Sr. Underwriter - Life Insurance

• Evaluate applications for life insurance to classify risks by using company risk selection standards while promoting additional sales of quality business
• Obtain the information necessary, based on the circumstances of each case, to evaluate each proposed insured’s qualification for the plan and amount of life insurance applied for
• Call the Agent on every case where an adverse underwriting decision is involved to explain the reason and discuss alternatives, including the use of facultative reinsurance
• Help Regional Sales Directors and MGAs build their business by leading customized Game Plans and attracting new producers
• Initiate communication with agents and providers to facilitate the application and policy issue process
• use the most effective means of communication available - telephone, facsimile, electronic mail, etc
• Direct Case Managers in obtaining required information and in providing information to agents, other employees and service providers
• Provide guidance to the Case Manager in screening applications for Jet Issue
• Take final action on cases as authorized by the Manager, Underwriting pertaining to case size and mortality class
• refer cases outside authorized limits to underwriting personnel with the requisite authority
• Handle an assigned workload as determined by the Manager, Underwriting
• Assist the Manager, Underwriting as directed in handling problems and questions from agents, applicants or policyholders, regulatory authorities and service partners
• Assist Underwriter Trainees, Underwriters and other staff in the training required to meet performance objectives
• Acquire and expand medical and non-medical knowledge as it relates to risk classification in order to fairly evaluate applications in a timely manner
• Establish and maintain internal contacts to facilitate answering questions related to submitted business, changes, conversions, reinstatement and agency or marketing matters
• Develop professionally through ALU, CLU and other studies to improve skills and judgment and contribute to the Underwriting Department’s capability to maintain a leadership role in risk classification
• Provide support to management on evaluations and progress reviews for Case Managers
• Complete projects and audits as directed by the Manager, Underwriting
• Be a leadership shadow for newer Underwriters and other employees in work excellence and Company loyalty
• Adhere to Guiding Principles for the Underwriter as endorsed by Association of Home Office Underwriters
• Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect and Integrity)
• As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands
• Participate in other initiatives and/or projects as necessary

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent industry related experience Required
• 4-6 years of life insurance underwriting with above average performance or approval authority of $2M or above Required
• Specialized knowledge and experience in life underwriting and risk selection with proven decision-making ability Required
• Knowledge of medical and non-medical risk factors and the ability to apply these factors in reaching the most favorable underwriting decision Required
• Excellent decision making skills with the ability to solve problems innovatively to find ‘win-win’ solutions
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Self-starter with excellent teamwork skills
• ability to work independently to accomplish work goals and a willingness to sacrifice personal goals to help achiever overall team success
• Superior ability to listen and be responsive to customers and who can sell difficult decisions while showing empathy
• Desire and ability to effectively work with diverse personalities
• Proven behaviors consistent with the Company Values: Openness, Integrity, Accountability, and Respect
• Ability to be open to coaching and constructive feedback to become more effective and improve performance
• Ability to assist Regional Sales Directors build their business by leading customized Game Plans and attracting new producers
• Ability to conduct presentations
• LOMA I and II Required
• FLMI Preferred
• Travel as needed to participate in agency meetings
• Criminal background check required

FLMI Preferred

• Health, Dental, Vision, Company Paid Retirement, PTO and Holiday Pay
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a 100% company-funded retirement plan
• Healthy balance between work and personal lives
• Friday afternoons off all year long, competitive PTO, and generous number of paid holidays
• Incentive program for defined goals subject to eligibility and performance
• Colleagues who support one another, model our core values, and drive our healthy, high-performing culture