Director Underwriting

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has a new leadership opportunity on our Underwriting team for a Director Underwriting. This position will lead the Group Rating, Underwriting Quality & Systems, and Underwriting teams to ensure effective risk management, pricing strategies, and operational efficiency that align with the company’s overall objectives. This role is responsible for developing and executing underwriting strategies, establishing processes for continuous improvement, and ensuring timely and accurate decisions across the underwriting functions. The Director will work closely with Sales, Actuarial, Medical Economics, and all of Finance, as well as other departments across the enterprise, to support business growth and competitiveness. They will monitor results to identify opportunities for improvement and guide the Underwriting team toward optimal performance through strategic adjustments and appropriate actions.

“This position is eligible to work remotely (8 or less days a month onsite) or hybrid (9 or more days a month onsite) in accordance with our Telecommuting Policy. Applicants must reside in Kansas or Missouri or be willing to relocate as a condition of employment.”

• Family Comes First: Total rewards package that promotes the idea of family first for all employees; including paid time off and family first leave.
• Professional Growth Opportunities: Advance your career with ongoing training and development programs both through our internal Blue University and external opportunities.
• Trust: Work for one of the most trusted companies in Kansas.
• Inclusive Work Environment: We pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and respected.
• Lead and Inspire: Guide and mentor your team to achieve their full potential and success.

• Lead and oversee the Group Rating, Underwriting Quality & Systems, and Underwriting teams to develop underwriting strategies that support corporate financial stability, growth, and competitiveness.
• Establish and implement processes to continuously improve underwriting efficiency, accuracy, and responsiveness while ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Collaborate closely with Sales to ensure underwriting decisions align with client acquisition and retention strategies, providing tailored solutions to meet client needs.
• Partner with Actuarial to ensure underwriting practices are grounded in sound pricing models and risk assessment, providing strategic insight for financial projections.
• Work collaboratively with Medical Economics, all of Finance, and other departments across the enterprise to ensure underwriting decisions support broader company strategies and cross-functional initiatives.
• Direct the analysis and approval of concession spending, providing strategic insights and recommendations for resource allocation to maximize impact.
• Manage risk evaluation processes and ensure pricing strategies are appropriate and aligned with both risk management and corporate objectives.
• Continuously evaluate and refine underwriting guidelines and rating methodologies in collaboration with internal teams to ensure market competitiveness.
• Foster a high-performing team through coaching, development, and succession planning, ensuring each team has the skills and tools necessary to meet business objectives.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Health Administration, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, or a related field required.
• Minimum of seven years of experience in underwriting or a related field, with at least three years in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of leading underwriting teams, influencing policies and procedures, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
• Experience working with complex health insurance contracts and alternative funding arrangements.
• Ability to work in an office environment and use standard office equipment.
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, training, or client engagements.
• Expertise in guiding high-level underwriting strategy, with a focus on optimizing group rating systems and processes to drive business growth and ensure competitive positioning.
• Strong leadership skills with proven experience overseeing multiple teams, driving performance, and promoting collaboration across departments.
• In-depth knowledge of health insurance underwriting principles, rating systems, and risk management strategies.
• Ability to influence and improve underwriting policies and procedures, identifying gaps and opportunities for enhancement.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to influence key stakeholders and present complex technical information clearly.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to monitor high-level performance data and make data-driven decisions for improvements.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across the enterprise, especially within Finance and across Sales, Actuarial, and Medical Economics to drive aligned business strategies.
• Experience in process improvement, with a focus on identifying areas for automation and workflow optimization in partnership with relevant teams.

• Base pay is only one component of your competitive Total Rewards package:
  • Incentive pay program (EPIP)
  • Health/Vision/Dental insurance
  • 6 weeks paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers
  • Fertility/Adoption assistance
  • 2 weeks paid caregiver leave
  • 5% 401(k) plan matching
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources