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AVP, Group Benefits Underwriting

Pacific Life
life insurance, parental leave, paid time off, 401(k)
United States, California, Newport Beach
700 Newport Center Drive (Show on map)
Jun 27, 2025

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead - our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It's a big ask, but it's one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate - pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it's a career with purpose. It's a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future - including your own.

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic AVP, Group Benefits Underwriting to join our Workforce Benefits team in Newport Beach, CA or Omaha, NE. This role can be based in one of our offices or fully remote.

As AVP of Underwriting, you will report to the Vice President of Product and Underwriting and work closely with your peer AVP of Underwriting role. As the AVP of Underwriting, you will play an important role in the long-term success of this recently established Pacific Life division. You will direct the evolution, structure and operating model of the underwriting organization, helping to scale the team for continued rapid new business growth. As a leader you will manage a team of underwriters and together you will partner with the VP of Sales, Regional Sales Managers (RSMs) and sales representatives to strategize on new business quoting opportunities. The ideal candidate will have a deep expertise in group benefits underwriting as well as a demonstrated track record of building and managing a high-performing underwriting teams in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

How you'll help move us forward:

  • Implement underwriting strategy and ensure consistent processes and standards are in place and adhered to by underwriters across all teams.
  • Build out staff to handle projected new business quoting volumes by meeting or exceeding targeted average turnaround times and effectively lead underwriting staff as business scales up.
  • Partner closely with WBD actuarial, product, sales, new business underwriters and related teams to ensure collaboration and alignment around prioritization and execution of key initiatives.
  • Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation to streamline underwriting workflows, reduce cycle times, and improve new business and renewal decision-making accuracy.
  • Analyze current underwriting data and trends to ensure robust underwriting practices, pricing accuracy, and prudent risk management.
  • Champion the use of technology within underwriting to enhance sales growth, efficiency, and customer experience.
  • Serve as an underwriting subject matter expert (SME) as required and work with IT and PMO teams to test and validate system enhancements or upgrades.
  • Act as a point of escalation for complex underwriting cases, offering expert advice and resolution including on block transfer opportunities, block renewals and shelf plan requests.
  • Ensure all underwriting processes comply with regulatory standards and corporate governance policies.

The experience you bring:

  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Risk Management, Insurance, or related field; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in group benefits underwriting, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Experience leading transformation initiatives and driving process improvements within a large, complex organization.
  • High level of financial and analytical acumen, including proficiency with underwriting models, spreadsheets, CRM tools, pricing, and risk analysis.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a focus on results and operational excellence.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

What makes you stand out:

  • Experience and track record underwriting ancillary products including dental, vision, life, disability and supplemental lines (accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity) for small and mid-sized employers up to 2,500 eligible employees. Experience with larger accounts is also a plus.

You can be who you are.

People come first here. We're committed to an inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment at www.pacificlife.com. What's life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife.

#LI-AJ1

Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

Your Benefits Start Day 1

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we're committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we've got you covered.

  • Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents

  • Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off

  • Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program

  • Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.

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