SVP, Chief Actuary and Underwriting - Individual Division

Job Description

The Senior Vice President, Chief Actuary & Underwriting, Individual is a pivotal executive role within Ameritas' Individual Division. This leader will oversee all actuarial, product development, pricing, and underwriting functions, driving profitable growth and safeguarding financial integrity across our life insurance, annuity, and disability income portfolios. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, they’ll play a key role in shaping business strategy and ensuring regulatory compliance as part of the division’s leadership team.

This is a hybrid role working partially in‑office (4 days) and partially from home.

• Guide actuarial strategy for all individual products, aligning with Ameritas’ objectives and values. Oversee pricing, reserving, and financial projections, and lead risk management initiatives. Ensure compliance with state regulations and NAIC standards.
• Direct the design and launch of innovative products that address evolving customer needs. Conduct market analysis to identify areas for differentiation and collaborate with marketing and sales to maximize distribution and profitability. Support agencies, advisors, and independent distribution channels with pricing, product development, risk selection, and financial performance of specific segments of business within the Individual Division.
• Provide strategic direction for underwriting operations, establishing philosophy, guidelines, and risk standards. Champion continuous process improvement, leveraging analytics and technology for efficiency and customer experience.
• Build and mentor high-performing teams, encourage a culture of innovation and learning, and develop succession planning for critical roles. Support professional development and uphold Ameritas’ core values.
• Work and collaborate closely with actuarial leaders across divisions, as well as Investment, Finance, Compliance, IT, and field distribution partners. Represent Ameritas in industry forums and regulatory discussions.
• Ensure all activities meet legal and industry standards, oversee filings and certifications, and lead responses to examinations. Provide actuarial certifications and other actuarial support needed for policy approval and regulatory compliance.
• Serve as a key member of the Individual Executive Strategic Planning team, responsible for setting vision, direction, and execution of all division strategies and initiatives.
• Analyze block valuation of potential acquisitions and strategic alliances and oversee the development of risk evaluation and selection strategies.
• Provide financial projections & plans used for the strategic planning of the Individual Division and multi‑departmental projects, as directed. Maintain accountability for profit and loss on life and annuity products within the individual business unit.
• Partner with other Senior Vice Presidents in support of the Individual Division objectives, assisting with achieving sales and growth goals, expense management, development of new market opportunities, product development, and management.
• This position engages with strategic partnerships and outside relationships to drive innovation and expand market presence including reinsurance relationships for data and intelligence for decision making.
• Serve as product liaison with the Field Advisory Committee, including shaping the messaging of our product marketing at various agent facing meetings throughout the year.

• Bachelor's degree (Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, or a related quantitative field) or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• 15+ years of actuarial experience in the life insurance industry required.
• 7-10 years of leadership or management experience and proven leadership skills required.
• Deep expertise in individual life insurance, annuity, and DI products, including pricing and risk management required.
• Fellow, Society of Actuaries (FSA) required.
• Comprehensive underwriting knowledge required.
• Member of the American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA) and/or other relevant designations (FLMI, CLU, ChFC) desired.
• Experience with advanced analytics, digital transformation,…