VP & Head of Underwriting Advocacy (Dallas, TX) - M Financial Holdings Incorporated : Job Details

M Financial Group is a community of leaders comprising the best and brightest minds in our industry. By combining individuals' expertise and skill, M Financial Group has become a powerful force committed to advancing the interests of our industry, communities, and clients for over 40 years. M's solutions are rooted in the diverse expertise of our team, our collaborative approach to innovation and our comprehensive support.

We embrace a progressive, dynamic mindset for every role. M Financial Group provides a professional community that actively supports individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives who come together to build and support best-in-class solutions. If you are looking to be a part of a high performing, collaborative, and dedicated team, M Financial Group is in search of our next Head of Underwriting Advocacy to join our team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Impact

• Identify opportunities to create underwriting advantages and differentiation for M; work with stakeholders to evaluate, recommend, and implement processes, tools, programs, and strategies as appropriate
• Elevate M's reputation and visibility in the industry; advocate for M and the high net worth market needs and interests
• Stay informed of industry underwriting trends, competitive landscape, regulatory issues; assess impact to M, inform stakeholders, and work to mitigate/manage concerns and opportunities as appropriate
• Track interactions and critical data in order to provide informative and actionable business insights
• Participate in and/or lead projects and initiatives which impact underwriting and new business
• Work closely with stakeholders to develop, improve, and promote relationships with Carriers, Reinsurers, and Vendors to deliver the best possible underwriting capacity, solutions, and service to Member Firms
• Work with others to manage Carrier Underwriting and New Business relationships; hold accountable for service, ensure competitive practices, and make recommendations for changes as needed
• Lead and develop internal team members
• Work closely with stakeholders to develop and maintain an underwriting technology roadmap
• Other work as needed to support M's Mission, Vision, Value Proposition and strategic objectives

Member Firm Support and Advocacy

• Lead Underwriting and New Business Support for Member Firms
• Develop and maintain case studies, guides, white papers, training, best practices, and other reference materials
• Coach Member Firms on the creation of effective cover letters and packaging of cases for submission
• Act as a liaison between Member Firms and Carriers; facilitate prompt problem resolution
• Review medical, lifestyle, and financial data to assess risks, identify challenges and opportunities, and develop effective underwriting strategies in partnership with Member Firms
• Negotiate and coordinate with Carriers and Reinsurers to achieve the best offer and maximum capacity possible
• Regularly and proactively seek feedback from Member Firms; leverage feedback to help inform underwriting and new business strategy, support, and processes as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• One or more relevant industry designations such as AALU, FALU, CLU, or FLMI preferred
• Minimum of 15 years progressively responsible life insurance underwriting experience; Combination of Carrier or Reinsurance experience and Brokerage or Producer Group experience preferred
• Strong technical underwriting skills including medical, financial, and lifestyle/avocation
• Deep experience in underwriting and managing large and complex cases in the upscale market, including in-depth knowledge of reinsurance markets and the ability to effectively manage reinsurance negotiations
• Familiarity with advanced planning strategies and markets including Private Placement, Premium Financing, Foreign National and International underwriting
• Ability to establish and maintain strong and effective working relationships with Member Firms, Carriers, Reinsurers, and internal Team Members
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to present complex topics clearly and concisely
• The position has industry visibility as a thought and underwriting process leader, attending and presenting at industry events

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Salary will be commensurate with relevant experience, knowledge, and skills. You will also be eligible for an annual incentive plan bonus.

M Financial offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical/Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Modern Health (Mental Health Therapy and Coaching)
• Empathy (Bereavement Support)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life Insurance
• FSA (Health and Dependent Care)
• HSA (for qualified medical plan)
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• 401(k) Match
• Tuition Assistance

JOB CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

• This position is based on-site at our offices in Uptown at the Quad in Dallas, TX with the flexibility to work one day remotely Normal office environment/desk assignment
• Extensive use of PCs, computer terminal, display, keyboard, and mouse
• Extensive close work with documents, publications, databases, and spreadsheets
• Moderate travel (