Vice President, New Business & Underwriting

Since 1936,
Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company (GTL) has offered cutting-edge insurance solutions and personalized service for our policyholders and distributors, while supporting personal growth and civic involvement from our employees. We’re seeking candidates who are looking for meaningful work, who want to invest in their growth, and contribute to a company built on timeless virtues and best business practices.

GTL is delighted to share with you an exciting opportunity for the role of Vice President of Underwriting & New Business
. This pivotal position is not just another job; it’s a chance to lead the Underwriting Team at the highest level within our organization. This position is required to work on-site in our Glenview, IL office most days. Everyone receives 3 flexible remote days per month and 6 additional Friday PTO days each year! And, we offer half-day Fridays - every Friday!

As Vice President of Underwriting & New Business
, you will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the company’s life and health Underwriting and New Business functions. This executive plays a critical role in shaping underwriting philosophy, ensuring disciplined risk selection, and driving efficient, customer‑focused new business operations.

Your mission will be to develop and maintain a strong talented team. You'll identify opportunities for process improvement, set policy procedures, and streamline processes to ensure timely, accurate, compliant, and cost-effective risk assessment and policy issuance for GTL. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in satisfying our agents and brokers, which ultimately supports sales and profitability.

In this role, you'll be required to identify trends and emerging issues and develop strategies to mitigate future risks or capitalize on future opportunities. Collaboration will be key, as you will partner with Actuarial, Agency Sales, Compliance, and Technology areas to help support profitable growth, appropriate risk management and operational excellence. This position also works in direct coordination with the New Business department, ensuring service level targets are met while promoting efficient workflow management, process consistency, and timely completion of deliverables.

Reporting directly to the Chief Actuary, Senior Vice President, you will be a key player in shaping the future of your department.

Utilizing technology and artificial intelligence to reduce operating expenses and improve effectiveness will be a significant part of your role. You will ensure that all processes remain compliant with state and federal guidelines and regulations and manage and oversee a $6 million budget. Effective communication and the ability to present information in both formal and informal settings, both internally as well as with external business partners are essential.

• Bachelor’s degree with Master’s in a related discipline, or equivalent considered a plus
• 10+ years of Life & Health underwriting experience
• Minimum 5 years of leadership managing an underwriting staff
• Thorough knowledge of life and health risk selection concepts and principles; familiarity with third party risk management tools used in the industry
• Experience with simplified issue products such as Senior Supplemental Health and Final Expense is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to lead operational teams in a production environment with measurable service goals.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities
• Proven track record of results achievement, staff development and project collaboration across multiple areas of the company

Candidates with proven success in leading teams and implementing organizational improvements are encouraged to apply.

The pay range provided is not a guarantee of compensation. The range reflects potential pay for the job grade for this role at the time of this posting. Compensation will depend on several factors such as specific competencies, relevant education and experience, qualifications, and industry certifications. Compensation ranges are subject to change and may be higher or lower than the range described above.

Provided eligibility requirements are met employees will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Medical
• Health Savings Account (including employer contribution)
• Dental
• Vision
• Basic Life Insurance (full premium paid by employer)
• Voluntary Employee, Spouse and Child Life Insurance
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Paid Holidays
• Paid time off including vacation, personal days, and sick time
  • The amount of time off varies based on tenure and hours worked
• 401(k) and Profit‑Sharing retirement plan
  • The company matches contributions up to 2% provided the employee contributes a minimum of 3%
  • The company may make a discretionary contribution to the Profit‑Sharing plan

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