Strategic Data Lead Insurance Industry

Overview

The Strategic Data Initiative Lead is a critical role responsible for orchestrating and executing the company s most pivotal, large-scale transformation initiatives. This individual will operate at the nexus of strategy and execution, responsible for not only the meticulous, hands-on delivery of complex programs but also for crafting and communicating critical program level narratives related to status, budget and progress to C-suite executives and senior leaders.

Reporting to the Head of Strategic Data Initiatives this individual will guide cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment to deliver transformational changes that reshape our business processes, technology platforms, and competitive positioning. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a proven history of managing ambiguous, high-impact data transformation programs from conception to completion within a large complex enterprise, preferably in an insurance context.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Technology, or a related field.
• 8 years of progressive experience in program management, with a demonstrated track record of successfully leading enterprise-wide business or digital transformation initiatives, preferably with a focus on data/analytic related initiatives.
• Proven experience leading large-scale programs in a complex and regulated industry (e.g., Financial Services, Banking, Healthcare).
• Exceptional executive-level communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to distill complexity into clarity and influence senior decision-makers.
• Mastery of leading through influence in a highly matrixed organization, with a demonstrated ability to build consensus and drive results without direct authority.

• Lead the end-to-end execution of large-scale data transformation programs ensuring they are delivered on-scope, on-time, and on-budget
• Facilitate collaboration between disparate business, technology, and operational teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment.
• Establish and manage robust program governance, including risk and dependency management, issue resolution, resource planning, and detailed project milestone tracking.
• Directly manage program-level budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation to ensure efficient use of capital and headcount.
• Develop and articulate compelling strategic narratives for approaches to transformation initiatives, translating complex program details into clear, concise, and persuasive stories for an executive audience.
• Create high-impact presentation materials (decks) and communication artifacts to rally C-suite and senior leadership around the approach to deliver on the program’s vision, as well as to report on program progress.
• Serve as a partner to critical stakeholders, proactively managing expectations and ensuring continuous alignment through rigorous communications and transparency in delivery processes.
• Form relationships with critical business and technology stakeholders and establish a trusted working relationship.

• Direct experience with Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, & Annuities
• MBA or other advanced degree

• Performance in this role will be evaluated on a balanced set of outcomes, including:
• Business Value Realization:
  Achievement of defined business outcomes and strategic goals (e.g., market launch of new products, realization of expense efficiencies, successful platform modernization).
• Program Delivery Excellence:
  Consistent on-time and on-budget delivery of major program milestones and deliverables.
• Stakeholder Satisfaction & Organizational Adoption:
  Positive feedback from executive sponsors and key stakeholders, coupled with the successful adoption and embedding of new processes, technologies, and ways of working across the organization.