We are seeking an experienced Insurance Operations Associate to support our growing Annuity portfolio at CL Life and Annuity Insurance Company. Successful candidates will be experienced leaders in the annuity industry with expertise in new business, inforce, contracting/licensing and commission administration. The candidate must demonstrate an ability to quickly assume responsibilities and a high level of analytical aptitude. Functions include day-to-day management and oversight of TPA, support of both discretionary and production related projects, suitability reviews and reporting.

The position will be based in Des Moines, Iowa or at Crestline Investor’s headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Understand key operational flows, controls and compliance requirements that would improve our agent, IMO, and client experience. Provide analysis and recommend process changes to management team.

• Ensure New Business process is running smoothly through liaison with Third Party Administrators and software vendors. Project manage any product enhancements through vendors.
• Facilitate and lead meetings with our strategic partners to discuss current issues and future initiatives directly impacting the service provided; provide feedback regarding operations inefficiencies and technological deficiencies.
• Act as subject matter expert in projects, and process improvement initiatives.
• Handling of exceptions, escalations, and complicated technical or complaint cases while weighing company philosophy, compliance, business risks, tax, regulatory ramifications, and administrative costs.
• Provide external education and training support to key distribution partners on commonly asked questions, areas of high Not In Good Order (NIGO) or areas where improved knowledge and understanding of business practices can help create a more mutually successful relationship.
• Oversee Agent Contracting process with a sound understanding of producer contracting and licensing.
• Educate agents on commission payment process, including commission calculations, schedules, and statement information as well as payment amounts and options.
• Evaluate and review suitability documentation for validity and completeness. Gather additional information and provide analysis, extensively document decisions and actions, and evaluate and complete information for final suitability recommendation.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple types of tasks at once, while effectively prioritizing importance.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent work experience preferred.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience in Insurance industry preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of operations experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of insurance products and processes, particularly around Licensing, Contracting or Commissions.
• Knowledge of annuity administration systems and procedures.
• Experience with insurance administration and TPA infrastructure/management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with advanced organizational skills and ability to focus on appropriate details.
• Strong customer relationship management and servicing skills, as well as internal corporate relationship management capabilities.
• Self-motivator and ability to work efficiently and independently.
• Efficiently navigate multiple systems, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to work periodic overtime, sometimes with relatively short notice.
• In addition, due to the financial nature and level of accountability of this position, a credit and criminal background check is required.