Symetra 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’re guided by the principles of Value, Transparency and Sustainability. We provide products and services people need at a competitive price. We communicate clearly and openly so people understand what they’re buying. We design products—and operate our company—to stand the test of time. We’re committed to showing up for our communities, lifting up our employees, and standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
AVP – Operations and Strategic Solutions – Remote
Location
United States
Posted
3 days ago
Salary
$141K - $236K / year
Seniority
Mid Level
No structured requirement data.
Job Description
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.
About the role
In this role, you will guide roadmap planning, prioritization, and execution for IMO digital initiatives. You’ll 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.
What you will do
- Strategy
- Manage and optimize customer and agent/advisor experiences to align with organizational goals.
- Partner with the VP of Service & Operations to define strategic direction and drive execution.
- Set and communicate department goals to support alignment and performance.
- Foster collaboration across teams within Service & Operations and with key business partners.
- Represent Service & Operations in product development, sales initiatives, and cross-functional projects.
- Sponsor high-visibility initiatives and ensure effective delegation and delivery.
- Lead multiple projects and initiatives to successful completion.
- Business Leader for the RD Ecosystem
- Collaborate with Product, Distribution, Compliance, Operations, and other stakeholders to develop and maintain the initiative roadmap, emphasizing risk reduction and operational efficiency.
- Oversee sequencing, scope, and prioritization of roadmap elements.
- Guide requirements definition and test plan approvals.
- Communicate regularly with stakeholders and provide input on pacing and delivery.
- Serve as a key decision-maker, applying a holistic operational and risk-focused perspective.
- People Development
- Lead and develop managers to build high-performing, empowered teams.
- Support staffing, training, coaching, and development efforts across teams.
- Assess staffing levels to ensure appropriate resource allocation.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement.
- Tactical Execution
- Ensure service-level targets are achieved, including call center responsiveness, processing turnaround times, and claims accuracy.
- Oversee adherence to procedures, legal requirements, and compliance standards.
- Manage audits and follow-up actions.
- Represent Retirement as needed for claims-related litigation matters.
- Lead process improvement efforts and deliver presentations to senior leadership.
- Manage multiple budgets and communicate variances effectively.
Why Work at Symetra
Here’s what some of our employees have to say about why they work at Symetra:
“We're big enough to make an impact on the country, but small enough to care and know who you are and what you're contributing to the organization. All new ideas are welcome!” - Stephanie F., VP Customer Service & Operations
“I truly believe there’s 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’re more than just an insurance company—we’re a community with purpose.” - Joanne S., AVP Compliance
What we offer you
Benefits and Perks
We don’t 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.
- Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements
- Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%
- Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days and ten paid holidays
- Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching
- Want more details? Check out our Symetra Benefits Overview
Compensation
Salary Range: $141,600-$236,000 plus eligibility for annual bonus program and long-term incentive plan
Who You Are
- 15+ years of industry experience with proven leadership.
- Proven experience with annuities and retirement products within the IMO channel required.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through senior functional leaders and deliver large-scale initiatives.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex topics and influence executives.
- Experience working with external partners and supporting strategic negotiations.
- Experience with agile software delivery teams and driving capabilities at a strategic and tactical execution level.
- Change leadership experience with an ability to drive change through effective communication and collaboration.
- High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Ability to travel as needed.
Travel:
- Required Training & 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’s corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Symetra covers all travel and accommodation expenses.
- 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’s HR department will work to provide appropriate solutions in alignment with individual needs and company policies.
We empower inclusion
Symetra 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're 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're buying, and we design products--and operate our company--to stand the test of time. We're 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.
Employer 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.
- Minimum Internet Speed:100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, in alignment with the FCC's definition of "broadband."
- Internet Type:Fiber, Cable (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum), or DSL.
- Not Permissible:Satellite (e.g., Starlink), cellular broadband (hotspot or otherwise), any other wireless technology, or wired dial-up.
- Disqualification from the recruitment process
- Withdrawal of a job offer
- Termination of employment and other criminal and/or civil remedies, if fraud is discovered
Job Requirements
- 15+ years of industry experience with proven leadership.
- Proven experience with annuities and retirement products within the IMO channel required.
- Demonstrated ability to lead through senior functional leaders and deliver large-scale initiatives.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to simplify complex topics and influence executives.
- Experience working with external partners and supporting strategic negotiations.
- Experience with agile software delivery teams and driving capabilities at a strategic and tactical execution level.
- Change leadership experience with an ability to drive change through effective communication and collaboration.
- High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Ability to travel as needed.
- 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’s corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Washington.
- Symetra covers all travel and accommodation expenses.
Benefits
- Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements.
- Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%.
- Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days and ten paid holidays.
- Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching.
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