Underwriting Manager

What we need

The Underwriting Manager reports to the Underwriting Director and plays a major role in meeting the Corporation's profitability, revenue and membership goals for the Commercial Line of Business. The Underwriting Manager will act in a supervisory role managing underwriting staff's day to day activities. In this role, you will maintain a small book of business, underwriting key new business prospects and renewal cases. Additionally, you will be responsible for developing talent to be effective business leaders and partners within the company. The Underwriting Manager will also track performance against objectives and keep senior management informed monthly.

Your Day to Day

• Lead a team of underwriters to profitably grow and retain accounts.

• Develop annual performance plans for each staff member that aligns with the individuals' career goals and training development needs.

• Evaluate staff performance and provides feedback during quarterly performance review process.

• Challenge and motivate staff to reach their highest potential and fosters the continuous professional development and career growth.

• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to ensure alignment to goals and objectives.

• Provide technical training and guidance to Underwriters, as well as Sales staff.

• Will review underwriting team renewals and prospects and provide support on calls with Sales and brokers/consultants.

• Manage activities of underwriting staff to ensure competent, flexible, and responsive underwriting.

• Assist in recruiting and training staff in the skills needed to profitably write new business and retain existing business.

• Negotiate prices with customers and their consultants, where appropriate, to retain business and meet profitability goals, and closely monitor the impact of business decisions. Monitor and report on the profitability and persistency of the assigned book of business.

• Maintain a small book of business including direct contact with senior client management, renewal pricing, monitoring loss ratios, management reporting, etc. Maintain account profitability, enrollment levels and support Sales' customer relationship building efforts by participating at client meetings. Utilize effective mathematical models to develop complex account renewals, accurately project future costs, and propose alternative plans / financial arrangements.

• Participate in various projects such as new product development, medical management initiatives, retroactivity, account reporting, underwriting systems development, and new rating methodologies.

• Work and collaborate directly with Sales Directors, Sales Staff, Brokers, and customers in a consultative role.

• Participate actively in account renewal presentations and new business finalist meetings to existing and prospective policyholders and brokers/consultants.

• Provide technical expertise on Underwriting pricing strategies and production assistance as appropriate.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties.

This role is eligible for our Flex persona.

We're Looking for:

• Demonstrated strong initiative with a clear business purpose in mind.

• An analytical thought process with ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

• The ability to communicate message in a clear and effective manor to internal and external customers.

• A demonstrated ability to take calculated risks and be responsible for outcomes.

• A proven record of success on difficult and challenging assignments.

• Flexibility in the interpretation and application of underwriting guidelines.

• The ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships at all levels.

• Proven track record of articulating adversarial positions in a professional and positive way that maintains strong business relationships.

• A demonstrated ability to collaborate with peers and upper management, and to influence peers internally and externally.

• Nimbleness relative to implementing and adjusting to the changes within the organization and healthcare industry.

• The ability to seek out continuous underwriting process improvements.

• Someone who is able to work effectively with and influence all levels including clients, team members, and other leaders.

• The ability to lead projects independently, consulting with underwriting director when appropriate.

What You Bring:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited college / university required, Master's Degree preferred.

• A minimum of 10 years group health underwriting experience required.

• Creative problem-solving

• Superior oral and written communication skills to explain difficult technical concepts to clients, consultants, operations, and sales staff.

• Experience with presentations to clients and negotiating prices with customers and consultants.

• A flexible customer service style and ability to work independently with internal/external business partners.

• Proficiency in Excel and Word, and ability to learn new software/tools.

• An elevated level of thoroughness and accuracy, and strong attention to detail relative to risk review.

• Commitment to high standards of performance and willingness to put in extra effort to achieve goals.

• Experience and comfortability working under tight deadlines and juggling multiple priorities.

• Extensive knowledge of health benefit programs and financial arrangements from both a risk and cash flow aspect.

• Prior management or supervisory experience is preferred.

What You'll Gain:

• A collaborative department with a strong leadership team who embodies a growth mindset and authentically leads Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts in maintaining financial stability and balancing membership and affordability across all market segments.

• Flexibility and work/life balance with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts hybrid work model.

• A mission-driven organization with strong company values that provides comprehensive, holistic well-being benefits.

#LI-HYBRID

High school degree or equivalent required unless otherwise noted above

The job posting range is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, and business or organizational needs and affordability.

This job is also eligible for variable pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k), and a suite of well-being benefits to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, or any other form of compensation that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

WHY Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA?

We understand that theconfidence gapandimposter syndromecan prevent amazing candidates coming our way, so please don't hesitate to apply. We'd love to hear from you. You might be just what we need for this role or possibly another one at Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our business, the more we will all thrive, contribute, and be brilliant. We encourage you to bring us your true colors, , your perspectives, and your experiences. It's in our differences that we will remain relentless in our pursuit to transform healthcare for ALL.

As an employer, we are committed to investing in your development and providing the necessary resources to enable your success. Learn how we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and rewarding workplace that promotes excellence and provides opportunities for employees to forge their unique career path by visiting ourCompany Culturepage. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you. You can also join ourTalent Communityto stay "in the know" on all things Blue.

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, we believe in wellness and that work/life balance is a key part of associate wellbeing. For more information on how we work and support that work/life balance visit our "How We Work" Page.