What's the role?

Direct and manage the operations of a Disability Claims team(s) through recruitment, selection, training, development, retention, motivation and salary administration. Oversee/coordinate divisional workflow, and the review, analysis, approval, payment and servicing of contestable and non-contestable Disability Income and Waiver of Premium claims. Monitor/maintain and create productivity and quality standards as outlined in the Departmental Operating Plan. Participate/manage projects and/or workflow design efforts as required.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

• Direct and monitor the activities of the area to ensure optimum efficiency, effectiveness and quality by formulating and overseeing business unit goals, budgets, operating policies and procedures.

• Integrate triaging/restaging efforts within and among all units through proactive recommendations and implementation of employee skills, processes (workflow and sequencing of activity), organization structure (roles, responsibilities and job design) and information flow in response to changing business priorities/needs or to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the business unit area. Includes enhancement of workforce management and implementation of change management programs.

• Ensure appropriate evaluation, accurate payment and professional service in handling disability insurance claims in accordance with the relevant contracts and NM claim philosophy.

• Develop plans and coordinate resources to achieve service, production, and performance goals. Keen focus and understanding of running the business.

• Oversee all people management activities including directing, monitoring and evaluating day-to-day workflow/quality, assessing and maintaining performance standards and measures, hiring, retention, performance management and career development of staff.

• Coordinate and implement new guidelines, practices and procedures to seek work effectiveness.

• Proactively evaluate opportunities that impact the work area and team, including employee engagement, client servicing opportunities and workflow efficiencies.

• Proactively lead efforts to manage cultural and process/procedural change across the department.

• Manage financial resources to include planning/budgeting.

Bring your best! What this role needs:

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible work experience.

• Five or more years experience in a leadership capacity (combination of project management and/or people management experience), preferably including 2 years of NM experience within Insurance Operations.

• Proven leadership skills, working with diverse teams in an operational environment where effective supervision and coaching were demonstrated. Typically, this experience is gained by having 2 or more years of people management experience.

• Demonstrated excellence with delivering a distinctive client experience. Advocate for continuous improvement efforts and experience leading client-focused process and workflow improvements.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the proven ability to successfully negotiate problem resolutions with insureds, policy owners, financial representatives, and employees.

• Superior organizational and leadership skills demonstrated by proven experience.

• Experience in leading change and inspiring and engaging employees through an inclusive environment.

• Demonstrated business acumen, understands running the business and experience making data-driven decisions.

• Inspired by our transformation with a desire to elevate our client's experience.

Northwestern Mutual pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement in the salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. At Northwestern Mutual, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Please note that the salary range listed in the posting is the standard pay structure. Positions in certain locations (such as California) may provide an increase on the standard pay structure based on the location. Please click here for additiona l information relating to location-based pay structures.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you work or would be working in California, Colorado, New York City, Washington or outside of a Corporate location, please click here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits.

We're excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Flexible work schedules
• Concierge service
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee resource groups