Chief Underwriter

Conceptionx; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Chief Underwriter to lead their medical underwriting team. This pivotal role involves overseeing underwriting and claims processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a culture of fairness and efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in medical underwriting, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to simplify complex ideas. Join a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and collaboration, and make a significant impact on the future of financial services.

Qualifications

• Expertise in medical underwriting and risk factors.
• Familiar with regulatory guidelines and policies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee medical underwriting and claims policies.
• Manage relationships with reinsurers and regulatory bodies.

Skills

Medical Underwriting

Risk Assessment

Negotiation Skills

Relationship Building

Data Analysis

Coaching Skills

Education

Degree in Finance or Related Field

Professional Underwriting Certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Join to apply for the Chief Underwriter role at Conception X Enr.

Canada Life UK manages retirement, investment, and protection needs for 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 Great-West Lifeco, Canada Life UK has been operating in the UK since 1903 with a dedicated team committed to doing the right thing for our stakeholders.

We are transforming to become more customer-focused, offering expertise in financial and tax planning, home finance, annuities, and collective fund solutions.

Job Summary

1. Oversee medical underwriting and claims philosophy, ensuring effective implementation.
2. Develop a commercially focused underwriting team, researching and creating underwriting rules aligned with Canada Life’s objectives.
3. Embed systems and processes to ensure:

• Fair and consistent outcomes
• Data-informed decision making
• Proportional risk assessment
• Operational efficiency
• Compliance with reinsurance treaties

Collaborate with CL pricing, claims, and customer service teams to ensure alignment between rates and health assessments.

Ensure high quality of Medical Underwriting and claims management for the UK and IOM.

What You'll Do

1. Set underwriting and claims policies in line with company requirements.
2. Implement systems to enhance fairness, data-driven decisions, risk assessment, efficiency, and compliance.
3. Establish controls for claims acceptance/rejection in accordance with policies, reinsurance, and regulatory guidelines.
4. Manage contentious claims, balancing customer needs, company interests, and regulatory guidelines.
5. Maintain and enhance underwriting knowledge; support operational teams with training and guidance.
6. Manage relationships with reinsurers, medical officers, and regulatory bodies.
7. Act as the Nominated Genetic Underwriter, complying with ABI requirements.

Who You Are

• Expert in medical underwriting, risk factors, and product lines.
• Familiar with ABI’s Statement of Best Practice, including genetics considerations.
• Proficient with underwriting manuals, processes, and industry changes.
• Innovative in evaluating and implementing technological solutions.
• Strong influencing, negotiation, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
• Able to explain complex ideas simply and possess good skills in Excel and Word.

This role is classified as a Significant Management Function for both CLL and CLP and is also a MRT for Solvency II.