Manager, Underwriter

Responsibilities

• Proactively manage the workflow and shifting priorities of the underwriting unit to ensure timely, accurate deliverables.
• Provide daily support, coaching, and mentorship to a team of underwriters, fostering skill development and professional growth.
• Conduct quality reviews, identify learning opportunities, and oversee training for both internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Lead team meetings and serve as the first point of contact for complex case issues or challenges.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and ongoing talent development of direct reports.
• May provide coverage for the department leader as needed.

Underwriting & Risk Assessment

• Affords assistance in preparing underwriting analysis and risk assessment for new and renewal business, including cases with significant benefit implications.
• Affords assistance in the preparation of quotes, questionnaires, and financial projections of varying complexity.
• Applies underwriting guidelines and negotiates financial terms within assigned authority; escalates exceptions and financial variances to senior leadership as appropriate, balancing membership, revenue growth, and profitability.
• Safeguards pricing strategies to align with business objectives and client needs.
• Affords assistance to team members in navigating complex or sensitive sales and renewal situations.

Collaboration & Communication

• Act as the central contact for final rate submissions (Final & Firm process), including reporting and coordination with underwriters and operational teams.
• Collaborates with Business Analysis, Sales, Client Management, and other internal stakeholders to support sales and retention efforts.
• Presents underwriting information and explains rate development, underwriting policies, and product standards to internal and external stakeholders.
• Builds and maintains relationships with stop loss carriers to support case resolution and negotiation efforts.
• Clearly articulates Meritain’s services, underwriting philosophy, and new initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Strategic Support

• Leads or contributes to departmental projects and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, accuracy, and customer service.
• Identifies and implements opportunities for automation and operational efficiency; influences the development of tools and resources.
• Supports the use and optimization of underwriting tools, systems, and reporting platforms.
• Provides strategic input on stop loss placement, pricing, and product positioning.

Subject Matter Expertise

• Demonstrates deep knowledge of Meritain’s product portfolio, underwriting philosophy, and market positioning.
• Supports the development of proposals that align with client goals and organizational strategies.
• Analyzes operational data and applies insights to financial modeling and fee development.
• Serves as a trusted resource for internal partners on underwriting and stop loss strategy.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in underwriting, financial analysis, pricing methodologies, and/or funding arrangements.
• 2+ years of relevant medical insurance experience: brokers (producers), carriers, (TPA) third-party administrators, benefit analysis, underwriting, rating methodologies, or policy marketing, etc.