Northwestern Mutual

Asst Dir Life Underwriting

Northwestern Mutual$130K — $196K *
Finance & Insurance
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business or related field; advanced degree preferred.
  • 5-8 years of management experience in decision making and team building.
  • 3-5 years of prior people leadership experience, preferably in underwriting.
  • Experience in leading diverse teams in a dynamic environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to implement innovative solutions to meet client needs.
  • Strong communication skills for building rapport at all organization levels.
  • Preferred previous underwriting experience in an operational capacity.

Responsibilities

  • Lead underwriting teams to assess risk and exposure in business applications.
  • Determine premiums and conditions based on established guidelines.
  • Develop divisional strategies and operational priorities.
  • Manage resources and policy formation within the underwriting department.
  • Facilitate application processing by managing relationships across departments and the field.
  • Serve as a communication liaison to resolve underwriting concerns and issues.
  • Provide input on systems and process improvements to enhance workflow and efficiency.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for career development and growth within the company.
  • Emphasis on a client-centered approach to business operations.
  • Potential for involvement in transformative underwriting initiatives.
  • Engagement in a culture that prioritizes high performance and continuous learning.
Full Job Description

Summary
 

Accountable for leading a team of Underwriters and project leadership to drive high-performing teams and operations across Underwriting.

Responsibilities include performance management of team, driving performance management across Underwriting Production, and career development of Underwriters. 

Ensure consistent application of risk appraisal standards to achieve Company mortality goals and ensure that customer service level agreements are met.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities 
 

  • Provide leadership through managers of traditional underwriting professional teams that evaluate the risk and exposure to determine acceptable business. 

  • Accountable for determining premiums terms, and conditions based on established rules, rates and guidelines. 

  • Develop divisional plans, including business, production, operational and/ or organizational priorities. 

  • Control resources and policy formation in area of responsibility. 

  • Manage multiple relationships with other internal departments to facilitate processing of applications, as well as manage relationships with the field to ensure high client satisfaction. 

  • Serve as communication liaison/resource providing problem resolution with field management, financial representatives, company management, other companies and insurance departments regarding underwriting concerns and issues. 

  • Provide input to all aspects of these systems and process improvements including workflow, process changes, and systems development initiatives. 

  • Act as a liaison to other insurance operations departments when implementing initiatives. 

  • Help drive high performance across Underwriting Production;establishing metrics, reports, operation workflow changes, etc. 

  • Help integrate Underwriting transform efforts across operations, being a lead in change advocacy. 

Qualifications 
 

  • Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in business or related field. 

  • 5-8 years of progressively responsible management level experience emphasizing decision making, team building, communication, personnel development, analytical thinking and project management. 

  • Prior people leadership experience required with preferred experience of 3-5 years. 

  • Preferred prior Underwriter experience.  

  • Ability to lead in an active continuous and learning value stream that engages employees while delivering results with a voice of the client focus. 

  • Demonstrated ability to manage, develop and motivate a diverse staff in a continually changing environment. 

  • Proven ability to anticipate client needs and business issues while developing and implementing innovative solutions to achieve desired results. 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to build rapport, negotiate and gain acceptance at all levels in the Home Office and Field. 

  • Preferred experience of 3 to 5 years of people leadership either in underwriting or another operational area. 

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$130,800.00

Pay Range - End:

$196,200.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

$143,920.00 USD - $215,880.00 USD

Structure 115:


$150,400.00 USD - $225,600.00 USD

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click to learn more.


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About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages billion of dollars of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

Northwestern Mutual Careers

Joining Northwestern Mutual presents a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering personal and professional growth, innovation, and leadership in the financial services industry. As a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual offers unparalleled job opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe in building strong relationships not only with our clients but also among our team members. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, all united in their commitment to leadership and innovation. Our employees are equipped with top-tier benefits and diversity training that ensure their career journey is both rewarding and inclusive.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern Mutual is committed to fostering an environment where career growth is not just a possibility but a priority. With a variety of positions available, from financial representatives to internships for budding professionals, our company is a place where your skills and passion can thrive. We provide extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities that prepare you for success in your current role and beyond.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at Northwestern Mutual is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative financial strategies to provide exceptional service to our clients. This focus on innovation is not just about staying current; it's about leading the way in the financial sector. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving the company forward as a leader in the financial industry.

Be Part of Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Northwestern Mutual; they are integral to our company culture and business strategy. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees can flourish. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance understanding and foster an inclusive environment for all team members.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Northwestern Mutual opens doors to expansive career advancement opportunities. We encourage our employees to engage in internal networking events, which often lead to mentorship and further career development. Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, prepare for an interview, or step into a leadership role, Northwestern Mutual provides the resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level. Explore the job opportunities and internships available at Northwestern Mutual and find out how you can contribute to our legacy of innovation and leadership.

Stay Connected

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Join us and start your journey at Northwestern Mutual today, where your career is nurtured, your skills are honed, and your achievements are celebrated.
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7,000 employees
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