The Principal Underwriter will drive innovative underwriting practices and reinsurance strategies to support Gallagher's growth and advisor relationships. They will manage complex, high-value cases, lead carrier negotiations, and integrate artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency.
IntroductionAt Gallagher Benefit Services, you’re a trusted partner to organizations navigating some of their most important people decisions. We help clients build better workplaces, where people feel supported, empowered, and inspired to thrive. Whether it’s shaping benefit strategies, designing wellbeing programs, or advising on workforce challenges, the work you do here creates meaningful change for businesses and the people who power them. We’re a community of bold explorers, trusted experts, and compassionate partners; working side by side to solve problems, and shape the future of work. Here, curiosity is encouraged, collaboration is second nature, and your ideas have room to grow. If you’re looking for a place where your contribution matters and where you can help build a better world of work; think of Gallagher.
OverviewThe Principal Underwriter is instrumental in positioning Gallagher as a leader in the insurance industry by driving meaningful differentiation through the implementation of innovative underwriting practices and reinsurance expertise. This strategic approach will enable Gallagher to attract and retain top-tier Blue Chip Advisors while fostering growth and increasing revenue with existing advisor relationships.
How you'll make an impact- Analyze and present complex, high-value cases to top-tier insurance carriers to secure priority consideration, while leading escalation negotiations to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Drive the implementation of innovative underwriting initiatives, including the RGA Proprietary Underwriting Platform and Exclusive Underwriting Events, to enhance differentiation and business growth.
- Represent Gallagher as an industry leader by participating in recruiting events, webinars, and blueprinting meetings, showcasing underwriting expertise and organizational capabilities.
- Review medical records and prepare case summaries for carrier presentations to achieve the most favorable underwriting results, while consulting with producers, clients, and stakeholders to explain assessments, address concerns, and ensure case readiness.
- Collaborate with the sales leadership team to understand the overall goals, strategies, and challenges of the sales department, ensuring that underwriting resources are utilized effectively to support sales objectives and maximize revenue opportunities.
- Partner with the Director of Operations to streamline workflows, defining roles and responsibilities across the team. Set guidelines for access to underwriters and train Case Managers to manage impaired-risk cases, lower face amounts, and draft Quick Quote summaries.
- Spearhead the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance underwriting efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring alignment with Gallagher’s strategic objectives.
About You- 10+ years progressive experience in underwriting, reinsurance, or brokerage with emphasis on life and annuity products.
- Proven success managing high-value, complex cases and leading carrier negotiations/escalations.
- Experience leading underwriting initiatives and improving/streamlining workflows.
- Expert knowledge of life insurance and annuity underwriting guidelines and best practices, including impaired-risk assessment and case structuring.
- Strong understanding of reinsurance programs and experience with proprietary underwriting platforms (e.g., RGA Proprietary Underwriting Platform).
- Knowledge of insurance industry trends, carrier strategies, and regulatory compliance related to life insurance underwriting.
- Understanding of sales processes and relationship management to align underwriting support with sales goals.
- Strategic, analytical problem-solver able to navigate complex cases and develop innovative underwriting solutions.
- Ability to mentor, train, and develop team members while improving process efficiency.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple high-stakes priorities simultaneously.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with clients, producers, sales teams, and carrier representatives.
- Able to present complex information clearly and persuasively to internal and external stakeholders.
- Leadership presence to represent Gallagher at industry events, webinars, and meetings.
Compensation and benefitsAt Gallagher, we believe supporting our colleagues goes far beyond the role itself. For more information, visit our Benefits page.
- Competitive compensation
- Comprehensive benefits programs designed to support your well-being
- Career development opportunities and ongoing learning
- A collaborative, people-first culture with accessible leadership
- The opportunity to do meaningful work with global reach and local impact
At Gallagher, we are dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace. If your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to join our Talent Community to stay connected to additional career opportunities. At times, we will consider transferable skills from previous roles.
Gallagher is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer (Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled)