Operations Specialist, New Business

Trellis Financial is hiring Operations Specialists, New Business - the backbone of eApplication processing and a critical part of how we build lasting relationships with our distribution partners and policyholders. Operations Specialists, New Business, play a critical role in the policyholder's first impression of Trellis. From the moment an application is received to the moment a contract is issued, this role is responsible for keeping new business moving accurately, quickly, and in full compliance with company guidelines, state regulations, and the NAIC Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation.

This is an entry-level role that serves as a foundational seat in our growing in-house operations team. As Trellis grows, this role offers a clear path into senior roles within the organization.

POSITION SUMMARY

New Business Intake & Application Review

• Review incoming applications for completeness, accuracy, adherence to Trellis product, state, statutory guidelines, and Not-In-Good-Order (NIGO) resolution handling.
• Validate suitability review submissions against Trellis suitability standards and partner with the Sr. Operations Specialist on triage, escalation, and case follow-up.
• Issue NIGO communications using the Trellis NIGO letter library, log NIGO reasons, and follow established follow-up cadences with producers and distribution partners until the application is in good order.
• Coordinate 1035 exchanges and qualified rollovers

Premium Remittance

• Process incoming premium through the Trellis mailroom and electronic intake channels
• Validate premium allocations against the application, identifying discrepancies and resolving them accordingly

Producer & Internal Partnership

• Communicate with producers and distribution partners by phone and email regarding application status, missing requirements, premium handling, and case progression. Represent Trellis with professionalism and warmth in every interaction.
• Partner with the Trellis Producer Services team on complex cases
• Provide research support to other departments, agencies, and producers
• Maintain current product knowledge across the Trellis annuity portfolio (qualified and non-qualified)

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Adhere to all applicable regulatory requirements including the NAIC Suitability in Annuity Transactions Model Regulation, state replacement and free-look rules, HIPAA, GLBA, and Trellis privacy and information security standards.
• Document case work clearly and consistently in the administrative system
• Surface friction — proactively raise process gaps, NIGO trends, vendor issues, and producer pain points so the team can fix them at the root.
• Support special projects as requested by Operations leadership, including UAT cycles, document standardization, and pre-launch readiness activities.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• Associate's, Bachelor's degree, or equivalent professional experience.
• 1–3 years of experience in financial services, insurance, or annuity operations preferred. Recent graduates with strong internships or applicable coursework are encouraged to apply.
• Active North Carolina Life Insurance license, or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire (Trellis will support exam preparation and licensing fees).
• Exceptional attention to detail, with a track record of accuracy in document review, data entry, and reconciliation work.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics clearly and warmly to producers and policyholders.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with multiple parallel priorities.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams).
• Sound judgment and a bias for raising issues early, particularly anything that touches policyholder funds, suitability, or compliance.
• A team-first mindset and a positive, professional presence, the kind of person colleagues want to work alongside.

Benefits

At Trellis Financial, we believe our people are our greatest asset and that operational excellence starts with supporting the team behind it. In support of our employees’ well-being, satisfaction, and long-term success, we offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support both professional growth and personal wellness. These benefits are available to eligible employees, including part-time team members where applicable.

Our benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with life insurance and related coverage

• Predictable work schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM EST, including two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch
• Performance-based bonuses recognizing individual contribution
• 401(k) retirement plan (eligibility and terms apply)
• Discretionary paid time off, with flexibility to coordinate time away in partnership with your manager
• Company-observed holidays

Specific benefit details, including coverage levels and eligibility, will be outlined in your offer letter. Thank you considering Trellis Financial!

ABOUT US

At Trellis Financial, we're on a mission to change how Americans plan for retirement.

We're an annuity company built to deliver simple, competitive products through independent distribution channels. We have the fundamentals every annuity company needs (regulatory footing, capital, and decades of experience) without any of the traditional constraints. Our proprietary technology stack allows us to modernize how an annuity company operates and pursue opportunities beyond traditional retirement products.

We're hiring problem solvers and builders who thrive in a high-stakes, regulated environment. Every role at Trellis is a skill position, and every employee gets to watch their work impact policyholders, agents, and the industry in real time. If that sounds like a company you'd want to join, we'd like to hear from you.