Life Underwriting Manager

Northwestern Mutual

. Direct and manage the operations of an Underwriting unit through recruitment, selection, training, development, motivation, and salary administration of underwriter staff .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeRemote • Wisconsin • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $108,160 - $162,240 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in Underwriting Operations Management, including staff recruitment, training, and performance development. Proven ability to lead process improvement initiatives and manage complex projects while maintaining high customer service standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Underwriting Operations ManagementProject ManagementPeople DevelopmentChange ManagementCustomer Service Standards

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Underwriting GuidelinesRisk AnalysisPerformance ManagementBudget ManagementProcess Improvement

Soft Skills

CommunicationRelationship BuildingDecision-MakingNegotiationAdaptability

Industry Keywords

Life UnderwritingInsurance AcumenNational Association of Insurance Commission ComplianceCustomer CentricityField Management Liaison

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Direct and manage the operations of an Underwriting unit through recruitment, selection, training, development, motivation, and salary administration of underwriter staff
Oversee and coordinate division workflow and manage Underwriting projects, customer service initiatives, work efforts, and risk analysis
Lead complex system and process improvement initiatives in the Underwriting Department
Serve as communication liaison and technical problem-resolution resource for field management, agents, company management, other companies, and insurance departments
Develop, implement, and monitor customer service standards for agency-level staff and the Field Force
Plan, direct, and coordinate Underwriting unit activities while maintaining service standards, favorable mortality experience, and persistence at the lowest possible net cost
Supervise and direct underwriter work activities and risk analysis
Manage performance, career development, goal setting, assessment, coaching, referral processes, case audits, and instruction
Coordinate and implement new underwriting guidelines, practices, and procedures
Provide leadership for workflow, process changes, and systems development initiatives
Act as liaison to other insurance operations departments
Execute change management and communication plans
Initiate communication to resolve technical problems with field management
Recommend and implement improved service strategies and work efficiencies
Coordinate and deliver field visitation programs and videoconferences
Manage the budget for the respective unit
Respond to complex and sensitive customer service complaints and questions in compliance with National Association of Insurance Commission guidelines

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree and/or an equivalent combination of education or progressively responsible work experience
Experience may include people management experience, Lead Underwriter Consultant, and training development of underwriters at all levels resulting in performance improvements
Previous life underwriting experience preferred
Track record of obtaining results
Demonstrated skills in relationship building, planning and directing work, decision-making, communication, and change management
Strong project management skills with the ability to lead or manage departmental projects or process improvement initiatives
Strong interest in people development with competence in staff selection, assignment, training, development, motivation, and recognition
Superior communication skills with the proven ability to build trusted relationships and successfully negotiate issues with the field, policy owners, and employees
A minimum of seven years of operational experience is preferred
Advanced accountability, change adaptability, insurance acumen, learning agility and critical thinking, negotiation and managing objection, adaptive communication, and customer centricity skills