AVP, Program Lead

JOB SUMMARY:

The Product Program Manager (PPM) will play an important role in developing and executing product strategy for Combined North America. This person will lead the successful planning and execution of strategic product initiatives by collaborating with executives and business leaders to develop, maintain and drive the execution of product roadmaps, spanning new product development, product enhancements, portfolio management and strategic opportunities. 

The Product Program Manager will use excellent communication skills to lead, influence, and create buy-in to achieve program goals. The PPM will work successfully across business and technology workstreams, partner with key stakeholders, from sales, underwriting, actuarial, legal, IT and operations. The PPM will collaborate with these stakeholders to define strategic scope and value, build and manage project plans, and communicate status and escalations to the executive steering committee. The PPM will articulate and document product strategy, objectives, value propositions, scope, goals, escalations and opportunities to ensuring stakeholder alignment throughout program and project lifecycles.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the program manager for Combined North American product initiatives, spanning business and technology workstreams, and support the development of program steering committee content.
• Partner with Combined North America leaders to define strategies, build business cases, develop roadmaps, and manage the execution of initiatives ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Lead channel planning and execution of strategic product initiatives, focusing on new product development, product enhancements, and portfolio management.
• Collaborate with executives and business leaders to mobilize and communicate product strategies across the organization.
• Engage with key stakeholders to define the scope, objectives, and value of strategic initiatives.
• Oversee the management of comprehensive programs across business and technology workstreams, ensuring timely and successful delivery of key initiatives.
• Build and maintain program plans, identifying necessary resources and coordinating cross-functional efforts.
• Support strategic planning efforts by defining business capabilities and target operating models to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Build business cases and executable roadmaps to drive operational improvements and facilitate informed decision-making.
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies, proactively addressing challenges that may impact project success.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and support efforts of marketing and sales as they design and execute product change management plans (e.g., communications, training, incentives).

EDUCATION/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience 
• Experience and understanding of group and individual life and health insurance offered to employers and their employees.
• Proven experience in product strategy development and execution within the insurance industry. 
• Strong project management skills, with a track record of managing cross-functional teams and delivering complex initiatives on time and within budget.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior executives and stakeholders and clearly articulate messages.
• Analytical mindset with the capacity to build business cases and develop actionable strategic roadmaps 
• Strong leadership skills, with a focus on team collaboration, mentorship, and stakeholder management.
• Proven track record leading executives and influencing others towards a common goal or vision. 
• Highly organized, goal-oriented mindset, logical, thorough, and detail-oriented 
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis, problem solving, and troubleshooting capabilities 
• Out of the box thinker who can take a step back and find alternative solutions 
• Strong ability to work independently and manage one’s time 
• Strong user skills with Excel,  PowerPoint and MS Project