Vice President, Underwriting - Life, Absence, Disability (LAD)
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled underwriters in the life insurance sector has seen significant growth, with a focus on digital transformation and data-driven decision-making. As a Vice President of Underwriting, you'll be at the forefront of this shift, leveraging your expertise to drive business growth and innovation. With the remote job market booming, companies like The Standard are looking for top talent to lead their underwriting teams. If you're a seasoned professional with a passion for underwriting and a knack for leadership, this role could be the perfect fit. Before applying, consider the importance of staying up-to-date with industry trends and the need for a strong vision to propel your team forward.
Job Description
About the Role
The Vice President, Underwriting - Life, Absence, Disability (LAD) at The Standard is a highly influential role that requires a unique blend of underwriting expertise, leadership skills, and strategic vision. As a key member of the LAD executive team, you will be responsible for leading nearly 200 employees in the LAD risk and medical underwriting departments, driving profitable growth, and ensuring the delivery of exceptional customer outcomes.The role entails developing and implementing underwriting strategies, managing risk, and optimizing operations to achieve business objectives. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including sales, actuarial, compliance, and IT, to drive growth, improve efficiency, and foster a culture of innovation and accountability.
As a senior leader, you will be expected to build on the existing foundation of underwriting expertise, invest in the development of your team, and drive the adoption of new technologies and processes to improve underwriting accuracy and efficiency.
What You Will Do
- Lead the development and implementation of underwriting strategies, risk management, and operations to drive profitable growth and strong persistency
- Manage the entire lifecycle of the customer, from initial application to ongoing relationship management
- Design and implement consistent underwriting strategies and practices across the organization
- Invest in and develop the LAD Underwriting department to create a culture of high performance, accountability, and innovation
- Build a high-performing leadership bench, develop future underwriting talent, and strengthen succession plans
- Collaborate with sales to produce industry-leading underwriting results that create a competitive advantage for The Standard
- Partner with cross-functional teams to drive growth, improve efficiency, and foster a culture of accountability and innovation
- Monitor industry trends and integrate new technologies to improve underwriting accuracy and efficiency
- Serve as a senior member of the LAD executive team, helping shape enterprise strategy and represent underwriting in key business decisions
What We Are Looking For
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Math, or a related field; preferred advanced degree
- Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in Group Insurance or financial services industries
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible group underwriting experience, including 5 years in complex national accounts
- Advanced planning, facilitation, and leadership skills
- Advanced knowledge of underwriting policies and strategies, contract provisions, negotiations, and sales strategies
- Experience with alternate funding techniques and risk management
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Ability to drive growth, improve efficiency, and foster a culture of innovation and accountability
Nice to Have
- Experience with data analytics and visualization tools
- Knowledge of AI applications and machine learning techniques
- Familiarity with cloud-based technologies and digital transformation initiatives
- Certification in underwriting or a related field
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a leading insurance company
- Collaborative and dynamic work environment
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
- Comprehensive health and wellness programs
- Retirement savings plan and employee stock purchase plan
How to Stand Out
- Tip: Develop a strong understanding of the insurance industry, including trends, challenges, and opportunities, to stand out as a candidate.
- Tip: Highlight your experience with data analytics and visualization tools to demonstrate your ability to drive business growth and improvement.
- Tip: Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and approach to building a high-performing team.
- Tip: Research The Standard's values and mission to demonstrate your alignment with the company's culture and goals.
- Tip: Prepare examples of your experience with underwriting strategies, risk management, and operations to showcase your expertise.
- Tip: Consider obtaining certifications in underwriting or a related field to enhance your credentials and demonstrate your commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.
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