AVP, IT Retail Product Delivery

F&G is looking to hire for an AVP, IT Retail Product Delivery

This position plays a key role in the organization by managing business application solution delivery for the Retail IT  Product Delivery & Innovation department in support of F&G’s strategic goals and objectives.  A sizable component of the position is leading the execution of multiple projects within solutions delivery to support product launches across multiple channels, while leading efforts to streamline the Retail Product development lifecycle and improve speed to market, and provide thought leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Accountable for internal and external teams supporting Retail Product Delivery & Innovation (i.e. Directors/Managers, Project Managers, Business Analysts, Testing).
• Responsible for workforce planning within area of responsibility, working with leaders to review future staffing needs, propose staffing model changes, and ensure plans are developed/budgeted to address skill risks/gaps.
• Responsible for working with leaders in area of responsibility to understand engagement, develop plans for improvement/maintenance and to develop/drive team goals.
• Accountable for planning and execution of projects needed to support the Retail Product Portfolio.
• Accountable for leading efforts to streamline the Retail Product development lifecycle, and improving speed to market leveraging automation, innovation, and process improvements.
• Accountable for the escalation for all technology issues related to the delivery of the Retail Product Portfolio.
• Understand industry trends, tools, and practices, and partner with business unit and IT peers to assess capabilities needed to support company strategies for product development.
• Engage with business unit peers to understand the Retail Product and Retail Channel roadmaps and translate them into technology initiatives and solutions.
• Accountable for Retail Product Architecture and building technical automation and innovation in support of  capability models for the Retail business unit.
• Accountable for the development of product level roadmaps in partnership with Chief of Staff, Architecture, and Engineering. ensure Retail Product technology initiatives align with enterprise strategy, manage risk and compliance to minimize exposure, and align with disaster recovery guidelines.
• Act as IT Sponsor on key projects within area of responsibility and participate in steering committees.
• Oversee solution delivery efforts and project teams, provide input to capability planning, ensure solutions adhere to quality assurance, security and compliance standards while meeting business outcomes. Ensure efforts are delivered on time and within budget.  
• Accountable for vendor relationships for Retail Product Delivery & Innovation functions (i.e. implementation partners, managed services, TPA’s and other strategic partners) to ensure contract terms, SLAs and performance agreements are met and changes/enhancements are managed appropriately.
• Participate in the development of RFPs and review proposals to determine buy vs. build solution. Negotiate contracts with SLAs, performance agreements and incentives/penalties

Experience and Education Requirements

• S. or B.A. required, advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of Information Technology leadership

• 4+ years’ experience managing cross-functional development team.

• Strong insurance experience required.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams in the Life and Annuity Insurance market; preferred experience working within Life & Annuities Product Delivery function.
• Strong/Current experience leading product implementations. Project Management experience a plus, PMI certification a plus.
• Experience managing third-party administrator (TPA), COTS and managed service vendors.
• Experience designing, developing, implementing, and monitoring adherence to policy, process, procedures, and standards.
• ITIL certification a plus
• Significant technical financial and contract management experience
• Extensive service level management experience; SAS70 knowledge a plus
• Business Process Re-Engineering, Six Sigma or Lean a plus

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of Life and Annuity Product Lifecycle needs, and automation trends.

• Knowledge of Financial Services industry a plus
• Ability to work with business unit and IT peers to prioritize and understand technology and project needs.

• Ability to communicate effectively across the organization for technology enablement for Retail Product Delivery and Innovation.
• Aptitude to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously. Excellent project management skills.
• Ability to effectively lead and develop teams, coordinate team activities, and mobilize workforce.
• Strong/current technical proficiency with applications architecture, frameworks, and enterprise solutions delivery
• Significant expertise in testing principles, disciplines, tools, and environments
• Participated in IT strategic planning and architectural design; established policies and standards.
• Strong networking and relationship-building across the organization, with service providers and COTS vendors
• Current knowledge of solution and information security, compliance and disaster recovery principles.
• Business/commercially-focused and results oriented
• Strong fiscal focus including budgets, ROI and Cost Benefit Analysis
• Consultative and client-oriented, a creative problem solver with a collaborative nature
• Executive Leadership with ability to influence/negotiate with peers and vendors.
• Professional, decisive with integrity and high ethical standards

Other Requirements

• Perform other functions, duties and projects as assigned
• Regular and punctual attendance
• Some travel required (less than 10%)

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