Director of Group Benefits Underwriting

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead - our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It's a big ask, but it's one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate - pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it's a career with purpose. It's a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future - including your own.

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Group Benefits Underwriting to join our Workforce Benefits Underwriting leadership team in managing risk, pricing, and policy development for our group benefits products. This role can be 100% remote.

As Director of Underwriting, you will report to the Head of Underwriting, and you will play an important role in the early-stage growth and long-term success of this business. This role will be responsible for overseeing the underwriting process, ensuring that your team of underwriters work with efficiency and accuracy, and collectively drive the development and implementation of underwriting strategies that align with organizational goals. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in group ancillary benefits underwriting, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of industry regulations and market trends.

How you'll help move us forward:

• Manage the implementation of underwriting strategies for group benefits plans, ensuring profitability and effective risk management across the portfolio.

• Monitor and evaluate underwriting performance to identify emerging risks, pricing trends, and opportunities for improvements or adjustments in underwriting strategies.

• Maintain underwriting guidelines, ensuring that they follow regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Provide recommendations to senior leadership on pricing strategies, product development, and emerging market trends.

• Review and evaluate data to assist with risk decisions, persistency targets, billed to target ratio and renewal rate increase targets.

• Foster creative decision making to balance sound underwriting principles with desired premium growth.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of underwriting professionals, ensuring alignment with company goals, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

• Drive continuous process improvements to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the underwriting function, leveraging technology, automation, and best practices.

• Collaborate with IT, actuarial and operational teams to evaluate and implement underwriting systems, tools, and technologies that support scalability and improve underwriting operations.

• Work closely with the Product, Sales, Claims, and Client Management teams to provide underwriting expertise and ensure that the products meet client needs and market demand.

• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing the underwriting and pricing of group benefits products.

The experience you bring:

• 8+ years of experience in group benefits underwriting, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership or management role.

• Proven experience in underwriting complex group benefits plans and pricing strategies.

• Strong background in risk management, claims analysis, and data-driven decision-making.

• Experience with technology-driven underwriting solutions and automation is a significant advantage.

• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to build and lead cross-functional teams.

• Strong financial and analytical acumen, with experience managing risk and making data-driven decisions.

• Deep knowledge of the group benefits industry, including product offerings, regulatory requirements, and market trends.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external partners.

• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills, able to make decisions based on both quantitative data and qualitative insights.

• Flexibility to operate within a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.

• Experience influencing others to gain the support and commitment to drive business initiatives. Comfortable learning and adopting new technologies, as well as encouraging others to do so, applies new and emerging technological options that will enhance organization outcomes.

What makes you stand out:

• Strong preference for experience underwriting group dental, vision, basic & voluntary life, short-term and long-term disability, and supplemental health lines including critical illness, hospital indemnity and accident plans for small and mid-sized groups.

• Experience with underwriting software platforms and analytics tools.

• Understanding of the latest developments in group benefits regulations and compliance requirements.

You can be who you are.
People come first here. We're committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at www.pacificlife.com. What's life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife.

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Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

Your Benefits Start Day 1

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we're committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we've got you covered.

• Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents

• Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off

• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program

• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.