Underwriting and Operations Project Lead

Overview

Western National is seeking an Underwriting and Operations Project Lead to join our Product Development team. This is a new opportunity for someone looking to apply their expertise in underwriting and system implementation while leading a group of collaborators.

The individual in this role should possess strong skills in property-and-casualty underwriting or insurance operations with demonstrated leadership experience. The Underwriting and Operations Project Lead will also have proven project-based work experience with an ability to build relationships and guide teams through system implementation. The ideal candidate leverages system and business knowledge to establish and ensure project vision, timelines and consensus.

This role offers a hybrid work environment with 50% in the office and 50% work-from-home option.

Responsibilities

• Provides subject matter expertise for implementation of new computer software system across companies and regional offices.
• Supplies oversight, guidance, and coordinates efforts for all subject matter experts (SME) assigned to a project.
• Provides input on overall vision to the project from a business perspective.
• Post-project implementation, influence future direction for both Personal and Commercial business units.
• Works with business leads to define subject matter expertise needs for assigned projects and consult with department heads to identify staff to fill SME roles.
• Coordinates the efforts of SME’s to ensure availability for discussion and review of material related to their area of expertise.
• Establishes expectations for SME roles, evaluates SME performance, and provides feedback to individuals and their managers.
• Provides input and coordinates approval of business unit requirements and deliverables.
• Ensures consensus and alignment with project timelines.
• Ensures alignment of business units with technology partners and facilitates agreements for solutions.
• Provides feedback and input for sign-off of sprint demos.
• Participates in quality assurance efforts to ensure system meets underwriting requirements and provides desired customer experience.
• Serves as product and system subject matter expert (SME) for internal and external training.
• Drives post-implementation process and product improvement in conjunction with other stakeholders.
• Consistently meets our customer experience standards including responding quickly, maintaining a positive attitude, building rapport, and demonstrating empathy.
• Manages the customer’s expectations using proper communication channels and ensuring the customer’s issue is resolved.
• Develops and maintains highly effective business relationships with internal and external customers as well as agents.
• Other special projects and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Property-and casualty insurance experience with a strong focus on underwriting and/or insurance operations.
• Demonstrated experience in management or lead role with strong ability to make sound decisions and resolve conflict.
• Proven experience in project-based work with demonstrated ability to manage to established timelines.
• Proven ability to think critically and effectively communicate and negotiate with a variety of individuals while leveraging a keen understanding of multiple leadership, communication, and thinking styles.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively collaborate with customers and stakeholders (internal and external), technology teams, and multiple business units.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively delegate activities and hold people accountable to deadlines without direct management responsibility.
• Guidewire or similar Policy Administration System experience strongly preferred.
• Previous system implementation experience strongly preferred.
• Proficient use of various core systems, office and computer equipment and software packages.
• Bachelor’s degree in Insurance or Business; experience in lieu of degree acceptable.

Western National Insurance is a growing, A rated (A.M. Best) group of property-and-casualty insurance companies serving individuals, families, and businesses in 20 states across the Midwestern and Western U.S. including Alaska. Currently ranked as the 37th largest private company by revenue in Minnesota (Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal), Western National year-over-year has earned accolades as an employer of choice, including the Wellness by Design Platinum Green award from Hennepin County for employers who actively support wellness in the workplace. Western was also named a 2021 Star Tribune Top 175 Workplace, and for thirteen consecutive years since 2009 is recognized as a Wards Top 50 performing property-and-casualty insurance company.

Western National is known as “The Relationship Company®,” and caring for our employees is a part of that relationship commitment. Western National offers competitive pay, advancement opportunities, a generous benefits package, a robust wellbeing program, and a healthy work/life balance (including three weeks of paid time off, nine paid holidays, and eight hours of paid volunteer time as a starting point for new employees). These attributes are just some of the reasons why nearly half of our employees choose to stay on the Western National team for ten years or more.

Our benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance – We offer affordable (thanks to a generous employer subsidy), above-average coverage and the choice of either a traditional Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) option OR a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) option, which includes an HSA contribution
• Western Wellbeing program – Including fitness studio, on-site massage, yoga classes, locker room with showers, sit/stand workstations, nutrition seminars, and more
• 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework
• Discounts on automobile and homeowner's insurance
• Two weeks paid parental leave
• 401(k) company match
• Profit-sharing bonus
• Other standard employee benefits – including dental insurance, vision benefits, life insurance, disability insurance, and more

We could continue to list the things that we think make Western National a great place to work, but why not hear it instead from actual current and former employees? Here are some quotes that Western National employees have posted to the Glassdoor public review site:

• “Excellent company which prioritizes customer service and community service.”
• “I have felt welcomed here and I feel like the Senior Management cares.”
• “The company has a great culture in my opinion. I feel like my contributions are valued and that management cares about what we do and takes the time to acknowledge individual impact for the company. Management feels very accessible as well. My co-workers are all professional people and easy to get along with. Opportunities for advancement are real and rewarding. Continuing education is 100% paid for and encouraged. The pay is good. The benefits are mostly solid and fair.”

(For more reviews from current and former Western National employees, you can visit the company’s Glassdoor page here: http://bit.ly/2qXtl4A .)

***Western National is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.***