Director of Underwriting Operations

Summary

Join Ethos as a Life Insurance Underwriting Training and Audit Manager and lead the training and development of a production underwriting team, manage audit processes, handle escalations and investigations, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs). You will ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of underwriting practices while upholding compliance and risk management standards. This pivotal role involves overseeing the audit team, leading investigations, collaborating with the Head of Underwriting Partnership, and maintaining up-to-date SOPs. You will also participate in strategic planning, monitor key performance indicators, and communicate with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in life insurance underwriting and management, strong leadership and communication skills, and a data-oriented approach to decision-making. Ethos offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Requirements

• 10+ years of life insurance underwriting experience
• 5+ years of experience managing life new business or life underwriting
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills
• Extensive knowledge of life insurance trends and new technology
• Sharp focus on execution and an owner mentality with a track record of delivering success in a timely manner

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of a production underwriting team, ensuring they are well-trained and equipped to handle their roles effectively
• Organize regular training sessions and workshops to enhance skills and knowledge
• Design and implement onboarding of new hires
• Oversee the audit team, ensuring all underwriting activities comply with internal policies and external regulations
• Develop strategies to increase efficiency and accuracy in audit processes
• Serve as the key point of contact for all escalated underwriting issues
• Lead investigations into complex cases to resolve them effectively and mitigate any associated risks
• Collaborate with the Head of Underwriting Partnership to ensure successful completion of carrier and reinsurance audits
• Ensure all standard operating procedures are up-to-date and aligned with current regulations and business needs
• Regularly review and revise SOPs to improve workflow and compliance
• Participate in strategic planning with senior management to align the underwriting operations with broader business objectives
• Monitor key performance indicators to gauge team efficiency and effectiveness
• Work cross functionally with production underwriting to implement improvements as necessary
• Maintain continuous communication with key stakeholders, including senior management and external regulators, to keep them informed of underwriting activities and developments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with automated rules engines, industry case management and SalesForce.com
• Established relationships or experience working with industry vendors
• Data oriented decision making skills and great intuition

Benefits

• Bonus
• Equity
• Benefits (details at https://www.ethoslife.com/careers/)