Head of Digital Underwriting & Innovation - Remote

Symetra

Bellevue (WA)

Hybrid

USD 129,000 - 215,000

Full time

11 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Flexible full-time or hybrid telecomm.

401(k) plan with immediate vesting & 6

Paid time away including vacation and…

Company matching for charitable giving

Job summary

Symetra is seeking an AVP, Digital Underwriting & Innovation to lead the strategy, development, and execution of digital underwriting across the life insurance business. You will drive automation, AI, and new data sources while partnering with underwriting, product, actuarial, technology, and compliance teams.

You will also lead a team of underwriters, shape the underwriting philosophy, and build industry relationships to stay ahead of market trends.

Qualifications

15+ years of progressive experience in life insurance underwriting, including leadership of underwriting operations, strategy, and innovation initiatives.
Deep expertise in underwriting, digital underwriting strategy, and underwriting technology transformation.
Proven experience developing and optimizing automated underwriting frameworks, rules engines, and decisioning platforms.
Demonstrated success leveraging emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, to improve underwriting efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience.
Strong strategic mindset with the ability to develop and execute departmental and business strategies aligned to organizational objectives.
Experience leading large-scale change initiatives and driving adoption across teams and business functions.
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to distill complex information into clear recommendations for senior and executive leadership.
Strong collaboration and relationship management skills, with a track record of partnering effectively across operations, technology, product, risk, and compliance teams.
Thorough understanding of regulatory and compliance considerations within the life insurance industry.
Proven people leadership experience, including leading leaders, developing talent, succession planning, coaching, and organizational development.
Professional designations such as FALU, CLU, and/or FLMI preferred.
Experience engaging with external industry partners, vendors, reinsurers, and distribution organizations.
Recognized as a thought leader in underwriting innovation, digital transformation, and operational excellence.
Bachelor's degree preferred. High school diploma required.
Ability to travel occasionally to meet the needs of the business.

Responsibilities

Define and execute Symetra's digital underwriting strategy, advancing automation, accelerated underwriting, and decisioning capabilities.
Own and evolve underwriting rules engines, digital workflows, and underwriting technology platforms to improve efficiency, accuracy, and partner experience.
Identify and implement innovative solutions leveraging AI, predictive analytics, emerging data sources, and automation technologies.
Lead underwriting research, pilot programs, and experimentation efforts to evaluate new approaches to risk assessment and customer experience.
Partner across Product, Actuarial, Technology, Distribution, Operations, Legal, and Compliance to deliver strategic underwriting initiatives.
Lead and develop a team of life underwriting professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Build relationships with key industry partners, vendors, and reinsurers while staying informed on market trends and emerging capabilities.
Serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief Underwriter, helping shape the future of Symetra's underwriting philosophy, strategy, and competitive position.