Directs all aspects of the activities and business processes of the Annuity Operations. Ensures the integrity of all processing related to variable and fixed annuities for all distribution channels (internet, EEC, field and general agencies, banks, broker/dealers, platform sales, etc.), safeguarding assets in excess of $6.5 billion. Responsible for oversight of >$9.5M of annual operational expenses. Primary oversight of operational relationship management with high producing platform sales partners. Oversees the timely and accurate issue and administration of annuity contracts ensuring that all contractual obligations and regulatory requirements (SEC, NASD, IRS, replacement regulations, etc.) are met. Establishes short- and long-term plans to ensure appropriate support is available to ensure service standards and scorecard objectives are consistently achieved or exceeded along with support for new product development, system processing changes or enhancements, testing, training, creation of procedural documentation and corporate projects and initiatives. Participates in project planning at a level that includes collaboration and coordination with the management of Information Services, Actuarial, Marketing, Accounting and other business units. Contributes to management-level decisions regarding availability and allocation of resources, establishment of product introduction dates or project target dates and development of project plans to meet corporate objectives. Works with minimal supervision and is responsible for independently making a broad range of critical decisions, escalating to executive level only as appropriate.

What you will do:

• Ensures that all goals and objectives outlined in the Service Level Agreements Partnership with distribution partners are achieved or exceeded on a consistent basis. Negotiates goals and objectives on an annual basis with distribution partners. Modifies goals as required to remain competitive and adds new goals and measurements as deemed necessary.
• Actively pursues process improvement through the development of new processes and procedures and deployment of new technology that improves the operational efficiency of Annuity Operations, Insurance Operations and/or the Enterprise as a whole. Requires a broad and deep knowledge of departmental and Enterprise-wide operations, products, programs, technology, distribution channels and competitive landscape. Works effectively with OpEx and IT to identify and implement initiatives that improve cycle time, increase capacity and/or reduce expenses. Partners with VP, Process Integration, Sr. VP Insurance Operations and peer AVP/Directors to plan and execute on expense reduction initiatives in order to meet or exceed enterprise targets.
• Provides strategic leadership, vision and direction to Annuity Operations. Develops Annuity Operations' operational goals and objectives consistent with the strategic goals and objectives of Western & Southern Financial Group (W&SFG). Monitors departmental performance to ensure these goals and objectives are achieved or exceeded on a consistent basis. Collaborates with Senior Vice President, Vice President, Insurance Operations Process Integration, and other Directors of Insurance Operations to create long-term plans that are supportive of corporate goals and strategic objectives.
• Participates in and makes decisions on behalf of Annuity Operations on corporate projects and committees. Understands implications of initiatives and projects as related to Annuity Operations and other Insurance Operations area processing. Addresses the interest of Insurance Operations when making decisions while maintaining a broad corporate outlook at all times.
• Builds strong relationship with distribution channel partners. Understands target and niche markets, products, sales practices and application selection processes, which are unique to each market, and applies this knowledge when allocating resources and providing services. Represents Annuity Operations in platform sales conferences, seminars and producer meetings.
• Develops, implements and monitors operational budget, expense allocations and chargeback costs. Accurately projects staffing needs, salaries, vendor costs and other operational expenses in accordance with sales forecasts, changes in the economic environment, anticipated process enhancements and new technology. Analyzes actual expenditures and chargebacks on a monthly basis and reports on variances on a quarterly basis. Designs and monitors semi-annual cost allocation models for operational expenses.
• Evaluates state and federal regulations (SEC, NASD, IRS, OFAC, ERISA, replacement (including NY Regulation 60), privacy, fraud, unfair claim practices) to identify process or system changes required for compliance. Assumes full responsibility for ensuring that product administration, process, procedures, correspondence and tax reporting are compliant in regards to the appropriate regulations. Specifically, ensures compliance with SEC regulations including late-day trading and market timing. Understands the implications of non compliance, and ensures risk is minimized at all times. Serves as a contact point for any internal or external audits and holds responsibility for all auditing results.
• Plans short-and long-term resource requirements necessary to support multiple distribution channels in terms of new product rollout, systems enhancements/changes, regulatory requirements, sales drives and corporate projects. Utilizes sales forecasts, considers new markets and products and changing economic conditions when evaluating and planning resources.
• Works closely with distribution partners to evaluate and make appropriate business decisions on customer complaints and requests for business exception. Fully understands implications of decisions made, including potential risk, legal ramifications, loss of revenue, fraud potential, establishment of precedence and impact on business relationship with distribution partners.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

• Bachelor's Degree In a related field or commensurate selection criteria experience. - Preferred
• Demonstrated prior management experience, skills and knowledge in insurance, banking or other financial services industry. - Required
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing business processes, identifying opportunities for improvements, presenting and gaining support for the recommendation and successfully implementing the improvement opportunity. - Required
• Demonstrated experience leading and motivating teams. This would include providing direction, coaching and effective feedback to team members. - Required
• Proven experience handling and effectively resolving customer problems. Must provide examples of strong customer service skills. - Required
• Demonstrated experience identifying and resolving problems where independent decision-making and self-initiative were demonstrated. This includes providing examples of strong negotiating skills to resolve problems. - Required
• Demonstrated knowledge of life insurance, including variable products and SEC processing regulations, nonforfeiture options, conservation techniques, tax ramifications and billing procedures.
• Proven strong project management skills - must cite examples of developing, organizing, initiating and maintaining a project and successfully accomplishing set goals.
• Demonstrated ability to understand complex business strategies, identify opportunities for process redesign and improvement and conceptualize solutions.
• Proven ability to direct the implementation of multiple, large scale, multi-disciplinary projects across business units and affiliated companies.
• Proven excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey information to internal and external customers in a clear, focused and concise manner.
• Proven ability to recognize opportunities for change and act as a catalyst for change management.
• Demonstrate strong work ethic along with high energy level and demonstrated ability to drive for results.
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications.

Work Setting/Position Demands:

• Works in an office setting and remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.
• Requires the ability to verbally communicate and exchange accurate information to customers and associates on a regular basis.
• Requires visual acuity to read and interpret a variety of correspondence, procedures, reports and forms via paper and electronic documents, visual inspection involving small defects; small parts, and/or operation of machinery (including inspection); using measurement devices continuously. Visual acuity is required to determine accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned.
• Requires the ability to prepare written correspondence, reports and forms using prescribed formats and conforming to rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style on a regular basis.
• Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Performs substantial movement of wrists, hands, and fingers for continuous computer work.
• Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects/events.
• Associate must be able to travel via airplane
• Associate must be able to travel via car
• Occasional after-hours work needed

Travel Requirements:

• 5% travel Occasional travel required to foster business relationships and evaluate potential vendors.