Director of Strategic Underwriting Relationships

Are you passionate about being part of a team that delivers extraordinary care to help individuals and businesses prepare for and protect their retirement? If so, then Nationwide Financial could be the place for you! At Nationwide, 'on your side' goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we're looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care.
This role does not qualify for employer-sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the Stem OPT Extension program.

Internal Compensation Grade:
H4
Location:
This position can be filled as Hybrid or Remote
We are seeking a highly experienced and professional Director of Strategic Underwriting Relationships. This role serves as a critical field resource for underwriting within the BGA (Brokerage General Agency) distribution channel.
The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of the BGA distribution, at least 10 years of life underwriting experience, and a $10M sign-off limit.
Key Responsibilities:

Serve as a field resource for underwriting in the BGA distribution.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the BGA distribution channel.
Utilize at least 10 years of life underwriting experience to make informed decisions.
Maintain a $10M sign-off limit for underwriting approvals.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Effectively communicate and sell the underwriting story to various audiences.
Possess deep knowledge of the competitive market and industry trends.
Exhibit strong presentation skills and executive presence.
Partner with marketing to develop and build underwriting-related materials.
Demonstrate command skills and professional demeanor.
Foster a competitive spirit and drive positive underwriting change within the organization.
Qualifications:

Minimum of 10 years of life underwriting experience.
Proven track record of relationship building and effective communication.
Strong knowledge of the competitive market and industry trends.
Excellent presentation skills and executive presence.
Ability to partner effectively with marketing and other departments.
Demonstrated command skills and professional demeanor.
Competitive mindset with a drive for positive change.
Summary:

Our underwriters work hard to provide the exceptional customer experience for which Nationwide is known. Actively engaging with our firms and financial professionals to get to know their clients and their needs builds our understanding of the market, what is needed to win business and put our best offer out first.
If you thrive working autonomously, making decisions on a variety of impactful issues and continuing to learn and adapt to grow, we want to know more about you!
As a Director, you'll lead the day-to-day operations for the Life Underwriting team within Nationwide Financials' Life New Business organization. The team is responsible for mortality risk assessment and protecting Nationwide against sooner than expected mortality expenses, as well as morbidity risk management for long term care insurance. The Underwriter approves, modifies, or declines applications through an underwriting assessment including evaluation of medical history, occupational hazards, financial background, insurable interest and other relevant information.

Leads and provides oversight to team roles and responsibilities while creating a highly engaged culture.
Participates in, sponsors or owns major projects, leads the activities and staff providing guidance to supporting departments.
Hires qualified and highly engaged underwriters.
Owns the service relationships requiring a high level of technical expertise.
Supervises activities to ensure clients are promptly served and meets/exceeds quality standards.
Leads the implementation of all enacted state and federal regulations for products and procedures.
Uses outside-in approach and services as the "voice of the customer" in driving improvement opportunities.
Manages expenses to the established budget and finds opportunities and implements solutions to streamline process and reduce operating expenses.
Receives issues from field and sales partners to renegotiate the underwriting decision.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.
Reporting Relationships:
Reports to Life Underwriting Executive. Leads 10 to 12 Underwriters.
Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education:
Undergraduate studies in Business Administration or related field.
License/Certification/Designation:
EKG Certified preferred. Professional/technical studies or designation such as the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), Fellow of Life Management Institute, (FLMI), or Fellow of the Academy of Life Underwriting (FALU) preferred.
Experience:
More than 10 years Life Underwriting experience. More than five years of formal leadership experience.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
Validated technical Underwriting ability to receive, evaluate and underwrite on a medical or non-medical basis. Extensive knowledge of life underwriting risk selection, brokerage experience, and older age underwriting.
Values:
Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values.
Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility:
Exempt (Not Eligible)
Working Conditions:
Normal office environment. Some travel required.
ADA:
The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job.
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Benefits:

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including:
medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here .
Nationwide is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected and engaged.
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