Senior Underwriter
Delta Dental of California, Oakland, CA, United States
Job Description
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Underwriter with advanced underwriting expertise and a strong analytical mindset. This role is ideal for someone experienced in evaluating larger, moderately complex group cases and who thrives working independently while collaborating cross‑functionally.
As a Senior Underwriter, you will play a key role in developing financially sound pricing strategies, balancing risk with market competitiveness, and supporting business growth. You’ll also serve as a mentor to junior team members and a trusted partner to Sales, helping communicate underwriting strategies to brokers and clients.
This position offers flexibility as either remote or hybrid, depending on your location. Team members within 50 miles or approximately one hour of an office will follow a hybrid model with one in‑office day per month.
Responsibilities
Perform comprehensive risk assessments and experience analyses for new business, renewals, and benefit changes
Develop and recommend appropriate pricing strategies for moderately complex and large group cases
Review and validate rate determinations completed by Associate Underwriters and Underwriters
Prepare and present underwriting recommendations to internal stakeholders, brokers, and clients
Partner closely with Sales to explain pricing methodologies and support client presentations
Manage multiple cases simultaneously with a typical turnaround of 3‑4 days depending on complexity
Mentor and support junior underwriting staff, including onboarding and skill development
Participate in peer reviews, team projects, and testing of new tools or processes
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including QA, management, and actuarial on complex cases
Qualifications Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
4+ years of professional experience
Preferred Experience
5+ years of underwriting experience, ideally within dental or healthcare insurance
Experience handling group underwriting (new business, renewals, re‑rates)
Prior mentorship or leadership experience within a team environment
Core Skills & Competencies
Strong underwriting acumen with the ability to independently assess complex risk
High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, quality, and meeting deadlines
Analytical thinker with strong problem‑solving capabilities
Effective communicator, able to clearly explain underwriting decisions to non‑technical audiences
Comfortable balancing independent work with cross‑functional collaboration
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, queue‑based workflow environment
Technical Skills
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (formulas, complex workbooks, data analysis)
Experience with workflow systems such as Salesforce, Pega, etc. preferred
Familiarity with Excel macros or VBA is a plus
Knowledge of dental terminology and CDT codes is preferred
Base Pay Information The national base pay range at the end is a good‑faith estimate of what Delta Dental may pay for new hires. Actual pay may vary based on Delta Dental's assessment of the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), related experience, education, certifications, and ability to meet required minimum job qualifications. Other factors impacting pay include prevailing wages in the work location and internal equity.
Pay Grade 19. $63,700 - $133,500
Additional Information Behind the smile! We are dedicated to safeguarding the health and financial stability of our employees and their loved ones. This commitment extends beyond the workplace to foster personal growth and holistic wellbeing. Our life‑changing rewards package includes:
Competitive base and incentive pay
401(k) with robust matching and non‑matching contributions
Rich medical & pharmacy benefits
100% employer‑paid dental and vision benefits
Holistic wellbeing program with deep financial incentives
Generous paid time off plus 12 paid holidays and your birthday off
Culture of growth and learning: career development; tuition reimbursement; recognition program
Family support: adoption assistance, fertility treatment, child, elder & pet care assistance
Social responsibility and volunteer opportunities
Employee discount program
Fair Chance Ordinances and Criminal Background Considerations
This position requires that the applicant undergo a background check. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state or local laws, including, but not limited to, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and/or New York Corrections Law Article 23‑A.
Important Work Authorization Information
Please note, Delta Dental will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.
#LI‑Remote
About the Team At Delta Dental, we’re behind millions of smiles and counting. For over 68 years, we’ve served our communities by increasing access to affordable, quality care – but that commitment to care extends beyond the people we serve, to the dedicated employees who make those smiles genuine. We’ve come this far by building fair programs that offer opportunities for advancement, create meaningful connections and improve the lives of our employees and their families. Because we know that when we take exceptional care of each other, we can make a positive impact for all.
We champion an inspirational workplace through our commitment to trust, service, excellence and innovation. Joining us means working for a company that offers stability and balance, opportunities for leadership at all levels, and a work environment focused on teamwork and camaraderie.
Discover the smiling faces behind Delta Dental and experience our values and culture in action by connecting with us on social media. Follow Delta Dental Ins. on Facebook and Instagram, #LifeatDDins on Facebook and Instagram, Delta Dental Ins. on Twitter and Delta Dental Ins. on LinkedIn. If you’ve got an appetite for innovation and want to be a part of a team that’s transforming the future of health care, join us!
Delta Dental Ins. is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment. Individuals seeking employment at Delta Dental are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, actual or perceived physical disability, registered domestic partner status, caregiver status, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other legally protected category. Delta Dental is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, we have adopted and maintain an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, Harassment‑Free Work Environment Policy, and Respectful Workplace policies and will not tolerate violations of these policies.
Unfortunately, our Delta Dental Enterprise is unable to hire individuals residing in Alaska, North Dakota, Nebraska, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Vermont, Maine, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) or other U.S. Territories at this time.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.
Delta Dental includes: Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, and Delta Dental of New York.
If You Are A Current Employee
Click Here
To Apply
#J-18808-Ljbffr
As a Senior Underwriter, you will play a key role in developing financially sound pricing strategies, balancing risk with market competitiveness, and supporting business growth. You’ll also serve as a mentor to junior team members and a trusted partner to Sales, helping communicate underwriting strategies to brokers and clients.
This position offers flexibility as either remote or hybrid, depending on your location. Team members within 50 miles or approximately one hour of an office will follow a hybrid model with one in‑office day per month.
Responsibilities
Perform comprehensive risk assessments and experience analyses for new business, renewals, and benefit changes
Develop and recommend appropriate pricing strategies for moderately complex and large group cases
Review and validate rate determinations completed by Associate Underwriters and Underwriters
Prepare and present underwriting recommendations to internal stakeholders, brokers, and clients
Partner closely with Sales to explain pricing methodologies and support client presentations
Manage multiple cases simultaneously with a typical turnaround of 3‑4 days depending on complexity
Mentor and support junior underwriting staff, including onboarding and skill development
Participate in peer reviews, team projects, and testing of new tools or processes
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including QA, management, and actuarial on complex cases
Qualifications Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
4+ years of professional experience
Preferred Experience
5+ years of underwriting experience, ideally within dental or healthcare insurance
Experience handling group underwriting (new business, renewals, re‑rates)
Prior mentorship or leadership experience within a team environment
Core Skills & Competencies
Strong underwriting acumen with the ability to independently assess complex risk
High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, quality, and meeting deadlines
Analytical thinker with strong problem‑solving capabilities
Effective communicator, able to clearly explain underwriting decisions to non‑technical audiences
Comfortable balancing independent work with cross‑functional collaboration
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, queue‑based workflow environment
Technical Skills
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (formulas, complex workbooks, data analysis)
Experience with workflow systems such as Salesforce, Pega, etc. preferred
Familiarity with Excel macros or VBA is a plus
Knowledge of dental terminology and CDT codes is preferred
Base Pay Information The national base pay range at the end is a good‑faith estimate of what Delta Dental may pay for new hires. Actual pay may vary based on Delta Dental's assessment of the candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), related experience, education, certifications, and ability to meet required minimum job qualifications. Other factors impacting pay include prevailing wages in the work location and internal equity.
Pay Grade 19. $63,700 - $133,500
Additional Information Behind the smile! We are dedicated to safeguarding the health and financial stability of our employees and their loved ones. This commitment extends beyond the workplace to foster personal growth and holistic wellbeing. Our life‑changing rewards package includes:
Competitive base and incentive pay
401(k) with robust matching and non‑matching contributions
Rich medical & pharmacy benefits
100% employer‑paid dental and vision benefits
Holistic wellbeing program with deep financial incentives
Generous paid time off plus 12 paid holidays and your birthday off
Culture of growth and learning: career development; tuition reimbursement; recognition program
Family support: adoption assistance, fertility treatment, child, elder & pet care assistance
Social responsibility and volunteer opportunities
Employee discount program
Fair Chance Ordinances and Criminal Background Considerations
This position requires that the applicant undergo a background check. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state or local laws, including, but not limited to, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and/or New York Corrections Law Article 23‑A.
Important Work Authorization Information
Please note, Delta Dental will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.
#LI‑Remote
About the Team At Delta Dental, we’re behind millions of smiles and counting. For over 68 years, we’ve served our communities by increasing access to affordable, quality care – but that commitment to care extends beyond the people we serve, to the dedicated employees who make those smiles genuine. We’ve come this far by building fair programs that offer opportunities for advancement, create meaningful connections and improve the lives of our employees and their families. Because we know that when we take exceptional care of each other, we can make a positive impact for all.
We champion an inspirational workplace through our commitment to trust, service, excellence and innovation. Joining us means working for a company that offers stability and balance, opportunities for leadership at all levels, and a work environment focused on teamwork and camaraderie.
Discover the smiling faces behind Delta Dental and experience our values and culture in action by connecting with us on social media. Follow Delta Dental Ins. on Facebook and Instagram, #LifeatDDins on Facebook and Instagram, Delta Dental Ins. on Twitter and Delta Dental Ins. on LinkedIn. If you’ve got an appetite for innovation and want to be a part of a team that’s transforming the future of health care, join us!
Delta Dental Ins. is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination and harassment. Individuals seeking employment at Delta Dental are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, actual or perceived physical disability, registered domestic partner status, caregiver status, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other legally protected category. Delta Dental is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, we have adopted and maintain an Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, Harassment‑Free Work Environment Policy, and Respectful Workplace policies and will not tolerate violations of these policies.
Unfortunately, our Delta Dental Enterprise is unable to hire individuals residing in Alaska, North Dakota, Nebraska, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Vermont, Maine, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) or other U.S. Territories at this time.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.
Delta Dental includes: Delta Dental of California, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Pennsylvania, and Delta Dental of New York.
If You Are A Current Employee
Click Here
To Apply
#J-18808-Ljbffr