Life and Annuity Advanced Underwriting Specialist – Key Accounts Lead

📋 Description

• Oversee a portfolio of intricate, high-value, and atypical life insurance and annuity cases from submission to policy issuance and active status.

• Navigate complex underwriting situations, including impaired risk cases, large face-amount policies, non-medical limits, table ratings, flat extras, and exclusions.

• Perform comprehensive application assessments for completeness, accuracy, and adherence to regulatory standards; identify and rectify NIGO issues prior to submission to minimize delays.

• Arrange and coordinate paramedical exams, Attending Physician Statements (APS), lab work, and medical records; proactively follow up to ensure cases remain on schedule.

• Submit applications to carriers and diligently manage daily case updates across various carrier portals and through direct communication with underwriters.

• Upon issuance and receipt of policies, ensure accurate scanning for filing, policy delivery to agents, and thorough documentation across all internal systems.

• Manage cases comprehensively from initial submission through placement, active status, and commission disbursement.

• Act as the main escalation contact for the Life & Annuity team on complex, stalled, or problematic cases that need senior-level intervention.

• Analyze and address NIGO issues with precision and urgency, clearly communicating with agents and carriers to obtain outstanding requirements.

• Facilitate informal underwriting pre-screenings and field underwriting consultations on behalf of agents before formal application submission.

• Advocate for agents with carrier underwriters to pursue favorable underwriting decisions, reconsiderations, and appeals when appropriate.

• Identify trends in NIGO or case delays and propose process enhancements or agent education to mitigate recurring issues.

• Serve as the primary liaison for Gordon Marketing's key agent accounts, providing exceptional, high-touch support throughout the new business process.

• Develop and sustain deep, trusted relationships with high-performing agents, carrier case managers, regional sales directors, and underwriters.

• Communicate proactively with key account agents regarding case status updates, requirement notifications, and policy delivery timelines.

• Monitor the health of key account pipelines and proactively alert agents and management to at-risk cases or potential lapse situations.

• Function as an internal subject matter expert and go-to resource for the Life & Annuity team concerning complex products, carrier guidelines, and underwriting requirements.

• Provide guidance and informal mentorship to junior processors regarding case handling, carrier communication, and problem resolution.

• Attend and engage in carrier training sessions and webinars; share relevant product and underwriting updates with the wider team.

• Explore carrier websites for direct-submit life and annuity policy options and communicate findings to team members and management.

⛳️ Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in Life & Annuity new business processing, case management, or department leadership.

• Proven experience managing complex and impaired-risk life insurance and annuity cases.

• Previous experience in an Insurance Marketing Organization (IMO/FMO) or carrier new business environment.

• Established track record of managing high-value agent relationships and serving as an escalation resource for underwriting challenges.

• Background in Life & Annuity department leadership, supervision, or training is a significant advantage.

• Advanced knowledge of life insurance and annuity products, underwriting guidelines, and carrier new business processes.

• Expertise in identifying and resolving NIGO issues, navigating impaired risk underwriting, and facilitating informal pre-screens.

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in managing a high-volume, complex case pipeline.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to advocate professionally for agents with carrier underwriters and case managers.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint) and electronic document management systems.

• Comfortable navigating multiple carrier portals and policy administration platforms simultaneously.

• High degree of professional judgment, autonomy, and ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaborative and service-oriented; dedicated to enhancing both agent experience and team performance.

🏝️ Benefits

• PTO

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Retirement savings

• Disability insurance

• Life insurance