Associate Director

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.  

DentaQuest manages dental and vision benefits for more than 33 million Americans. Our outcomes-based, cost-effective solutions are designed for Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Advantage, small and large businesses, and individuals. With a focus on prevention and value, we aim to make quality care accessible to improve the oral health of all.

The opportunity:

Under the guidance of leadership, The Associate Director, Underwriting manages the pricing methodology for different business segments. This includes but is not limited to recommending and establishing Target Loss Ratios for different business segments and providing analysis and pricing recommendations to current and new product initiatives. The position also requires collaboration with other departments in support of pricing as well as coordinating and providing actuarial services to all business units. In addition to the risk management, pricing, and data analysis, the position provides implementation of current business and new business to assure the benefits and rates that is sold is correct. The position entails management and development of direct reports to support the governance and objectives set forth by the organization.

How you will contribute:

• Set pricing for Current and New Business in accordance with meeting target loss ratios and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with Business Units and Core Operational Areas in providing financial risk analysis and underwriting services for clinical policy initiatives, operational initiatives, product initiatives, as well as entry into new markets.

• Support key initiatives by collaborating with business owners, users and information technology operations. Meet business requirements for all business units by developing sound pricing in order to achieve the financial goals.

• Collaborate with the Business Unit’s and Core Operational areas in support of RFP/RFI’s for existing client and prospect.

• Manages regulatory requirements with the Insurance Regulators as needed

• Manages requirements by internal and external auditors

• Documents, monitors, and develops training materials and delivers training of departmental staff.

• Coaches, mentors, and directs the development of the underwriting team to ensure high service quality and proficiency.

• Providing pricing expertise in support of new marketing, clinical, and product initiatives

• Collaborates with Product Teams in the design, pricing, and implementation of new products.

• Fulfill all departmental projects and initiatives by coordinating and communicating with staff, directors and executives.

• Participation on ad hoc task forces and corporate projects and initiatives.

• In alignment with strategic direction set by senior leadership, supports the development and implementation of underwriting and actuarial plans to meet DQ strategic and business objectives.

• Hires, trains, coaches, counsels and evaluates performance of direct reports. Ensures regulatory and legal compliance within department.

• Other duties as assigned.

What you will bring with you:

• BA/BS degree.

• 10 years industry experience with a minimum of 5 years large group underwriting experience.

• PC skills required, MS Windows environment. MS Word, Excel, Access, other database tools, and automated underwriting system.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the health insurance business and financials - including but not limited to products, operations, risk assessments and financial performance metrics.

• 5 years’ management experience, including hiring, managing, leading and developing staff.

• Ability to accomplish goals through execution of business plans and underwriting strategies

• Strong problem solving, conflict resolution, planning and organizing skills

• Demonstrated sales, negotiation, communication and presentation skills

• Facilitate internal activities: underwriting, actuarial, statistical, claims, accounting, and contracts.

• A self-starter with good judgment, integrity, able to adapt to a fast-paced environment and multitask successfully.

• Ability to manage multiple projects with changing priorities

• Proven teacher, coach, mentor and change leader.

• Thorough knowledge of the latest underwriting policies and procedures.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Required to attend additional training as requested/deemed necessary.

Salary Range: $108,900 - $163,400

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions.

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We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive.  We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate.  We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program.  Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account.  Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth.  We’re proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer.  Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we’ve also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row.  Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email [email protected] to request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.