Employee Benefits Underwriting Manager

The Employee Benefits Underwriting Manager leads a team responsible for financial evaluation, strategic risk guidance, and analytical support across a broad benefits portfolio. The role combines leadership, external partnership management, and deep technical insight to drive informed decision-making and strengthen client outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities

· Guide a team of underwriting professionals, ensuring consistent development, structured workflows, and a culture of high standards.

· Serve as a coordination point between internal stakeholders and external industry partners to support data exchange, reporting needs, and operational alignment.

· Cultivate carrier relationships and manage renewal discussions, using financial analysis and market insights to influence outcomes.

· Oversee assessment of funding arrangements and protection mechanisms, including complex risk-transfer components.

· Provide strategic input on pharmacy-related financial considerations and other benefit cost drivers.

· Build or refine analytical frameworks and tools that support forecasting, evaluation, and operational efficiency.

· Represent the team in client-facing sessions, offering clear explanations of methodologies, assumptions, and recommended approaches.

· Maintain well-structured documentation within internal platforms, ensuring traceability and accuracy of work.

· Strengthen cross-functional communication with consulting, analytics, and operational teams to enhance overall service delivery.

· Act as a subject resource on reporting standards, financial modeling practices, market benchmarks, and benefit program evaluation.

· Coordinate with external analytical partners to support modeling, benchmarking, and comparative studies.

· Participate in ongoing leadership development programs to reinforce best practices and promote team alignment.

· Contribute to broader initiatives and evolving business needs as they arise.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related discipline.

· 7 years of relevant experience in underwriting, financial analysis, or employee benefits; at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.

· Strong familiarity with insurance funding structures, self-funding, captives, and stop-loss concepts.

· Exceptional attention to detail, organizational discipline, and analytical ability; reliable in meeting expectations of both internal partners and external clients.

· Life, Accident & Health license (or willingness to obtain shortly after hire).

· Working knowledge of group insurance products, contracts, and standard market practices.

· High proficiency in Excel and other core business software (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with clarity and precision even under deadlines.

· A genuine commitment to creating a positive, supportive experience for colleagues and clients.