Chief Underwriter

Irish Life Group Services Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled professional to lead their medical underwriting and claims management team. This role involves overseeing corporate responsibility, developing underwriting policies, and ensuring operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of medical underwriting, strong leadership skills, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory guidelines. Join a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and customer focus, and help shape the future of financial planning and protection services. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of medical underwriting risk factors.
• Ability to evaluate and implement technological solutions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee corporate responsibility for medical underwriting and claims.
• Develop a commercially-focused underwriting team.

Skills

Medical Underwriting

Claims Management

Leadership Skills

Negotiation Skills

Data Analysis

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Finance or Related Field

Professional Certification in Underwriting

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

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Canada Life UK manages the retirement, investment, and protection needs of individuals, families, and companies. We aim to build better futures for our customers, intermediaries, and employees by operating as a modern, agile, and welcoming organization.

Part of our parent company Great-West Lifeco, Canada Life UK has been operating in the United Kingdom since 1903. We are supported by hundreds of dedicated employees committed to doing the right thing for our stakeholders.

Canada Life UK is undergoing transformation to become more customer-focused, providing expertise in financial and tax planning, home finance and annuities, and collective fund solutions to third-party clients.

Job Summary

1. To oversee corporate responsibility for medical underwriting and claims philosophy, ensuring effective implementation.
2. To develop a commercially-focused underwriting team that conducts research and develops underwriting rules aligned with Canada Life’s objectives.
3. To embed systems and processes that enhance:

• Fair and consistent outcomes for customers and the business
• Informed, data-led decision-making
• Proportionality to risk
• Operational efficiency
• Compliance with reinsurance treaties

• Collaborate with CL pricing, claims, and customer servicing teams to ensure alignment between pricing and health assessments through Medical UW and Claims.
• Ensure the overall quality of Medical Underwriting and claims management for the UK and IOM.

What you'll Do

1. Set Underwriting & Claims Policy/Philosophy in line with company requirements.
2. Embed systems and processes to increase operational efficiency and consistency.
3. Implement controls and evidence requirements to ensure claims are processed according to policies, reinsurance arrangements, and regulatory guidelines.
4. Resolve contentious claims balancing customer needs, company policies, and reinsurance considerations, mindful of FOS/ABI guidelines.
5. Maintain and enhance underwriting knowledge, providing advice and support to operational teams and senior management.
6. Provide training and guidance to operational teams.
7. Manage relationships with Reinsurers, Chief Medical Officer, and FOS to ensure policies and processes are current and compliant.
8. Act as the Nominated Genetic Underwriter, complying with ABI requirements.

Who You Are

• In-depth understanding of medical underwriting risk factors and ability to underwrite multiple product lines.
• Knowledge of ABI’s Statement of Best Practice, including genetics, and how it applies.
• Familiarity with underwriting manuals and processes.
• Up-to-date knowledge of industry and market changes in underwriting.
• Ability to evaluate and implement technological solutions.
• Strong influencing, negotiation, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Leadership on technical issues and ability to communicate complex ideas simply.
• Proficiency in Excel and Word.

Please note this role qualifies as a Significant Management Function for both CLL and CLP and also as an MRT for Solvency II.