About the Role
This critical leadership role oversees the underwriting process for group insurance products, managing a team of underwriters and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure efficient and accurate practices while maintaining compliance with guidelines and regulations.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the underwriting process for group benefits products, such as group health, life, disability, and other related coverages.
- Ensure all applications are evaluated and analyzed using underwriting guidelines, policies, and principles to ensure profitability and competitiveness.
- Work with the team to evaluate the risk associated with group insurance applications.
- Review and analyze group data, claims history, medical information, and other relevant factors to determine appropriate coverage levels and premium rates.
- Collaborate with carriers to set competitive and sustainable premium rates for group benefit plans based on underwriting assessments and risk analysis.
- Drive continuous process improvement initiatives within the underwriting group to enhance operational efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience.
- Develop and refine underwriting guidelines and policies for group benefits based on industry trends, competitive analysis, and company objectives.
- Develop, maintain, and improve relationships with key clients, brokers, and partners to ensure a high level of service and client loyalty.
- Identify new business opportunities through networking and referrals.
- Manage and train sales staff; implement sales incentive programs and goals to increase employee performance; give direction towards possible resources and sales strategies.
- Lead the proactive education of BBD and Partner Solutions about Underwriting processes, as well as abilities and limitations as a Third-Party Administrator.
- Generate new and innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Liaise with the Marketing department to create thorough and effective sales campaigns and strategy.
- Collaborate with BBD and Partner Solutions departments to develop strong relationships, share information, and instill confidence with Supplier Partners.
- Represent the client’s needs internally to ensure customer-focused sales mindset.
- Work with the VP, Distribution TPA+ to set team goals and objectives to align with the Underwriting department.
- Collaborate with sales and account management teams to provide underwriting support during client presentations and meetings; address inquiries from clients, brokers, and other stakeholders regarding underwriting decisions and processes.
- Utilize data analytics and reporting tools to monitor underwriting performance, trends, and key metrics.
- Generate reports for senior management and other stakeholders to inform strategic decision-making.
- Hold team accountable to deliver on objectives by meeting or exceeding individual goals.
- Coach team to take a proactive approach to anticipating and understanding customer needs and provide advice and appropriate products and services.
- Report on successes and areas needing improvements.
- Stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks in the group insurance space.
- Complete a small number of quotes; join in the negotiation and resolution when necessary.
- Guide the day-to-day activities of the Underwriting team.
- Conduct regular training sessions for the Underwriting team on product knowledge and industry expertise to support their development, performance, and career progression.
- Encourage each employee to take responsibility for their own performance, development, and career progression, while contributing to BBD’s success.
- Foster a relationship between manager and employee; encourage regular, ongoing dialog about expectations, progress, accomplishments, performance, compensation, and development needs.
- Create and foster a climate that encourages high performance and team cohesion, promoting a positive work environment.
- Follow and ensure staff are knowledgeable of and comply with industry codes of conduct and with securities laws and regulations.
- Follow and ensure staff understand and apply BBD operating policies and HR/BBD policies (e.g., Respect in the Workplace policy, Alcohol and Drug, etc.).
Requirements
- 5+ years relevant experience or similar role.
- Proven understanding of group benefits underwriting, with a track record of progressively increasing responsibilities.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team of underwriters.
- In-depth knowledge of group insurance products, underwriting principles, and risk assessment.
- Familiarity with insurance regulations and compliance requirements specific to group benefits.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to make sound underwriting decisions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams, clients, and brokers.
- Strong conflict resolution ability; experience dealing with escalation processes & procedures.
- Proficiency with underwriting software, data analysis tools, and Microsoft Office suite.
Skills
- Underwriting
- Group Insurance
- Risk Assessment
- Data Analysis
- Leadership
- Team Management
- Sales Strategy
- Process Improvement
- Client Relationship Management
- Conflict Resolution
- Microsoft Office Suite
Location
- Kingston
- Ottawa
- Toronto
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- Manager
Education Level
- Post-secondary education an asset
- Industry certifications are advantageous
Salary/Compensations
- $95,000 - $115,000 per annum
Benefits
- Extended health care and dental benefits
- Retirement savings plan with company contributions
- Suite of Health & Wellness offerings
- Mental Health programs and support for you and your family
- Comprehensive group benefits plan
- Generous retirement savings plan
About the Company
- People Corporation is a national provider of benefits, retirement, wealth, wellness, and human resource solutions.
- Our experts and solutions serve over 20,000 clients representing nearly 3 million Canadians.
- We offer customized solutions designed to fit the unique needs of businesses and their employees, members and stakeholders.
- We know that it's the vast expertise and commitment of our teams in People Corporation and our Partner Firms that have put us where we are today.
- We value our employees and provide competitive salaries, a comprehensive group benefits plan, and a generous retirement savings plan.
- And we're in it for the long haul - once you join us, we want you to thrive.
- If you want to make a difference in the lives of customers, if you take pride in a job well done, and if you like to have fun, talk to us.
- To learn more about our Partner Firms, please click on the link below. https://www.peoplecorporation.com/en-ca/about-us/our-partner-firms
Equal Opportunity
- Providing an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and clients feel valued, respected and supported is something we're committed to.
- We are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities in which we live, and to creating an environment where every employee has the opportunity to reach their potential.
- If you require an accommodation or an alternative format of any posting please reach out to careers@peoplecorporation.com.
- For more information on Accessibility at People Corporation, visit our link https://www.peoplecorporation.com/en-ca/accessibility-statement.
