Research and Development Director jobs in Saint Louis, MO

This position will be a subject matter expert on Research and Development within the Strategic Underwriting Initiatives (SUI) Team. The objective of this role will be to drive insights that will help inform RGA’s approach and capabilities relating to the effective use of underwriting evidence as well as the modernization and continued evolution of underwriting methodology. Internally, will utilize Subject Matter Expertise to drive the direction of underwriting advancements with a focus on consistently delivering results. This position will work closely with the Underwriting Innovation team to share expertise and support across USIL and AURA Tech teams. Externally, will maintain a high degree of visibility. This role will emphasize innovative thinking leading to research and concept development, presentation of new ideas, business case development, and concept validation activities. Will be responsible for understanding the landscape of underwriting innovation, compiling, and sharing those insights, investigating futuristic risk assessment approaches to automate, accelerate and ultimately improve the performance of underwriting methodology.

• Work on developments and opportunities in underwriting innovation designing programs that support the development of RGA intellectual property that is aligned with the USIL strategy of fac. efficiency and SUP expansion.
• Utilize expert underwriting knowledge on a variety of topics including innovations in underwriting, global underwriting practices and variations, underwriting risk management and risk assessment and in-depth medical knowledge acquired from research.
• Engage as an Underwriting Subject Matter Expert to support business development activities, studies, pilots, and ongoing program monitoring activities. Develops supporting content for pitch decks and positioning messages associated with new ideas and initiatives.
• Drive forward progress of initiatives from ideation to concept development, to use case development, concept validation and implementation.
• Provide ‘Thought Leadership’ regarding underwriting innovations and development of functional strategies through client meetings, presentations, articles and involvement in insurance industry committees.
• Monitor, compile and communicate learnings associated with underwriting innovation trends, technological advances, regulatory changes, competitor activity, carrier activity and from desk research.
• Work closely with other areas (GDA, AURA, geographic regions) producing similar research to ensure continuity across divisions and to avoid duplication of efforts.
• Develops strong relationships within the industry to enhance research and innovation opportunities.
• Support USIL and internal RGA teams with the underwriting innovation expertise risk insights, thought leadership and new capabilities that help establish and maintain competitive advantage for our customers and partners.
• Collaborate with a range of RGA departments including Global Research and Global Data Analytics providing subject matter expertise relating to the analysis of underwriting data
• Recommend product and process improvements.
• Work with USIL actuarial and GRD staff as an underwriting subject matter expert to develop and implement predictive models.
• Monitor existing underwriting programs, implementing enhancements as needed and providing client support.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Equivalent of 10 years underwriting experience with at least:
• 5 years of insurance/reinsurance underwriting experience
• 5 years of experience in analysis of underwriting data, program development and underwriting systems

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Required:

• Advanced level of investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to think outside the box (challenge the status quo).
• Sound knowledge of data science concepts and underwriting skills with experience of developing a variety of advanced underwriting solutions within life insurance.
• Exceptional communication skills, able to clearly articulate messages to a variety of audiences at all levels up to the senior executive team; as well as present materials to internal and external audiences
• Action oriented with the ability to quickly adapt to new methods, work under tight deadlines and stressful conditions
• Advanced ability to set goals and handle multiple tasks, clients, and projects simultaneously to hit deadlines for deliverables
• Sound skills in customer relationship management and change management
• Ability to work well within a team environment and participate in department/team projects
• Advanced ability to liaise with individuals across a wide variety of operational, functional, and technical disciplines
• Ability to foster teamwork and productivity.
• Excellent listening, teaching and presentation skills
• Sound knowledge of PowerPoint, Excel, and other technology tools
• Broad business knowledge
• Some travel will be required

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE: RGA) is one of the largest global providers of life reinsurance, with offices around the world. RGA delivers expert solutions in individual life reinsurance, individual living benefits reinsurance, group reinsurance, financial solutions, facultative underwriting, and product development. Our mission is to enhance our clients’ prosperity by supporting their financial and risk management capabilities.

The general pay range for this position is $120K-$162K base per year. Base pay varies depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience and market location. In addition, RGA provides an annual bonus plan that includes all roles and some positions are eligible for participation in our long-term equity incentive plan. RGA also maintains a full range of health, retirement and other employee benefits.

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