Group Senior Underwriter

Position requires a college education and equivalent work experience, considerable knowledge and experience relative to group underwriting (minimum 5-7 years in Group Dental/Eyecare Underwriting area with appropriate experience rating knowledge), including risk evaluation and selection on a group basis. This position is located in Omaha, Nebraska. This position requires strong human relations skills, including, but not limited to, effective written and verbal communication skills; sound judgment; and strong analytical abilities, particularly with regard to understanding and analyzing numerical relationships. Incumbent must be able to thoroughly understand experience rating techniques for Dental & Eyecare coverages and effectively communicate those analytical decisions to the Field Sales Rep. Strong organizations skills and a high degree to initiative are also required in this position. Further, the incumbent must respond proactively and confidently to the demands of work challenges when confronted with changes, ambiguity, adversity and other daily pressures.

Although some situations have been clearly established and dictate the action an underwriter may take, the greatest challenge is to recognize situations where standard guidelines should not apply and thus choose the course of action between the a standard, conservative, formalized approach and a course of action which displays sensitivity to the needs of the policyholder, the distribution system and the Company. The incumbent is also expected to realize a sense of urgency in meeting the Group Underwriting department’s customer service standards and promote the importance of these standards with all Group Underwriting associates.

At times it is challenging for this position to gain a full understanding of what the client is looking for in their RFP and being able to develop the necessary plan options and rating levels to solve the client’s. needs These needs are not always apparent, but are critical in developing appropriate solutions for the client. The incumbent must work with the Sales Rep to ask the necessary questions to uncover these important client needs.


Come grow with us! Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation, a UNIFI company has created an environment that promotes the personal and professional development of our associates and has been the cornerstone for more than a century. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and eye care insurance, 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability insurance, tuition assistance and a variety of wellness benefits. Consider being a part of our future.
At Ameritas Group, we put our customers first. And second. And third. Always. That’s why we’re able to provide three million customers with quality dental and eye care plans that fit their specific needs. And why we’re ready and able to provide millions more with the same impeccable service, no matter where they live.

The Senior Group Underwriter is considered a leadership role within the Underwriting Department portraying management’s principles in meeting the Division and Corporate financial goals. The Incumbent is responsible for the underwriting of larger and/or complex dental and vision contracts (500+ lives or $250,000 annualized premium) and/or underwriting blocks of business. Incumbent assists the Underwriting manager with explaining underwriting philosophy to sales associates and the coaching and training of other underwriting associates. This position selects and maintains profitable group contracts within the limits of the Company’s (Ameritas Life Insurance Corp., or First Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. or it’s Strategic Partners) Underwriting standards and objectives
Essential Functions:
1. The incumbent is responsible for larger, more complex new business & renewal groups using sound underwriting principles, administrative practices and rating methodology. Incumbent must rate these complex cases using proper experiencing rating techniques for the risk, and explains or justify the rating methodology to field associates utilizing our informed selling strategy. This person must recognize when the actuarial formula may not be appropriate and makes alternative suggestions on how to acquire and/or maintain the business while on a profitable basis meeting the division’s top line & bottom line financial objectives. These decisions are based on the appropriateness of the rating technique for the risk.

2. Incumbent analyzes the benefits and rates of specific block(s) of business to determine the financial soundness of the block. In doing this analysis, the Senior Group Underwriter will work independently and in conjunction with Actuarial and Sales Associates to determine the appropriateness of the blocks rates and take the lead on the implementation of the block and provide ongoing maintenance.

3. The incumbent assumes a leadership role in cooperation with underwriting management with special Group or Underwriting projects. They lead special underwriting-related and corporate projects in cooperation with Group Line Management.

4. Assists in coaching and training of other (Underwriting & Sales) associates while developing and encouraging teamwork within the department. Develops and encourages original, unusual, successful approaches; encourages creativity; draws on a broad range of sources of information to help meet top line & bottom line Divisional objectives. Actively promotes continuous development and improvement in self and other underwriting associates within the department.

5. Corresponds with the Field Sales and Brokers communicating decisions, providing detailed explanation and education as needed. Consistently negotiates with the field to insure proper rating on new and existing business. Receives and responds to inquiries and appeals from the Field Offices, brokers, and policyholders regarding underwriting decisions on a proactive and reactive approach.

6. Deals with political situations involving multiple sales distribution conflicts in cooperation with distribution account representatives.

7. Assists management with issues and opportunities to constantly develop a more efficient and effective process for all underwriting associates to carry out their duties and responsibilities. Incumbent assists management with identifying issues and concerns with all Group Line products. Assumes a leadership role in the implementation of products within the Group Line.

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