Underwriting Manager

The SSI Group; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid workplace

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

GHC-SCW is seeking an Underwriting Manager to lead the underwriting team, drive risk strategy, and collaborate across the business. You will influence renewal decisions, manage complex data insights, and ensure high-quality service delivery to members.

The role offers hybrid work in Madison, WI, with opportunities to shape strategy and develop a high-performing team in a trusted local health plan with 50+ years of service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5+ years of health insurance experience, with HMO emphasis.
• 3+ years of management experience.
• Strong analytic and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to influence business decisions and oversee budgets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation of the underwriting team and risk selection.
• Manage and develop underwriting staff; ensure service delivery to customers.
• Interface with sales, external customers and independent agents for renewals.
• Lead risk assessment for potential new clients and annual renewal processes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication skills

HIPAA knowledge

Organizational skills

Decision making

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field

Job description

Underwriting Manager

Lead strategy. Develop people. Help shape the future of a trusted local health plan.

Full-time | Hybrid | Madison, WI

GHC-SCW is seeking an experienced health insurance leader who can translate complex data into confident decisions, develop a high-performing team, and collaborate across the business. As our Underwriting Manager, you'll influence risk strategy, service delivery, renewals, and sustainable growth for a trusted, member-owned health plan that has been serving south central Wisconsin for more than 50 years.

Following onboarding, this role offers a hybrid work arrangement, providing flexibility while maintaining meaningful collaboration with colleagues and business partners.

Candidates must be able to commute to Madison, Wisconsin, for in-person meetings, and other on-site needs as required.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Underwriting Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operation of the underwriting team, including accountability for risk selection, service delivery to all levels of customers, and management and development of the underwriting team members. The Underwriting Manager will interface with the sales team, external customers and independent insurance agents to facilitate the annual renewal process for existing clients and conduct risk assessment for potential new clients.

This position provides the opportunity to lead the underwriting team and partner with leaders across the organization to support the success of a trusted local health plan committed to quality, innovation, and community involvement.

Why Join GHC-SCW?

For over 50 years, GHC-SCW has been a local, member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative dedicated to improving health and well-being throughout south central Wisconsin. Many Talents, One Mission! The Benefits of Working at GHC-SCW.

When you join GHC-SCW, you'll find:

• Meaningful work that supports members and communities
• Opportunity to make a visible impact on organizational success
• Collaborative and supportive leadership culture
• Hybrid workplace flexibility
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance programs, pet insurance, and more
• Values-driven organization committed to innovation, belonging, and community involvement

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or closely related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in a health insurance setting, with an emphasis on Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) experience.
• 3+ years of management experience.
• Strong analytic and strategic thinking skill set.
• Strong leadership skills to bring stakeholders together.
• Demonstrated business acumen, including broad health care experience.
• Ability to influence business decisions and directions for initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of health insurance market dynamics.
• Ability to read and interpret financial statements.
• Ability to prepare and monitor department budgets.
• Proven written, oral, and presentation communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of an organization while providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to work independently and be results-oriented.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity and professionalism, including knowledge of HIPAA requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working with health insurance quotes and renewals.
• Experience training and mentoring staff.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Broad healthcare industry experience.
• Experience supporting process improvement initiatives.

Leadership Competencies

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Accountability, innovation, and mentorship in leadership practices.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate across departments and with external partners.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations while treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment.

The incumbent knows and abides by all Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (GHC-SCW) organizational and departmental policies, sets personal standards and strives for high quality work in completing assignments, performs job duties in a timely manner, and represents the organization in a positive manner. The incumbent understands our Mission, Vision, and Common Values (stated below) and is committed to promote these values in behavior and attitude.

Our Mission Statement

We partner with members and the communities we serve to maximize health and well-being.

Our Vision

As a local, not-for-profit, member-owned Cooperative, we are the most trusted resource for lifelong health and well-being in the communities we serve.

Our Values

• We are a not-for-profit Cooperative
• We are member-centered
• We are equitable and inclusive
• We are quality-driven
• We are innovative
• We are community involved