The Product Owner I, Insurance Operations, supports the planning and execution of technology enablement initiatives across Insurance Operations. This role focuses on representing business needs and priorities within strategic delivery teams to deliver enhancements in workflow systems, administrative platforms, Intelligent Document Processing (IDP), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and AI-powered tools.

The Product Owner I collaborates closely with operations leaders, end users, and IT partners to define user stories, prioritize backlogs, validate functionality, and ensure delivered solutions meet business needs. This role operates as a liaison between the business and technical delivery teams, ensuring effective communication and alignment throughout the product lifecycle.  Collaborates with internal teams, clients and developers throughout the development lifecycle and assists in driving initiatives from concept to launch and beyond. Communicates with all levels of associates in a manner that breaks down complex challenges into actionable steps that drive results.

What you will do

• Supports delivery of assigned features or components of operational technology products (workflow, admin, automation, and AI tools).
• Gathers and documents business requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria to support Agile development.
• Partners with the Product Manager to prioritize work within the product backlog based on business value, urgency, and technical dependencies.
• Participates in sprint planning, backlog refinement, stand-ups, and reviews to ensure alignment and progress.
• Conducts user acceptance testing (UAT) and ensures solutions meet business requirements and quality expectations.
• Analyzes business processes and identifies opportunities for automation or efficiency improvement.
• Partners with IT, BQA and SQA teams to ensure smooth delivery and production readiness.
• Tracks and reports progress, risks, and dependencies to the Product Manager.
• Supports measurement of post-release outcomes to assess ROI and adoption.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Business Administration, Information Systems, or relevant business experience - Required
• 1-3 years of experience in business analysis, operations, or technology delivery - Required
• Exposure to product ownership, agile delivery, or process automation - Preferred
• Experience in Life or Annuity operations (Claims, Policy Admin, or New Business) - Preferred
• Foundational understanding of product ownership and Agile principles. - Preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. - Preferred
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across technical and business teams. - Preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, JIRA, and Azure (ADO boards) - Preferred

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.
• Occasional after-hours work needed
• Routine and/or extended after hours work needed
• Valid Driver's License with a safe driving record

Travel Requirements:

• • 5% travel Occasional travel may be required to meet with vendor partners