Client Operations Manager Jobs in Alpena, SD (NOW HIRING)

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Position Summary

This Underwriting role is for Meritain Health, an independent subsidiary of Aetna and CVS, and one of the nation's largest employee benefits administrators. We have the resources of a national carrier coupled with the unique flexibility and devoted service of a third-party administrator (TPA).

The Meritain Health underwriting department supports the attainment of organizational goals through the issuance of prospective and existing business quotations and proposals. Including administrative fee pricing, stop loss, RFP questionnaire responses, and plan consultation.

The Underwriting Manager serves as a key support role within the Meritain Underwriting team, providing day-to-day management and mentorship to a group of underwriters. This position plays an important role in helping drive consistency and collaboration across the unit. The ideal candidate will bring a strong sense of ownership, the ability to work independently, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys supporting others, contributing to process improvements, and serving as a go-to resource for both internal partners and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Proactively manage the workflow and shifting priorities of the underwriting unit to ensure timely, accurate deliverables.
• Provide daily support, coaching, and mentorship to a team of underwriters, fostering skill development and professional growth.
• Conduct quality reviews, identify learning opportunities, and oversee training for both internal staff and external stakeholders.
• Lead team meetings and serve as the first point of contact for complex case issues or challenges.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and ongoing talent development of direct reports.
• May provide coverage for the department leader as needed.

Underwriting & Risk Assessment

• Assists in preparing underwriting analysis and risk assessment for new and renewal business, including cases with significant benefit implications.
• Assists in the preparation of quotes, questionnaires, and financial projections of varying complexity.
• Apply underwriting guidelines and negotiate financial terms within assigned authority; escalate exceptions and financial variances to senior leadership as appropriate, balancing membership, revenue growth, and profitability.
• Ensure pricing strategies align with business objectives and client needs.
• Assist team members in navigating complex or sensitive sales and renewal situations.

Collaboration & Communication

• Act as the central contact for final rate submissions (Final & Firm process), including reporting and coordination with underwriters and operational teams.
• Collaborate with Business Analysis, Sales, Client Management, and other internal stakeholders to support sales and retention efforts.
• Present underwriting information and explain rate development, underwriting policies, and product standards to internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with stop loss carriers to support case resolution and negotiation efforts.
• Clearly articulate Meritain's services, underwriting philosophy, and new initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Strategic Support

• Lead or contribute to departmental projects and continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity, accuracy, and customer service.
• Identify and implement opportunities for automation and operational efficiency; influence the development of tools and resources.
• Support the use and optimization of underwriting tools, systems, and reporting platforms.
• Provide strategic input on stop loss placement, pricing, and product positioning.

Subject Matter Expertise

• Demonstrate deep knowledge of Meritain's product portfolio, underwriting philosophy, and market positioning.
• Support the development of proposals that align with client goals and organizational strategies.
• Analyze operational data and apply insights to financial modeling and fee development.
• Serve as a trusted resource for internal partners on underwriting and stop loss strategy.

In order to be successful in this role you must exhibit the following:

• Strong analytical, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and/or develop team members.
• Demonstrated success in anticipating customer needs and negotiating using tact and diplomacy
• Proficiency in Excel, Salesforce, and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in underwriting, financial analysis, pricing methodologies, and/or funding arrangements.

• 2+ years of relevant medical insurance experience: brokers (producers), carriers, (TPA) third-party administrators, benefit analysis, underwriting, rating methodologies, or policy marketing, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of prior leadership experience.

• Salesforce, Tableau, and/or VBA experience.

• Experience communicating with outside consultants or customers.

Education

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent years of related experience.

Anticipated Weekly Hours

Time Type

Pay Range

The typical pay range for this role is:

This pay range represents the base hourly rate or base annual full-time salary for all positions in the job grade within which this position falls. The actual base salary offer will depend on a variety of factors including experience, education, geography and other relevant factors. This position is eligible for a CVS Health bonus, commission or short-term incentive program in addition to the base pay range listed above.

Our people fuel our future. Our teams reflect the customers, patients, members and communities we serve and we are committed to fostering a workplace where every colleague feels valued and that they belong.

Great benefits for great people

We take pride in offering a comprehensive and competitive mix of pay and benefits that reflects our commitment to our colleagues and their families.

Additional details about available benefits are provided during the application process and on Benefits Moments.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.