AVP Operations and Strategic Solutions Remote

Symetra is seeking an AVP, Operations and Strategic Solutions to help build and advance digital and operational capabilities for our Independent Marketing Organization (IMO) channel.\n\nAbout the role\n\nIn this role, you will guide roadmap planning, prioritization, and execution for IMO digital initiatives. You\u0027ll work closely with cross-functional partners to define requirements, support testing, and ensure operational and risk considerations are integrated into decision-making. You will also serve as a key operational leader, shaping strategy and ensuring smooth delivery of critical initiatives.\n\nWhat you will do\n\n * Strategy\n * Manage and optimize customer and agent/advisor experiences to align with organizational goals.\n * Partner with the VP of Service \u0026 Operations to define strategic direction and drive execution.\n * Set and communicate department goals to support alignment and performance.\n * Foster collaboration across teams within Service \u0026 Operations and with key business partners.\n * Represent Service \u0026 Operations in product development, sales initiatives, and cross-functional projects.\n * Sponsor high-visibility initiatives and ensure effective delegation and delivery.\n * Lead multiple projects and initiatives to successful completion.\n * Business Leader for the RD Ecosystem\n * Collaborate with Product, Distribution, Compliance, Operations, and other stakeholders to develop and maintain the initiative roadmap, emphasizing risk reduction and operational efficiency.\n * Oversee sequencing, scope, and prioritization of roadmap elements.\n * Guide requirements definition and test plan approvals.\n * Communicate regularly with stakeholders and provide input on pacing and delivery.\n * Serve as a key decision-maker, applying a holistic operational and risk-focused perspective.\n * People Development\n * Lead and develop managers to build high-performing, empowered teams.\n * Support staffing, training, coaching, and development efforts across teams.\n * Assess staffing levels to ensure appropriate resource allocation.\n * Promote a culture of continuous improvement.\n * Tactical Execution\n * Ensure service-level targets are achieved, including call center responsiveness, processing turnaround times, and claims accuracy.\n * Oversee adherence to procedures, legal requirements, and compliance standards.\n * Manage audits and follow-up actions.\n * Represent Retirement as needed for claims-related litigation matters.\n * Lead process improvement efforts and deliver presentations to senior leadership.\n * Manage multiple budgets and communicate variances effectively.\n\n\n\nWhy Work at Symetra\n\nHere\u0027s what some of our employees have to say about why they work at Symetra:\n\n\"We\u0027re big enough to make an impact on the country, but small enough to care and know who you are and what you\u0027re contributing to the organization. All new ideas are welcome!\" \\- Stephanie F., VP Customer Service \u0026 Operations\n\n \n\n\"I truly believe there\u0027s something for everyone at Symetra. No matter what your passion is, if you enjoy being part of something bigger than yourself and want to make a meaningful difference, this is the place for you. We\u0027re more than just an insurance company--we\u0027re a community with purpose.\" \\- Joanne S., AVP Compliance\n\nWhat we offer you\n\nBenefits and Perks\n\nWe don\u0027t take a \"one-size-fits-all\" approach when it comes to our employees. Our programs are designed to make your life better both at work and at home.\n\n * Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements\n * Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%\n * Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days and ten paid holidays\n * Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching \n * Want more details? Check out our Symetra Benefits Overview \n\n\n\nCompensation\n\nSalary Range: $141,600-$236,000 plus eligibility for annual bonus program and long-term incentive plan \n\nWho You Are\n\n * 15+ years of industry experience with proven leadership.\n * Proven experience with annuities and retirement products within the IMO channel required. \n * Demonstrated ability to lead through senior functional leaders and deliver large-scale initiatives.\n * Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex topics and influence executives.\n * Experience working with external partners and supporting strategic negotiations.\n * Experience with agile software delivery teams and driving capabilities at a strategic and tactical execution level. \n * Change leadership experience with an ability to drive change through effective communication and collaboration. \n * High school diploma required; bachelor\u0027s degree preferred.\n * Ability to travel as needed.\n\n\n\nTravel: \n\n * Required Training \u0026 Professional Development All newly hired people leaders with direct reports are required to complete a comprehensive leadership development program within their first year. This program includes both virtual and in-person training. The in-person sessions will take place at Symetra\u0027s corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Symetra covers all travel and accommodation expenses. \n * Reasonable Accommodations Symetra is committed to providing equitable access to all job-related responsibilities, including required travel. If reasonable accommodations are needed for travel, Symetra\u0027s HR department will work to provide appropriate solutions in alignment with individual needs and company policies. \n\n\n\nWe empower inclusion\n\nAt Symetra, we aspire to be the most inclusive insurance company in the country. We\u0027re building a place where every employee feels valued, respected, and has opportunities to contribute.\n\nInclusion is about recognizing our assumptions, considering multiple perspective, and removing barriers. We accept and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives, because lifting each other up fuels thought and builds a stronger, more innovative company. We invite you to learn more about our efforts here.\n\n \n\nCreating a world where more people have access to financial freedom \nSymetra is a national financial services company dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals and feel confident about the future. In our daily work, we\u0027re guided by the principles of Value, Transparency and Sustainability. This means we provide products and services people need at a competitive price, we communicate clearly and openly so people understand what they\u0027re buying, and we design products--and operate our company--to stand the test of time. We\u0027re committed to showing up for our communities, lifting up our employees, and standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Join our team and help us create a world where more people have access to financial freedom.\n\nFor more information about our careers visit: https://symetra.eightfold.ai/careers\n\n \n\nWork Authorization \nEmployer work visa sponsorship and support are not provided for this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with our company.\n\n \n\nPlease review Symetra\u0027s Remote Network Minimum Requirements:\n\nAs a remote-first organization committed to providing a positive experience for both employees and customers, Symetra has the following standards for employees\u0027 internet connection:\n\n * Minimum Internet Speed:100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, in alignment with the FCC\u0027s definition of \"broadband.\"\n * Internet Type:Fiber, Cable (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum), or DSL.\n * Not Permissible:Satellite (e.g., Starlink), cellular broadband (hotspot or otherwise), any other wireless technology, or wired dial-up.\n\n\n\nWhen applying to jobs at Symetra you\u0027ll be asked to test your internet speed and confirm that your internet connection meets or exceeds Symetra\u0027s standard as outlined above.\n\n \n\nIdentity Verification \n\nSymetra is committed to fair and secure hiring practices. For all roles, candidates will be required (after the initial phone screen) to be on video for all interviews. Symetra will take affirmative steps at key points in the process to verify that a candidate is not seeking employment fraudulently, e.g. through use of a false identity.\n\n \n\nFailure to comply with verification procedures may result in:\n\n * Disqualification from the recruitment process\n * Withdrawal of a job offer\n * Termination of employment and other criminal and/or civil remedies, if fraud is discovered\n\n\n