Lead Underwriter

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION

Dallas Risk Management (DRM) is a Managing General Underwriter, or MGU, for health insurance policies. With a team of top industry experts that have been carefully selected by the CEO, Dallas Risk Management provides services that are tailored to address the risks involved during the health insurance lifecycle. Our mission is to exceed the expectations of our clients from start to finish in all aspects of the underwriting process, and we only work with top carriers to ensure superior results.

Position Summary 

The Lead Underwriter plays a critical role in risk assessment, pricing strategy, and relationship management. This position requires working collaboratively with the Director of Underwriting and independently to manage large, complex risks, develop underwriting strategies, and negotiate terms and pricing with producers. Additionally, the Lead Underwriter will drive business development efforts by identifying new opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and optimizing underwriting practices for profitability and efficiency. The role also includes mentoring junior underwriters, collaborating with internal teams, and leveraging technology and data analytics to enhance decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Core Underwriting & Risk Management

• Develop pricing strategies that balance risk exposure, market conditions, and profitability goals.
• Ensure underwriting decisions align with company risk appetite and guidelines.
• Assess and manage reinsurance needs to optimize risk distribution.

Business Development & Client Management

• Build and maintain relationships with brokers, TPAs, and agents to drive profitable business.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand the client base.
• Negotiate terms and pricing with producers to secure favorable underwriting conditions.
• Participate in client meetings and provide insights into underwriting decisions and risk strategies.

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure underwriting decisions adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.

• Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes that impact underwriting strategy.
• Oversee portfolio management to maintain a balanced mix of risk and profitability.

Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with claims, actuarial, and risk management teams to enhance underwriting decisions.
• Participate in initiatives aimed at improving underwriting workflows and operational efficiency.
• Utilize digital tools and data analytics to enhance risk assessment and underwriting accuracy.

Leadership & Professional Development

• Mentor and develop junior underwriters, fostering professional growth within the team.
• Conduct training sessions to ensure staff stay current with evolving industry trends and best practices.

Non-essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

Administrative & General Office Tasks

• Assisting with non-underwriting documentation, general record-keeping, or clerical tasks.
• Handling general office duties such as ordering supplies or coordinating team events.

Marketing & External Engagement

• Participating in branding or marketing initiatives outside of underwriting-related business development.
• Attending industry conferences, networking events, and non-essential professional development workshops.

Internal Committee & Project Participation

• Serving on internal committees or cross-functional teams not directly related to underwriting.
• Assisting other departments with projects that do not impact underwriting decisions.

IT & Systems Testing

• Providing feedback on underwriting software updates or participating in system testing outside of core underwriting tasks.
• May perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, insurance, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 10 years of underwriting experience, with a focus on complex risks and high-value accounts.

Technical & Industry Knowledge

• Strong understanding of complex risk factors, insurance products, and underwriting principles.
• Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements within the insurance industry.

Analytical & Decision-Making Skills

• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities with a demonstrated ability to underwrite and manage profitable business portfolios.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Sales & Business Development

• Experience in sales or business development within the insurance industry is strongly preferred.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence decision-making.

Technology & Data Utilization

• Proficiency in underwriting software, data analysis tools, and digital platforms to drive efficiency in decision-making.

Leadership & Mentoring

• Strong leadership abilities, including mentoring and developing junior underwriters.
• Ability to foster a team-oriented environment and support professional growth.

Professional Development & Certifications

• Commitment to continuous learning and staying up to date with industry trends.
• Industry certifications such as CPCU, ARM, or other relevant credentials are preferred.