What are the responsibilities and job description for the Leader, Small Market Underwriting position at Guardian Life?
The Leader, Small Market Underwriting is responsible for profitably growing our group benefits business for employer groups with <25 employees. This role's underwriting responsibilities span our entire product portfolio (Dental, Vision, Life & AD&D, LTD, STD, Statutory Leave Benefits, and Supplemental Health). Direct reports to this position will include an Underwriting Manager (who, in turn, will have about 10 underwriters on the team) and potentially 1-2 Underwriting Consultants. This Leader will also have oversight responsibilities for the initial rating services for performed for the segment by a team of approximately 60 individuals reporting through our Guardian India location.
The Small Market Underwriting Division is responsible for all customer acquisition activities (pre-sales and new business) as well as customer retention activities (account management and renewal) for its assigned segment. The Leader will be part of the strategic team that sets and executes on the action plans needed to best meet our customer benefit needs in a cost-effective and timely manner. Using strong process development skills, this individual will work with Group Underwriting Operations and Business Analysts across Group Benefits to redesign our processes, tools, services, and product offerings to meet these objectives. Finally, the Leader, Small Market Underwriting will be expected to meet with broker and other key external business partners to maintain strong business relationships.
**You will**
Develop efficiency and operational improvement through process changes. Strong process management skills will enable this leader to enhance the customer experience while also reducing the turnaround time and "touch" required to deliver on customer needs.
Effectively use management reporting and analytics to build a business plan and monitor results to drive actions required across the Underwriting and Sales teams.
Build organizational capability. Through the above process changes and incentivizing behaviors that lead to success, the Leader will provide guidance to the Team to achieve needed outcomes.
Partner broadly with other areas of the organization including Underwriting Operations, Sales, Account Management, Product, Pricing, Implementation, Legal, Compliance, and Claims to attract new customers and service existing customers well.
Drive process and change management needed to best deliver a superior customer experience in a cost effective and timely manner for this segment.
Establish the business plan for market success for assigned division, active contributor to the extended Group Underwriting Management Team.
Set and execute strategies needed at the RGO level.
Achieve new sales at profitable pricing levels, meet/beat renewal rate and persistency targets against profitability measures.
Set objectives that will lead to results. Hold employees accountable to achieve objectives.
Influence indirect reports and organizations to assure all functional teams are focused on the correct actions and objectives.
**Staff Development (25%)**
Oversee the underwriting skill growth of the team. Assure that each team member (both direct and non-direct reports) has a strong development plan, that progress towards development objectives is on track, and that we are meeting succession planning needs.
Actively attract, mentor, coach, develop, and retain staff consistent with the Group Underwriting Department's goals and objectives and Guardian's Purpose delivery.
Provide feedback to team members on a regular basis through case reviews and results.
Develop cross-functional individual and team capabilities to better accommodate peaks in volume.
**Relationship Development (10%)**
Customer Relationship Management. Build rapport with internal and external partners, including other departments within Guardian, producers, and external partners to enhance Guardian brand, and improve new business results and inforce business retention and profitability.
Monitor, analyze, and report results. Set and adjust course of action based on analysis.
Communicate, present, and build relationships with Sales and Brokers.
**Individual Development (10%)**
Focus on personal development and own skill and career development.
Serve as Underwriting representative on business projects.
Participate in industry events to understand trends and information impacting our business and share those learnings back with Guardian team members.
**You have**
5 years process development and execution experience
5 years of Underwriting Experience at a minimum including time leading underwriting teams or other employee benefit professionals
Proven process development and execution capabilities including change management
Has strong organization and time management skills
Possess excellent math aptitude and analytical skills
Process redesign via Six Sigma and/or Lean past assignments
The Legislative and State New Business, Renewal, and Medical Underwriting rules, regulations, and practices for all product lines
Group Operations' policy and procedures
Group contract and benefit provisions for all product lines
Industry trends and competitive pricing practices, product offerings, and strategic positioning
MS Office Pro software, the Rate Formula System, Consolidated Proposal System, New Business Discount system, Simon system, and Microsoft Outlook/Teams
Other Group key systems and applications (e.g. GURU, Phoenix, Zeus, and Quick Quote)
Health Insurance Association of America, LOMA, and/or CEBS designations are a plus
As we continue to evolve the Core segment, candidates must be comfortable with challenging the status quo, understanding business issues, and be an adept problem solver.
**Reporting Relationship**
This position reports to the Head of Core Market and Small Market Underwriting who, in turn, reports to the Chief Underwriting Officer.
**Location /Travel**
The Leader, Small Market Underwriting will work from one of Guardian Group Underwriting's primary locations: Bethlehem PA, Appleton WI, Spokane WA, Wethersfield CT, or Holmdel NJ.
Opportunities to work from other Guardian locations will be considered. Additionally, flexibility to work from a remote location for up to 2 -3 days a week is also available.
Business travel expected to occur between 15 to 25% of the time. Candidates must also be accessible during nontraditional business hours for ad hoc business issues.
**Our Promise**
At Guardian, you'll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.
**Salary Range**
$103,730.00 - $192,650.00
The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.
**Inspire Well-Being**
As part of Guardian's Purpose - to inspire well-being - we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues.
**Health Care**
Choice of [high deductible/copay] medical plans* with prescription drugs, including coverage for fertility and transgender inclusive benefits
Dental plan
Vision plan
Health care accounts - flexible spending, health reimbursement, and health savings accounts
Critical illness insurance
**Life and Disability Insurance**
Company-paid Life and Disability insurance plus voluntary supplemental coverage
Accident insurance
**Retirement and Financial**
401(k) retirement plan with a company match, plus an annual age/service-based Company contribution and an annual profit-sharing contribution, if applicable
Complimentary 1:1 financial guidance with a licensed Fidelity representative
**Time Off and Remote Work**
Flexible work arrangements (part in-person/part remote)
Unlimited paid time off for most roles plus time off for volunteering, jury duty, voting, and bereavement
Personal holidays for colleagues to use in recognition of religious, cultural, or civic days
Paid parental leave and paid family and medical leave policies
**Emotional Well-being and Work-Life**
Emotional well-being, mental health, and work/life resources powered by Spring Health
Wellness programs, including fitness program and equipment reimbursement
Child, adult, and elder back-up care support through Bright Horizons
Adoption assistance
College planning
Tuition reimbursement
Student loan assistance
Commuter benefits in select metropolitan areas
**Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (J.E.D.I.)**
Employee Resource Groups that advocate for inclusion and diversity
J.E.D.I. certification and training programs
Matching gifts/volunteering
_Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits._
**Equal Employment Opportunity**
Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [ Email address blocked ] - Click here to apply to Leader, Small Market Underwriting .
Every day, Guardian helps our 29 million customers realize their dreams through a range of insurance and financial products and services. Our Purpose, to inspire well-being, guides our dedication to the colleagues, consumers, and communities we serve. We know that people count, and we go above and beyond to prepare them for the life they want to live, focusing on their overall well-being - mind, body, and wallet. As one of the largest mutual insurance companies, we put our customers first. Behind every bright future is a GuardianTM. Learn more about Guardian at guardianlife.com .
The Small Market Underwriting Division is responsible for all customer acquisition activities (pre-sales and new business) as well as customer retention activities (account management and renewal) for its assigned segment. The Leader will be part of the strategic team that sets and executes on the action plans needed to best meet our customer benefit needs in a cost-effective and timely manner. Using strong process development skills, this individual will work with Group Underwriting Operations and Business Analysts across Group Benefits to redesign our processes, tools, services, and product offerings to meet these objectives. Finally, the Leader, Small Market Underwriting will be expected to meet with broker and other key external business partners to maintain strong business relationships.
**You will**
Develop efficiency and operational improvement through process changes. Strong process management skills will enable this leader to enhance the customer experience while also reducing the turnaround time and "touch" required to deliver on customer needs.
Effectively use management reporting and analytics to build a business plan and monitor results to drive actions required across the Underwriting and Sales teams.
Build organizational capability. Through the above process changes and incentivizing behaviors that lead to success, the Leader will provide guidance to the Team to achieve needed outcomes.
Partner broadly with other areas of the organization including Underwriting Operations, Sales, Account Management, Product, Pricing, Implementation, Legal, Compliance, and Claims to attract new customers and service existing customers well.
Drive process and change management needed to best deliver a superior customer experience in a cost effective and timely manner for this segment.
Establish the business plan for market success for assigned division, active contributor to the extended Group Underwriting Management Team.
Set and execute strategies needed at the RGO level.
Achieve new sales at profitable pricing levels, meet/beat renewal rate and persistency targets against profitability measures.
Set objectives that will lead to results. Hold employees accountable to achieve objectives.
Influence indirect reports and organizations to assure all functional teams are focused on the correct actions and objectives.
**Staff Development (25%)**
Oversee the underwriting skill growth of the team. Assure that each team member (both direct and non-direct reports) has a strong development plan, that progress towards development objectives is on track, and that we are meeting succession planning needs.
Actively attract, mentor, coach, develop, and retain staff consistent with the Group Underwriting Department's goals and objectives and Guardian's Purpose delivery.
Provide feedback to team members on a regular basis through case reviews and results.
Develop cross-functional individual and team capabilities to better accommodate peaks in volume.
**Relationship Development (10%)**
Customer Relationship Management. Build rapport with internal and external partners, including other departments within Guardian, producers, and external partners to enhance Guardian brand, and improve new business results and inforce business retention and profitability.
Monitor, analyze, and report results. Set and adjust course of action based on analysis.
Communicate, present, and build relationships with Sales and Brokers.
**Individual Development (10%)**
Focus on personal development and own skill and career development.
Serve as Underwriting representative on business projects.
Participate in industry events to understand trends and information impacting our business and share those learnings back with Guardian team members.
**You have**
5 years process development and execution experience
5 years of Underwriting Experience at a minimum including time leading underwriting teams or other employee benefit professionals
Proven process development and execution capabilities including change management
Has strong organization and time management skills
Possess excellent math aptitude and analytical skills
Process redesign via Six Sigma and/or Lean past assignments
The Legislative and State New Business, Renewal, and Medical Underwriting rules, regulations, and practices for all product lines
Group Operations' policy and procedures
Group contract and benefit provisions for all product lines
Industry trends and competitive pricing practices, product offerings, and strategic positioning
MS Office Pro software, the Rate Formula System, Consolidated Proposal System, New Business Discount system, Simon system, and Microsoft Outlook/Teams
Other Group key systems and applications (e.g. GURU, Phoenix, Zeus, and Quick Quote)
Health Insurance Association of America, LOMA, and/or CEBS designations are a plus
As we continue to evolve the Core segment, candidates must be comfortable with challenging the status quo, understanding business issues, and be an adept problem solver.
**Reporting Relationship**
This position reports to the Head of Core Market and Small Market Underwriting who, in turn, reports to the Chief Underwriting Officer.
**Location /Travel**
The Leader, Small Market Underwriting will work from one of Guardian Group Underwriting's primary locations: Bethlehem PA, Appleton WI, Spokane WA, Wethersfield CT, or Holmdel NJ.
Opportunities to work from other Guardian locations will be considered. Additionally, flexibility to work from a remote location for up to 2 -3 days a week is also available.
Business travel expected to occur between 15 to 25% of the time. Candidates must also be accessible during nontraditional business hours for ad hoc business issues.
**Our Promise**
At Guardian, you'll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals. Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.
**Salary Range**
$103,730.00 - $192,650.00
The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.
**Inspire Well-Being**
As part of Guardian's Purpose - to inspire well-being - we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues.
**Health Care**
Choice of [high deductible/copay] medical plans* with prescription drugs, including coverage for fertility and transgender inclusive benefits
Dental plan
Vision plan
Health care accounts - flexible spending, health reimbursement, and health savings accounts
Critical illness insurance
**Life and Disability Insurance**
Company-paid Life and Disability insurance plus voluntary supplemental coverage
Accident insurance
**Retirement and Financial**
401(k) retirement plan with a company match, plus an annual age/service-based Company contribution and an annual profit-sharing contribution, if applicable
Complimentary 1:1 financial guidance with a licensed Fidelity representative
**Time Off and Remote Work**
Flexible work arrangements (part in-person/part remote)
Unlimited paid time off for most roles plus time off for volunteering, jury duty, voting, and bereavement
Personal holidays for colleagues to use in recognition of religious, cultural, or civic days
Paid parental leave and paid family and medical leave policies
**Emotional Well-being and Work-Life**
Emotional well-being, mental health, and work/life resources powered by Spring Health
Wellness programs, including fitness program and equipment reimbursement
Child, adult, and elder back-up care support through Bright Horizons
Adoption assistance
College planning
Tuition reimbursement
Student loan assistance
Commuter benefits in select metropolitan areas
**Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (J.E.D.I.)**
Employee Resource Groups that advocate for inclusion and diversity
J.E.D.I. certification and training programs
Matching gifts/volunteering
_Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits._
**Equal Employment Opportunity**
Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.
Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [ Email address blocked ] - Click here to apply to Leader, Small Market Underwriting .
Every day, Guardian helps our 29 million customers realize their dreams through a range of insurance and financial products and services. Our Purpose, to inspire well-being, guides our dedication to the colleagues, consumers, and communities we serve. We know that people count, and we go above and beyond to prepare them for the life they want to live, focusing on their overall well-being - mind, body, and wallet. As one of the largest mutual insurance companies, we put our customers first. Behind every bright future is a GuardianTM. Learn more about Guardian at guardianlife.com .
Recommended Skills
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- Analytical
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Salary : $103,730 - $192,650
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