Life Underwriting Specialist

Candidates should anticipate a 10–12 week hiring process, with an expected start date of February 1, 2027

Introduction:

Join our team as an entry-level underwriter in a dynamic and supportive environment. This role offers the opportunity to apply your critical thinking, drive for results, adaptive communication, and relationship building skills, as you learn the art of underwriting risk assessment from the best in the business.  
 
Through our comprehensive training program, you’ll develop the essential skills needed to excel in a fast-paced production environment focused on quality risk assessment, and exceptional field and client service. Bring your enthusiasm and be part of a collaborative team driving innovation solutions.  

Summary:

Builds relationships with Financial Advisors and internal partners. Develops the skills necessary to successfully underwrite Life insurance policies in an inclusive and fast-paced environment ensuring all quality, service and production goals are met. 

 
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Field & Client Experience. 

• ​Responsible for credible and effective relations and communications with field and customers. 

• Provides guidance and assistance to the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and Financial Representatives regarding case underwriting and risk appraisal. 

• Responsible for prescreen inquiries, with guidance. 

 
Underwriting:

• Responsible for the analysis and appraisal of a broad range of insurance applications; approves, classifies, or declines applications for various ages and policy amounts with guidance. 

• ​Demonstrates a basic understanding of application review and adherence to underwriting standards​, NM (Northwestern Mutual) product types and changes. 

• Develops and demonstrates change agility while maintaining mortality and morbidity expectations. 

• ​Demonstrates continuous learning through the early adoption of new ways of underwriting. 

• Develops a basic understanding of financial, medical, and lay underwriting assessments and reinsurance programs. 

• Underwrites applications, maintaining industry-leading mortality and morbidity giving the best possible offer that can be made. 

• Provides active case and requirement management and provides customized service with guidance. 

• Communicates & negotiates with Field Partners to explain modified or declined decisions & assist in policy placement. 

•  Actively utilizes the most effective means to obtain the necessary information, including Internet searches, digital health data, direct contact with the insured, and communication with third party advisors (Accountants, Attorneys, etc.), with guidance​. 

• ​Responsible for adherence to procedures and regulatory processes​. 

• Understands and meets all quality, service, and production goals​. 

• Solve issues & escalations with guidance. 

• ​Discusses cases with peer reviewers, medical and technical staff, as needed. 

• ​Partners with Underwriting Support for case management. 

• ​May serve as underwriting representative for improvement in product process w/collaboration w/functional partners. 

 
Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree preferred or a minimum of 4 years equivalent combination of education and experience that aligns with the skills needed. (Essential)

• Analytical skills with the ability to make independent decisions and apply sound judgment in the application of rules. 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to handle confidential information, exercise tact, diplomacy, and resourcefulness. 

• Proficient in computer skills and using various software packages. 

• Ability to work accurately while maintaining speed and flexibility in a team and independent production environment. 

• Highly organized and the ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines. 

• Displays agility to manage multiple tasks​ and adapt in a changing work environment. 

Skills You Have:

• Learning Agility & Critical Thinking: Learns from experience, applies feedback, connects information from different sources, and uses sound judgment when the answer is not immediately clear.
• Decision Making: Assesses available information, recognizes risk, and makes timely decisions without needing every detail.
• Adaptive Communication: Explains complex information clearly and adjusts the message based on the audience and situation.
• Negotiation & Managing Objections: Navigates difficult conversations, explains the reasoning behind decisions, and works toward practical outcomes.
• Change Adaptability: Remains open to new processes, systems, feedback, and ways of working while maintaining accuracy and productivity.

Candidates must successfully complete and pass any required testing.

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$60,880.00

Pay Range - End:

$91,320.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

Structure 115:

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

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Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.