Counsel, Product Filing

Manages the product filing team and provides support for all aspects of filing of the Companies' life insurance products. Organize and structure the product filing team to assure operational efficiency, develop team members. Interacts with other business partners and state Insurance Departments developing ongoing, positive relationships. Interacts with other U.S. business lines and the Canadian parent company, including actuarial services, as needed.  

Recommends changes for the Companies to Chief Legal Counsel, U.S. Life Operations, based on legislative and regulatory activity, and directs legal strategy to meet the objectives of the organization and deal with changing business priorities. 

Lead and oversee compliance with all applicable state insurance laws and regulations related to policy form filings and associated matters. Address complex issues that require cross-departmental coordination or escalation.  

Collaborate closely with operational areas, particularly actuarial and marketing—in the development and revision of life insurance products. Provide strategic input based on industry standards and regulatory trends. 

Direct the research, drafting, and submission of new product policy forms and revisions to existing policy forms, ensuring compliance with state regulatory requirements.  

Interpret and analyze state regulations for form filing compliance, particularly in complex matters. Assess regulatory risk and coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure compliant implementation.  

Manage the coding and maintenance of product data in LIFE-COMM and/or other applications supporting policy administration, claims, and billing for both new and existing products. Partner with IT and testing teams to resolve system-related issues.  

Supervise and support a team of direct reports including product filing analysts and/or specialists, fostering a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and professional development through coaching, feedback, and tailored growth plans.  

Enhance and manage the policy form filing process through the NAIC SERFF system, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.  

Serve as the certifying officer for state-required policy form filings, signing official company certifications.  

Review marketing and advertising materials for accuracy and compliance with policy form content.  

Prepare and organize documentation for state insurance department audits related to policy form filings.  

Oversee the development of benefit description pages, statements of policy cost and benefit, annual reports, and other required materials for regulatory submission.  

Evaluate and respond to state department disapprovals, determining appropriate corrective actions to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.  

Engage with all levels of management to address and resolve compliance-related issues.  

Communicate and coordinate with state insurance department officials, legal counsel, and actuarial consultants on complex compliance matters requiring advanced regulatory expertise.  

Manage the preparation and submission of Life Insurance Illustration Annual Certification filings in accordance with the NAIC Life Insurance Illustration Model Regulation. Collaborate with the Illustration Actuary to ensure accuracy and compliance.