About Symetra Financial

Symetra Financial is a leading national financial services company dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve their financial goals through innovative life insurance, retirement solutions, and employee benefits. Guided by the principles of value, transparency, and sustainability, Symetra provides competitive products and services that stand the test of time. The company is committed to financial freedom for more people, supporting communities, empowering employees, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With a focus on life insurance underwriting excellence, retirement planning, and comprehensive employee benefits, Symetra builds lasting relationships and drives sustainable growth in the insurance sector.

Role Overview

Symetra's Individual Life Division seeks a dynamic Manager, Life Underwriting to lead a team of underwriters supporting Direct Marketing partners via the award-winning Swift Digital application process. This leadership role combines technical underwriting expertise with people management, emphasizing customer service, employee development, and profitable growth. The Manager will oversee risk assessment for life insurance applications, ensure high service levels, and foster strong partnerships to protect company assets while expanding business opportunities. Ideal for leaders passionate about mentoring talent and driving results in a collaborative, innovative environment.

Key Impact Areas

In this position, you'll appraise applications, assess mortality and morbidity risks within guidelines, and guide your team to meet financial and service objectives. This role is pivotal in maintaining a balanced, quality book of business for Symetra's life insurance portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

As Manager, Life Underwriting, your core duties include:

• Providing direction, guidance, and oversight for team members appraising and underwriting life insurance applications.
• Building technical expertise among underwriters through co-signs, training, and development initiatives.
• Driving the team to meet service level expectations while identifying profitable growth opportunities.
• Ensuring the team's adherence to company financial objectives, regulatory compliance, and legal requirements.
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners to attract and retain profitable business.

These responsibilities position you at the heart of Symetra's life insurance operations, blending strategic oversight with hands-on leadership.

Qualifications & Requirements

Symetra seeks candidates who are growing in leadership ability with advanced knowledge of life underwriting. Key qualifications include:

• 6-9 years of cumulative, relevant experience in underwriting or related fields.
• Strong supervisory experience and leadership skills to manage direct reports, leads, unit managers, and senior individual contributors.
• Proven ability to develop individual development plans and understand team members' career goals.
• Passion for customer service, employee growth, and achieving balanced risk portfolios.

Even if you're not 100% qualified, Symetra encourages applications—potential is key. Advanced manager-level experience in insurance or finance is highly valued.

Benefits & Perks

Symetra prioritizes employee well-being with tailored programs enhancing work and home life:

• Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements for optimal work-life balance.
• 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%.
• Generous paid time away, including vacation, sick time, flex days, and 10 paid holidays.
• Double-impact community giving through company matching.
• Competitive compensation: Salary range $106,400-$177,300 plus annual bonus eligibility.

These perks reflect Symetra's commitment to innovation, empowerment, and sustainable growth, as shared by employees like Ruby S., Cindy J.G., and Charlotte G.

Career Growth

At Symetra, career development is central. As Manager, Life Underwriting, you'll advance by forming development plans for your team, honing leadership skills, and contributing to division success. The company's inclusive culture provides resources, mentorship, and opportunities in life insurance, retirement services, and employee benefits. Symetra fosters a family-like environment with DEI priorities, enabling you to grow into senior roles while impacting financial freedom initiatives.

Why Join Symetra

Symetra stands out as a great place to work, offering a positive climate, strong team spirit, and genuine DEI commitment. Employees rave about work-life balance, affordable benefits, and empowerment. Join a cohesive family focused on life insurance innovation, retirement security, and employee benefits that help communities thrive. Help create a world where more people access financial freedom through value-driven products and transparent services.

Role FAQs

What is the experience level required? 6-9 years cumulative relevant experience, with supervisory background.

Is this role remote? Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting available.

What salary can I expect? $106,400-$177,300 base, plus bonus; estimates account for sector buffers.

How does Symetra support diversity? Active DEI efforts create an inclusive space valuing diverse perspectives.

What makes this role unique? Leadership in award-winning digital underwriting for direct marketing life insurance.