Insurance Associate

Insurance Sales Operations Associate

The Organization:

Northwestern Mutual is a leading financial services company dedicated to helping people and businesses achieve lasting financial security. We provide holistic planning and a broad suite of solutions, including life insurance, disability income insurance, long-term care protection, and investment and wealth management services, all delivered through a client‑first approach. As a mutual company owned by policyholders, our priority is the long-term well‑being of those we serve, not shareholders. Our Puget Sound Network Office in Seattle brings together a collaborative team of professionals who mentor, grow, and make a meaningful impact in the Puget Sound region by helping clients protect their futures and reach their financial goals.

The Role:

The Financial Planning Services (FPS) Department is a shared services team that provides administrative and operational support for advisors at many different levels of their career, offering a variety of service tiers to accommodate both insurance and investment business. As an Insurance Sales Operations Associate, you will maintain a personal cohort of Financial Representatives, supporting their risk business (Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance).

• Prepare clear sales illustrations and customized planning materials and coach financial representatives on how to present them to clients
• Manage the insurance application process: collect client signatures, submit applications, and coordinate any required medical questionnaires or exams
• Monitor pending cases, partner with underwriting, and keep advisors informed of outstanding requirements and final decisions
• Send required delivery documents for signature and ensure premiums are collected and reconciled on prepaid policies
• Maintain accurate case notes and keep client and case information up to date in our CRM system
• Handle post‑issue servicing such as beneficiary updates, name/contact changes, billing updates, policy changes, and cancellations
• Stay current on products and best practices to provide expert, accurate guidance
• Promote department services to increase advisor participation and ensure a high level of client and advisor satisfaction
• Collaborate with teammates, stay flexible, and be open to trying new solutions to improve processes and outcomes

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience working in administration/operations, preferably at an insurance company in a client-facing role
• Washington State Life and Health Insurance License preferred (ideally obtained within 30 days of starting)
• Ability to commute to downtown Seattle to work in-office 5 days a week during regular business hours
• Ability to pass a federal background check
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to manage deadlines and a large case load
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication with advisors, clients, and internal teams
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and comfort learning new technologies and CRM systems
• Interest in, and understanding of, the financial services industry, specifically insurance underwriting and sales operations

Compensation and Benefits:

• Base pay from $28.88 - $33.66/hr ($60,070 - $70,012/yr)
• Employer Sponsored Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Employer Sponsored Disability Insurance
• Employer Sponsored Life Insurance
• Paid Maternity Leave
• 401(K) Matching
• Paid Parking in an Underground Garage
• Employer-sponsored licensing, professional development, and education opportunities

Washington Wage & Hour, FLSA, and Pay‑Transparency Compliance (Non‑Exempt Classification)

State Minimum Wage & Overtime Rules

This position is classified as Non‑Exempt under Washington law because the compensation range does not meet Washington’s 2026 exempt‑salary threshold of $1,541.70 per week / $80,168.40 per year (2.25× state minimum wage).

Washington employers must follow the higher state threshold, even when it exceeds federal FLSA standards.

As a non‑exempt employee, the individual in this role is:

• Eligible for overtime at 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek
• Required to track all hours worked in accordance with company time‑tracking procedures.