Senior Underwriting Director

Manulife is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make decisions easier and lives better. Help shape the future you want to see — and discover that better can take you anywhere you want to go.

The Senior Underwriting Director provides guidance to more junior staff and assists Underwriting Management with research and training of Underwriting Staff. The incumbent will also take the lead on high scope and complex Underwriting department projects.

Position Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of potentially unlimited total line in close association with reinsurers.

• Select and classify risk according to company philosophy and standards.

• Participate in and provide a leadership resource for projects in the Underwriting Department.

• Be an information resource for underwriters at all levels.

• Combine appropriate attention to established standards of turnaround with higher level of service and professionalism.

• Analyze and interpret medical, non-medical, and financial information.

• Make decisions within approval limits.

• Ensure that complete and appropriate underwriting requirements are completed while at the same time practicing effective expense management.

• Management of reinsurance process to ensure maximum capacity while avoiding reinsurance “gridlock”.

• Management/control of diversification process as “lead” underwriter on very largest of cases.

• Manage referral/consultation process to ensure that timely and accurate decisions are provided.

• Manage mortality on preferred block of business, through flex guidelines to ensure pricing/mortality expectations are met.

• Ensure consistency and adherence to established departmental guidelines though referral process.

• Actively participate in the development, implementation and management of New Business initiatives.

• Actively participate in the ongoing training and professional development of underwriting team.

• Act as resource/mentor to other members of the underwriting team, particularly at the consultant level.

• Champion appeals and business decisions in concert with the Chief Underwriter.

• Maintain positive and effective relationships with internal and external partners.

Required Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education or equivalent work experience.

• Minimum 15 years underwriting experience.

• Expert knowledge and understanding of medical, non-medical and financial underwriting principles and practices.

• In depth knowledge of unique estate, business and insurance planning tools and techniques.

• In depth/current knowledge of political, economic, financial and legislative events which may impact client needs.

• Expert knowledge of company’s insurance product portfolio and ability to marry that knowledge with an understanding of producer/client need.

• Expert knowledge of reinsurance, market place treaties, agreements and available capacity.

• Exceptional priority management with ability to work effectively under deadlines, balance published service times with an appropriate customer.

• Strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Effective presentation skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong customer service orientation.

• Knowledge of and ability to apply project management skills.

• Expert knowledge of insurance contract law and state legislative requirements as they relate to the underwriting and issue of insurance contracts.

• High level understanding of product pricing principals.

• Balance appropriate attention to expense management against the need to secure sufficient and appropriate underwriting information to make the best decision for the client and the company.

• Actively assist field personnel in positioning the Company as the lead underwriter in the market.

• Actively pursue opportunities for development of self and team.

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all field personnel and reinsurers.

• Keep current and up to date with the changing compliance and insurance regulatory environment.

• Keep current and up to date with changes in estate/insurance planning strategies.

• Identify departmental problems, recommend solutions and assist in implementation of change including manual updates

Preferred Qualifications:

• Applicable underwriting and insurance designations preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Some travel
• Concentration
• Visual
• Exposure to Weather

When you join our team:

• We’ll empower you to learn and grow the career you want.

• We’ll recognize and support you in a flexible environment where well-being and inclusion are more than just words.

• As part of our global team, we’ll support you in shaping the future you want to see.

About Manulife and John Hancock

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping people make their decisions easier and lives better. To learn more about us, visit https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html.

Manulife is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Manulife/John Hancock, we embrace our diversity. We strive to attract, develop and retain a workforce that is as diverse as the customers we serve and to foster an inclusive work environment that embraces the strength of cultures and individuals. We are committed to fair recruitment, retention, advancement and compensation, and we administer all of our practices and programs without discrimination on the basis of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion or religious beliefs, creed, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, genetic characteristics, veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, disability, or any other ground protected by applicable law.

It is our priority to remove barriers to provide equal access to employment. A Human Resources representative will work with applicants who request a reasonable accommodation during the application process. All information shared during the accommodation request process will be stored and used in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws and Manulife/John Hancock policies. To request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact [email protected].

Referenced Salary Location

Salary range is expected to be between

If you are applying for this role outside of the primary location, please contact [email protected] for the salary range for your location. The actual salary will vary depending on local market conditions, geography and relevant job-related factors such as knowledge, skills, qualifications, experience, and education/training. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in incentive programs and earn incentive compensation tied to business and individual performance.

Manulife/John Hancock offers eligible employees a wide array of customizable benefits, including health, dental, mental health, vision, short- and long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance coverage, adoption/surrogacy and wellness benefits, and employee/family assistance plans. We also offer eligible employees various retirement savings plans (including pension/401(k) savings plans and a global share ownership plan with employer matching contributions) and financial education and counseling resources. Our generous paid time off program in the U.S. includes up to 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days, 150 hours of vacation, and 40 hours of sick time (or more where required by law) each year, and we offer the full range of statutory leaves of absence.

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