Director, Insurance Solutions

Position Title:Director, Insurance Solutions
Reports To:Head of Individual Insurance Business
Department: Insurance Solutions
Term: Permanent Full-Time

Work Arrangements: This is a hybrid role. You will work in our office in Waterloo, ON a minimum of two (2) assigned, consecutive days every other week, plus a fifth (5th) assigned day per month. You are welcome to work from the office more than the minimum requirement and there may be some roles that are required to work in our office more than the minimum requirement.

The Opportunity:Equitable is growing! We are looking for a Director, Insurance Solutions to join our Insurance Solutions team!
The Director, Insurance Solutions is a highly influential role, both internally, and externally for Equitable. As the largest OFSI regulated mutual company, we have an opportunity to differentiate from much larger competitors, through our approach to participating products. The incumbent will oversee the development and implementation of a complex Individual Insurance product shelf that requires ongoing management given the dynamic market. Additionally, the incumbent will represent Equitable externally with industry partners and forums. Lastly, in this role, the successful candidate will participate in the development of the strategic business plan for the Individual Division, with particular emphasis on Product Development.
Now is an exciting time to join one of the Waterloo Area's and Southwestern Ontario's Top Employers for 2024!

What you will be doing:

• Product Development

• Develop and implement a complex Individual Insurance product strategy that requires ongoing management given a dynamic and ever evolving market.
• Lead the strategic shift to having multiple product launches in market per year.
• Develop client journey at the product level - policy acquisition through to claims, influencing operations and digital experiences to align to the vision for the client's journey and experience owning an Equitable policy.
• Work closely collaborating and coordinating with Distribution, Pricing, Underwriting, Operations, Finance, Technology, Corporate Marketing & Digital/Creative services.
• Align with Savings and Retirement and Group Insurance regarding product development opportunities and potential "cross sell" opportunities.

• Inforce Strategy

• Develop and influence the inforce client journey over the client lifecycle.
• Develop strategies and tactics to increase inforce policy retention, conversions and renewals, by providing services, experiences, education, and policy value maximization for clients.
• Develop strategies to increase inforce client engagement through digital channels, advisor, statements, and all other forms of communication.
• Align with both S&R and Investments to manage fund managers and fund line-up for Universal Life products, ensuring a competitive platform providing strong returns for clients.

• Strategic Leadership

• Partner closely in the development and implementation of a variety of marketing strategies through various channels.
• Influence the development and implementation of sales strategies and tactics resulting in achieving divisional and regional sales targets, growth and profitability goals.
• Influence the management of several strategic and complex external vendor relationships.
• Lead a team of product solution managers while demonstrating Equitable's core values and representing the team internally and externally.

• External Presence

• Represent Equitable and our Insurance Solutions externally, presenting to industry forums, advisors groups and communicating a compelling value proposition to drive advisor engagement. Develop a thought leadership presence as it relates to participating insurance products.
• Provide product training for regional field staff and educational conferences and educational credits for advisors.
• Work closely with Sales/Distribution and Operations on key strategic relationships - leveraging MGA and National Accounts platforms, Prestige Programs etc. to market EQs product shelf.
• Represent EQ externally at conferences, speaking engagements, through marketing solutions, social media etc.

What you will bring:

• University Degree - Minimum Bachelor of Business, Commerce or Mathematics or related field
• Minimum of 10-15 years insurance experience
• Minimum 5+ years insurance product leadership experience
• Advanced knowledge of Individual Life and Health products
• Exceptional leadership skills - both direct and indirect leadership - with strong relationship management and ability to negotiate both internally and externally
• Creative and dynamic product manager - with proven experience and results leveraging a variety of mediums
• Familiarity of key behavioural economics principles and applications in the insurance market
• Results oriented with a focus on data and measuring success
• Excellent strategic thinking, planning and decision-making skills
• Some understanding of actuarial principles and product pricing
• Strong communication, both small- and large-scale presentation skills
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills

What's in it for you:

• A healthy work-life balance with employee wellness top of mind
• Annual bonus program, annual vacation allowance, and company-paid benefits program
• An additional paid volunteer day each year so you can spend time giving back to the community
• Immediate enrollment in the company's pension program with employer matching
• Employee resource groups that support an inclusive work environment
• Tuition support and specialized program assistance
• An onsite, full-service cafeteria with a variety of daily options
• Discounts on company products and services, and access to exclusive employee perks
• Regular EQ Together events focused on company togetherness and collaboration
  

As part of the recruitment/offer process you will be required to:

• Provide two professional references (minimum one supervisor and above)

To learn more about Equitable, we encourage you to explore our organization.
At Equitable, we are committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities across our organization. Please contact our HR team at careers@equitable.ca if you would like to receive our job postings in an alternative format or require an accommodation with the application process.
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