Underwriting Sr Specialist - Remote

Last week to apply

Full Time

Authority Limits: 1M Signature / 5M Authority.

Builds relationships with Financial Advisors and internal partners. Develops the skills necessary to successfully underwrite Life, Disability, and/or Long-term Care insurance policies in an inclusive and fast‑paced environment ensuring all quality, service and production goals are met.

• Field & Client Experience
  • Maintain credible and effective relations and communication with field and customers, respond to case appeals/inquiries, and assist with placing business.
  • Provide guidance and assistance to the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and Financial Representatives regarding case underwriting and risk appraisal.
  • Handle prescreen inquiries.
• Underwriting
  • Analyze and appraise a broad range of insurance applications; approve, classify, or decline applications for various ages and policy amounts with guidance as needed.
  • Independently review applications, adhere to underwriting standards, and demonstrate an intermediate level of experience with NM product types and changes.
  • Develop and demonstrate change agility while maintaining mortality and morbidity expectations.
  • Continuously learn and adopt new underwriting processes.
  • Develop proficiency with Reinsurance programs and determine where to best place a case.
  • Underwrite applications, maintaining industry‑leading mortality and morbidity, delivering the best possible offer. Provide active case and requirement management and customized service with guidance.
  • Communicate & negotiate with Field Partners to explain modified or declined decisions and assist in policy placement.
  • Develop proficiency in financial, medical, and lay underwriting assessments, and provide innovative solutions to keep Northwestern Mutual as the choice of our customers.
  • Actively obtain necessary information—including digital health data, Internet searches, direct contact with the insured, and communication with third‑party advisors (Accountants, Attorneys, etc.)—with limited guidance.
  • Discuss cases with peer reviewers with medical and technical staff, as needed.
  • Understand and meet all quality, service, and production goals.
  • Resolve issues & escalations with guidance as needed.
  • Partner with Underwriting Support for case management.
• Cross‑Functional Leadership
  • Serve as underwriting representative for improvement in product process in collaboration with functional partners. Participate in other projects as needed.
• Remote or Hybrid work model.

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
• 1.5 years of traditional underwriting experience.
• Analytical skills with the ability to make independent decisions and apply sound judgment in the application of rules.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to handle confidential information and exercise tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness.
• Proficient computer skills and experience with various software packages.
• Ability to work accurately while maintaining speed and flexibility in a team and independent production environment.
• Highly organized with the ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines.
• Displays agility to manage multiple tasks and adapt in a changing work environment.

Pay Range - Start: $61,530.00 – End: $

• Flexible work schedules
• Concierge service
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee resource groups

Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership, and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

Location / Region:
Des Moines, IA (50302)