Head of Product Development

Summary

Our growing company is building our team of insurance professionals to lead our product development, implementation, and management.  We are launching a new suite of FIA products next year and will continue to revamp and expand our product line-up over time.

You develop initial hypotheses for product features and specifications, based on competitive market assessment and feedback from cross-functional stakeholders and external distribution partner.  You will lead the prioritization of product development initiatives and effectively allocate resources across the organization.  You will take ownership as a thought leader in driving product adjustments and enhancements, informed by performance data, market insights, and key partner interviews.

You will support closely the head of distribution, COO, and head of strategy, and engage frequently with the CEO.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle development of our retail products, including Fixed Indexed Annuities, MYGAs, and IUL, from concept initiation to market launch, ongoing product optimization, and back/mid-office implementation
• Lead cross-functional product development working group
• Partner with C-Suite executives to craft products that align with organizational goals and long-term strategy, drive alignment on overall product roadmap and priorities
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams – sales, marketing, IT, operations, actuarial, legal, compliance, finance, and strategy – to design and deliver competitive retail product offerings
• Conduct in-depth market research to identify customer needs, analyze industry trends, and evaluate competitors to shape a forward-looking product strategy
• Track product performance post-launch, leveraging key metrics and market insights to drive enhancements and introduce new initiatives as needed.
• Partner with external partners, including distribution, operations, and technology partners, to design, implement, and launch new products
• Ensure all product workstreams remain on track for timely delivery, and remove bottlenecks or drive decisions to be made where needed
• Monitor retail product market, analyze competitor offerings, and relative product positioning

Job Qualifications

• 10+ years of Insurance industry experience
• Proven success leading or driving product development or management
• Fixed-Indexed Annuity experience preferred
• Knowledge of retail product development, including product design, regulatory compliance, and market trends
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills, with a proven track record of delivering complex financial products on budget, timeline, and scope
• Strong cross-functional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and confidently present to senior leadership

Key Competencies

• Influence Leadership
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Mental Agility