Sr. Underwriting Specialist, Department Supervisor at North Risk Partners, LLC – Mendota Heights, Minnesota

WHY NORTH RISK PARTNERS

Are you interested in doing work that matters everyday with an organization intentional about building and living out a values-driven team culture? North Risk Partners is a fast-growing firm dedicated to serving the insurance and risk management needs of businesses and individuals. We provide expertise in Commercial Lines, Employee & Individual Benefits, Personal Lines, Surety, Claims, and Risk Management. Our team consists of over 450 employees working in over 30 locations across five states, including Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.

At North Risk Partners, our #oneTEAM lives out #oneMISSION: to provide extraordinary #service to our clients, to each other, and to our communities while living out our core values each day. Our team environments are designed to provide #oneTEAM members opportunity to focus on collaborative relationships (clients and team), variety from day-to-day, constant learning, and the tools and resources to learn and grow at work and in life.

JOB SUMMARY

This position performs a combination of leading and overseeing the daily operations of the underwriting team along with conducting the work of an experienced Underwriting Specialist. This client service focused role evaluates and prices employee benefits plans, ensures financial visibility, and competitiveness. The role involves advanced risk assessment, collaboration with sales and service team members, and strategic guidance on complex customer plans and programs.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Leader -

• Oversee underwriting operations for group, self-funded, and alternative benefits products
• Review and approve complex or high-value cases, including renewals and new business
• Collaborate with Risk Advisors to support business growth and profitability
• Monitor industry trends, regulatory changes, and the competitive benefits landscape
• Train and mentor new team members to ensure consistency, alignment, and accuracy
• Ensure compliance with underwriting guidelines and regulatory requirements
• Support process improvement initiatives and system enhancements
• Support team development and performance, workflow efficiency, and customer satisfaction

Underwriting Specialist -

• Analyze group demographics, claim experience, and plan designs to develop accurate pricing models
• Lead underwriting for large and complex cases, including renewals, midyear and quarterly claim review meetings, and new business
• Collaborate with Risk Advisors, Account Managers, and carrier partners to negotiate optimal terms
• Develop and maintain underwriting guidelines and pricing models
• Provide strategic insights and recommendations to support client retention and growth

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• A combination of education and experience generally attained through a Bachelor’s degree (Business, Math, Actuarial Science, or related field preferred), and a minimum of 5 years underwriting experience in the employee benefits space
• Minimum of 2 years in a leadership role
• Knowledge of group benefits administration and compliance requirements
• Willingness to obtain & maintain a life & health insurance license
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills
• Familiarity with underwriting software and data analytic tools
• Self-starter who takes initiative to identify problems and lead by example

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

• A role model for North Risk Partners’ core values, mission, and desired culture
• Demonstrate enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• Professionally and positively represent North Risk Partners to all coworkers, clients, and external stakeholders
• A team player who collaborates and works well with his/her coworkers
• A professional who demonstrates the ability to carry on a conversation with clients, Risk Advisors, and other coworkers within North Risk Partners

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Perform under normal office conditions; may include lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds
• Twist, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, stand, walk, and reach frequently
• Hear, speak, and effectively verbally communicate in the English language, including following oral and written instructions to communicate with people inside and outside of the organization
• Sit and a desk for extended periods of time and perform long hours of work sitting at a computer
• Move around office/building/facilities repeatedly throughout the day
• Apply manual dexterity, visual acuity and ability, for computer keyboarding, office equipment uses, review of detailed reports, information, fine print, and warning labels
• Must possess valid driver’s license and be able to travel to different North Risk Partners locations for meetings, as well as various locations throughout the state and potentially the region for client meetings
• Able to work a flexible work schedule, including overtime and potential evenings/weekends for events and meetings as needed

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Incumbents must be able to use telephones, calculators, copy machines, computers, printers, and other office equipment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is primarily indoors. Exposure to a variety of weather conditions during work related travel and events held outside of the workplace will occur and I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree with the contents of this position description. I agree to use my best efforts to fulfill all expectations of the position. I also acknowledge that I am an at-will employee. This job description does not necessarily list all the job functions or accountabilities of the job. Employees may be asked by management to perform additional duties and tasks. Management reserves the right to revise and update job descriptions at any time.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The estimated base salary range for this full-time position is $85,000 - $117,000 annually, plus benefits. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range represents the company’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life, long-term care, 401(k) plan, and more. North Risk Partners is growing which means your career can too. #oneTEAM members receive continuing professional education and development, volunteer time off, paid time off, paid holidays, and hybrid work opportunities.