Life Insurance Underwriting Director

Firm Summary:
Winged Keel Group is the premier national platform for the structuring, implementation, and administration of high-end life insurance solutions. With ten offices nationwide, the firm specializes in Traditional Life Insurance, Business Continuation Insurance, Private Placement Life Insurance and Annuities, and Corporate-Owned Life Insurance portfolios.

Position Summary:
The Director of Institutional Life Insurance Underwriting and Case Management leads the underwriting and case management functions supporting institutional and ultra-high-net-worth life insurance clients. This role ensures underwriting excellence, operational efficiency, and exceptional client experience while maintaining compliance and risk standards. The director partners closely with sales, product, and operations teams to streamline case flow from prospect introduction to application and policy issue. The person in this role is also responsible for leading and managing a high-performing, successful team.

Position Responsibilities:
Underwriting Leadership

• Oversee all aspects of underwriting for institutional and private placement life insurance products.
• Establish and maintain underwriting guidelines, risk tolerance standards, and escalation procedures.
• Review complex, high-value cases and provide underwriting decisions or recommendations.
• Collaborate with carriers to negotiate best offers.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards, including privacy and anti-money laundering (AML) protocols.

Case Management Oversight

• Lead and develop a team of case managers and underwriting specialists handling large, high-profile cases.
• Implement workflows to ensure timely processing, accuracy, and communication with clients and advisors.
• Anticipate and resolve case challenges proactively.
• Track and report service-level metrics, identifying trends and areas for process improvement.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Client Relationship Managers and Operations to support growth objectives and deliver a seamless client experience.
• Develop and refine onboarding and training for new underwriters and case managers.
• Leverage technology and automation tools to increase case throughput and visibility.
• Provide insights and recommendations to leadership on underwriting trends, risk management, and market competitiveness.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and mentor a high-performing team with a focus on professional development and succession planning.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manage staffing and workload balance in response to rapid growth and changing business demands.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or industry designation (CLU, FLMI, FALU, CFP, or similar) preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in life insurance underwriting, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of institutional, private placement, or corporate-owned life insurance.
• Experience working Financial Advisors in the High-Net-Worth space
• Strong understanding of the ticketing system, regulations and compliance in the wire house and bank channels
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-net-worth or jumbo cases.
• Experience leading case management or new business operations preferred.
• Deep knowledge of underwriting guidelines, medical and financial risk assessment, and reinsurance practices.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and relationship management abilities.
• Proficiency with digital underwriting systems and workflow tools.

Working Conditions/Demands/Complexity:

• Required to work on a computer for a substantial part of the day
• A strong fundamental skillset in the above areas from the outset. Candidate will have a unique opportunity to apply and grow these skills in a highly productive, successful, and challenging environment

Compensation / Benefits:

• Attractive annual compensation package is commensurate with experience
• Eligible for annual profit sharing bonus

Comprehensive benefit package includes medical, dental, life, disability, 401(k), Flexible Spending Account, and other voluntary benefits

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