, brokers, and other stakeholders regarding underwriting decisions and processes.
• Utilize data analytics and reporting tools to monitor underwriting performance, trends, and key metrics. Generate reports for senior management and other stakeholders to inform strategic decision-making.
• Hold team accountable to deliver on objectives by meeting or exceeding individual goals.
• Coach team to take proactive approach to anticipating and understanding customer needs and provide advice and appropriate products and services.
• Report on successes and areas needing improvements.
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks in the group insurance space.
• Complete a small number of quotes; join in the negotiation and resolution when necessary.

Leadership

• Guide the day-to-day activities of the Underwriting team.
• Conduct regular training sessions for the Underwriting team on product knowledge and industry expertise to support their development, performance, and career progression.
• Encourage each employee to take responsibility for their own performance, development, and career progression, while contributing to BBD’s success.
• Foster a relationship between manager and employee; encourage regular, ongoing dialog between employee and manager about expectations, progress, accomplishments, performance, compensation and development needs.
• Create and foster a climate that encourages high performance and team cohesion, promoting a positive work environment.
• Follow and ensure staff are knowledgeable of and comply with industry codes of conduct and with securities laws and regulations.
• Follow and ensure staff understand and apply BBD operating policies and HR/BBD policies (e.g., Respect in the Workplace policy, Alcohol and Drug, etc.).

Qualifications

• 5+ years relevant experience or similar role.
• Post‑secondary education an asset; industry certifications are advantageous.
• Proven understanding of group benefits underwriting, with a track record of progressively increasing responsibilities.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team of underwriters.
• In‑depth knowledge of group insurance products, underwriting principles, and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with insurance regulations and compliance requirements specific to group benefits.
• Analytical and problem‑solving