Lead Underwriter

Lead Underwriter

Dallas Risk Management (DRM) is a managing general underwriter for health insurance policies. With a team of top industry experts, DRM provides services tailored to address the risks involved during the health insurance lifecycle. Our mission is to exceed the expectations of our clients from start to finish in all aspects of the underwriting process, and we only work with top carriers to ensure superior results.

The Lead Underwriter leads the underwriting function while also serving as a subject-matter expert on complex risks. The position is responsible for the development, execution, and continuous improvement of underwriting strategies, policies, and processes — including direct management of large, complex Stop Loss Medical accounts, pricing strategy, and broker/producer relationships.

This role partners cross-functionally with actuarial, claims, finance, sales, and external carrier partners to align underwriting outcomes with organizational growth and financial objectives. The incumbent is also responsible for mentoring and developing junior underwriters and driving business development efforts to expand the client base.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Evaluate risk and underwrite Traditional Stop Loss Medical products in accordance with established guidelines, policies, and authority levels.
• Assess and analyze complex risk profiles, client demographics, plan documents, and experience to determine appropriate coverage structures, pricing, and premiums.
• Ensure underwriting decisions align with company's risk appetite, guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to portfolio profitability by analyzing and assessing client performance through experience and expense analysis.

• Mentor and develop junior underwriters, fostering professional growth and a team-oriented environment.
• Support the Director of Underwriting (or equivalent leadership) by independently managing high-value and complex accounts as needed.

• Build and maintain relationships with brokers, TPAs, agents, and stop-loss carriers to drive profitable business and market expansion.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand the client base beyond internally managed accounts.
• Negotiate terms and pricing with producers to secure favorable underwriting conditions.
• Participate in client meetings and provide expert insights into underwriting decisions and risk strategies.
• Support annual carrier audits and ongoing underwriting collaboration with external partners.

• Help support developing, implementing, and maintaining underwriting policies, procedures, and guidelines aligned with regulatory requirements and business strategy.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and industry regulations, as well as internal policies.
• Monitor industry trends and regulatory changes that impact underwriting strategy and keep the team informed of best practices.

• Collaborate with actuarial, claims, finance, risk management, and sales teams to ensure comprehensive risk assessment and pricing accuracy.
• Oversee and participate in underwriting workflows to ensure operational efficiency, consistency, and accuracy.
• Utilize digital tools and data analytics to enhance risk assessment, underwriting accuracy, and decision-making.

• Support business development efforts by providing underwriting expertise for new and expanding client opportunities.

• May perform other duties as assigned, including non-underwriting documentation, general record-keeping, or administrative tasks.
• May participate in branding, marketing initiatives, industry conferences, or internal committees as needed.
• May provide feedback on underwriting software updates or participate in system testing.

This role is expected to demonstrate the organization's six core leadership capabilities in all areas of responsibility:

• Create inclusive and equitable experiences where every candidate, employee, and client feels valued.
• Introduce creative methods, leverage technology, and refine processes to strengthen underwriting and talent outcomes.
• Deliver measurable results in underwriting performance and retention with precision and accountability.
• Partner with internal and external clients to anticipate needs and exceed expectations.
• Respond to shifting business priorities, market trends, and regulatory developments.
• Serve as a talent steward who identifies, advocates for, and develops high-performing individuals across the organization.

Key attributes for success include:

• Balances tactical underwriting delivery with long-term portfolio and workforce planning.
• Uses insights and metrics to inform underwriting strategy and drive performance.
• Builds trust and credibility across leadership, producers, carriers, and internal teams.
• Operates autonomously and effectively in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.
• Embodies professionalism, integrity, and service excellence in every interaction.

Minimum qualifications (knowledge, skills, and abilities) include:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Insurance, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of underwriting experience in the insurance industry, with a focus on complex risks and high-value accounts.
• Strong analytical, financial, and decision-making skills.
• In-depth knowledge of underwriting principles, risk assessment, insurance products, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of complex risk factors, Stop Loss Medical products, and underwriting best practices.
• Licensed to underwrite in the states served, with a producer health and accident license in at least one state and the ability to obtain additional licenses as required.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities with demonstrated ability to underwrite and manage profitable business portfolios.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Help support sales or business development within the insurance industry is strongly preferred.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence decision-making.
• Proficiency in underwriting systems, data analysis tools, digital platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong leadership abilities, including mentoring and developing junior underwriters.
• High integrity and ethical standards.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Professional designation (CPCU, ARM, or similar) preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Travel Requirements: 5-10%.