Underwriting Practices Manager III

Branch is on a mission to make insurance less expensive, so more people can be covered. We innovate using data, tech, and automation to simplify insurance from start to finish—we eliminated inaccurate quotes in favor of real prices, created a better way to bundle, and cut unnecessary costs in the traditional insurance process. Then we pass those savings along to our members. Basically, we’re doing insurance the way it was meant to be.

But we didn’t just create the insurance we’ve always wanted, we also created the company we’ve always wanted to work for. As we redefine insurance, we also want to redefine what it means to work in insurance. Find out for yourself.

Branch is actively prioritizing candidates located in OH but remains open to hiring qualified individuals from a wide range of states, including AL, AZ, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NC, ND, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, and WI.

Branch is remote first, with most Branchers choosing to work from home. Our headquarters are located in Columbus, Ohio, where we come together from time to time to build relationships and connect with each other in real life. Once a year, the entire company gathers for “BranchFest,” a highlight of the year for many Branchers.

About the role

The Underwriting Practices Manager III reports to the Underwriting Associate Director in Branch's Product organization. In this role you will be responsible for driving property underwriting initiatives aligned with company objectives. Act as a subject matter expert and escalation point for complex underwriting decisions; this role ensures the quality and integrity of automated and transactional underwriting decisions and the efficiency of established processes. The manager monitors the property book of business to identify and address "out of pattern" profiles, proactively manages underwriting guidelines, and recommends improvements to enhance business results.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitors the property book profile, performance, and market trends, identifying initiatives to ensure the quality and integrity of automated and transactional underwriting decisions.

• Develops and recommends property underwriting guidelines based on industry intelligence and company objectives, collaborating with State Product Managers for state-specific needs.

• Advocates for underwriting acumen, including risk prequalification, underwriting rules, product eligibility, referral rules, and automated workflows.

• Serves as the subject matter expert for property underwriting patterns, referral rules, and established processes and procedures, providing expertise across the company. Additionally, may be called upon to assist with various non-property initiatives.

• Collaborates with Product Management, Sales & Member Support, Distribution Teams, Data, and Technology to address trends and emerging issues, updating system requirements, underwriting rules, guidelines, and processes to support growth and profitability.

• Works with third-party vendors to evaluate underwriting and risk management programs, conducts cost-benefit analyses, and leads the implementation of these projects.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

• 5+ years of deep understanding of property underwriting processes, risk assessment, and guidelines development.

• Ability to analyze book profiles, market trends, and performance metrics to identify opportunities and issues.

• Experience leading and implementing underwriting and risk management projects, including working with third-party vendors.

• Strong ability to work with cross-functional teams including Product Management, Sales, Distribution, Data, and Technology.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advocate for underwriting practices and present recommendations.

• Proficiency in identifying and addressing complex underwriting issues and developing effective solutions.

• Familiarity with automated underwriting systems, data analysis tools, and workflow automation.

• Capacity to lead initiatives, influence stakeholders, and drive organizational change.

• Up-to-date with industry trends, competitive intelligence, and regulatory requirements.

• Ability to align underwriting guidelines with company objectives and market conditions

Why join us at Branch? 

We’re all about getting back to getting each other’s back—that means Branchers, too. So we provide benefits that let you work and live to your fullest.

• Above-market salary—Branch is a data-driven company, so we do the math on salaries, too. If you get an offer from Branch, you can expect compensation that hits above the mark.

• Pay equity and transparency—Our pay isn’t just above market, it’s equitable. We let experience and performance drive your success, never your gender, race, orientation, or beliefs. 

• Remote-first (with perks)—Work from where you’re most comfortable. We’ll take care of your work from home set-up and monthly internet. We also have a Columbus headquarters if you’d like to join us in an office. 

• Flexible YouTime—We don’t just let you control your own time off.  We actually encourage you to use it. After your first year at Branch, we’ll give you $1000 toward your next vacation. 

• Employee stock options—You’re not just an employee. If you’re full-time, you’re also a part-owner. You’ll have stock options so you can invest in the company you’re helping to grow. 

• Medical, vision, dental—Get all the coverage you need for a healthy, happy life. We’ll also contribute $150 per month to a health savings account (HSA), administered by Branch.

• 401k and contribution matching—Invest in your future. Branch helps you get to retirement on time with a portion of your contributions matched each month. 

What to expect

In light of recent hiring scams across the United States, here’s what the process will look like with Branch (so you know it’s us):

• Please apply to open positions directly through our site. If you don’t see it here, then it shouldn’t exist on another job board. If you’re ever unsure about the legitimacy of a Branch  job posting found on another site, please check the listings here to verify.

• If you're selected to move onto the next phase of the hiring process, a member of our Branch talent team will reach out to you directly from the email domain @ourbranch.com to guide you through our process.

• The process will include a number of interviews, which will all happen either over the phone or on video calls. 

• We will never ask for personal payment or require you to purchase equipment during our interview process. Always be sure to protect your personal information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer 

At Branch, we are deeply committed to community. Branch is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants and/or employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.