Job Description

Summary

This role is responsible for designing and evolving learning strategies, curricula, and development programs that elevate the performance of the Underwriting Operations workforce. The individual will operate as a strategic partner to the business—building trusted relationships, influencing outcomes, and driving a culture of continuous learning and capability development aligned to organizational priorities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership, Leadership, and Influence

Serve as a trusted advisor to Underwriting leaders and stakeholders, building strong, credible relationships across Production, Field Interaction, and Standards teams. Operate with a high degree of independence, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance workforce capability and performance. Consult with leaders to diagnose performance gaps, define success measures, and shape targeted learning strategies that directly impact business outcomes. Influence stakeholders through a consultative, data-informed approach—balancing business needs with learning best practices. Act as a mentor and thought partner to peers and stakeholders, elevating the overall learning mindset within the organization. Champion a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and professional growth across Underwriting Operations.

Instructional Design and Learning Strategy

Architect scalable, role-based learning pathways that support progression and mastery across underwriting roles. Partner closely with subject matter experts to translate complex technical knowledge into engaging, impactful learning experiences. Design innovative learning solutions across modalities (e.g., instructor-led, digital, microlearning, and simulation-based experiences). Apply strong instructional design expertise to ensure learning is practical, relevant, and directly transferable to on-the-job performance. Establish and interpret key learning metrics, using data and insights to continuously refine and improve program effectiveness. Contribute to the development of competency models and capability frameworks that define success across roles.

Program Ownership and Execution

Lead end-to-end ownership of complex learning initiatives, ensuring alignment to strategic priorities and delivering measurable outcomes. Navigate ambiguity and shifting priorities with agility, maintaining focus on delivering high-impact results. Collaborate cross-functionally to align efforts, mitigate risks, and ensure successful execution of learning strategies.

(Note: While coordination is required, success in this role is defined less by logistical execution and more by strategic leadership, influence, and outcome delivery.)

External Collaboration and Innovation

Provide direction and oversight to external partners, ensuring alignment with internal standards and business needs. Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving best practices in learning and development. Continuously bring forward innovative ideas and approaches that enhance learning effectiveness and user experience.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Instructional Design, Adult Education, Organizational Development, Communications, or related field. Minimum of 7 years of experience designing and delivering learning solutions, with deep expertise in adult learning principles and instructional design. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously while influencing across multiple stakeholders and levels of leadership. Proven track record of building strong relationships, acting as a strategic partner, and driving measurable business impact through learning. Experience mentoring others and contributing to capability development within a team or function. Strong executive presence, communication skills, and ability to translate complex concepts into actionable learning solutions. Experience with tools such as Articulate, Adobe Creative Cloud, and AI voiceover technologies. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment while maintaining a strategic, forward-thinking mindset.

Key Success Qualities

Independent Operator: Self-directed, proactive, and accountable for outcomes. Strategic Thinker: Connects learning initiatives to business performance and long-term capability building. Relationship Builder: Establishes trust and credibility quickly across stakeholders. Influencer: Confidently guides decisions through insight, expertise, and strong communication. Mentor and Leader: Elevates others, shares knowledge, and contributes to a growth-oriented culture.

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We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.

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Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.