Competitive Intelligence Research Associate Jobs

Why USAA?

At USAA, our mission is to empower our members to achieve financial security through highly competitive products, exceptional service and trusted advice. We seek to be the #1 choice for the military community and their families.

Embrace a fulfilling career at USAA, where our core values – honesty, integrity, loyalty and service – define how we treat each other and our members. Be part of what truly makes us special and impactful.

We are proud to support active-duty military spouses. USAA roles may offer remote or hybrid flexibility for active-duty military spouses consistent with applicable policy and business needs.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking a talented Competitive Intelligence Analyst Lead to serve as a key business partner in providing a view of the Annuity Business competitive landscape and industry trends. This role will research and analyze the competition and product mix, identifies and communicates trends, competitive forces, and penetration/segmentation strategies to make informed assumptions to determine probability of different scenarios. Then translate findings into recommendations that proactively drive operational, tactical, innovative and strategic business decisions to consult with management on competitive intelligence issues.

This role goes beyond traditional competitive intelligence and market reporting. As a trusted advisor to the Annuity leadership team, Competitive Intelligence Lead will bring an outside-in perspective to help USAA evaluate how competitors are evolving and where we can differentiate to create greater member value and accelerate business growth. The role will monitor and assess emerging product innovations, marketing and positioning strategies, technology investments, sales and service enhancements, distribution trends, and broader industry developments.

Success in this position requires the ability to synthesize diverse market signals into actionable business implications, challenge conventional thinking, and influence leadership decisions. Rather than simply reporting what happened in the marketplace, this role will proactively identify what matters most, anticipate where the industry is heading, and help shape the strategies that position USAA for long-term success in the annuity market.

We offer a flexible work environment that requires an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. This position will be based on the San Antonio, TX (Preferred); Phoenix, AZ; Colorado Springs, CO; Plano, TX; Charlotte, NC; or Tampa Campus. Relocation assistance NOT available for this position.

What you'll do:

• Promotes and applies expert competitive intelligence analytical methodologies to address industry issues.

• Proactively identifies issues of concern, proposes recommended solutions and participates in implementing.

• Leads large scale, highly complex, competitive analysis projects that are without a clear or standard path and include data analysis, competitor research, market developments and predictive analytics 

• May collaborate with cross-functions teams to identify and define the underlying business issue. 

• Facilitates the development, design, analysis and execution of the project.

• Applies an expert level of knowledge in competitive intelligence research, and continually collect and analyze relevant market and industry data, competitive and customer information to identify actionable intelligence 

• Interprets complex research data and findings into business strategies, advises senior management on issues and presents findings to various levels of leadership.

• Mentors efforts of less experienced peers and team members and provides input on performance appraisals.

• Researches and identifies industry best practices and trends to increase effectiveness and shares best practices with team.

• Maintains and applies expert knowledge of the business, its products and processes, and expert knowledge of competitive intelligence research and analytic methodologies.

• Ensures risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.

What you have:

• Bachelor’s degree OR 4 years of related education and/or experience (in addition to the minimum years of experience required) may be substituted in lieu of degree.  (Total of 12 years of experience without bachelor’s degree)

• 8 years of experience in business development, market research and analysis/modeling, product management, business analysis and/or competitive intelligence.

• Ability to think strategically and translate analytic findings into actionable competitive insights.

• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research skills, including data analysis, data synthesis, SWOT analysis, and data driven recommendations.  

• Advanced skills in researching and analyzing market insights using databases and analytical processes for customer/marketing-related analytics.

• Knowledge of risk management and compliance frameworks and experience with leveraging market intelligence data to provide insights on risk mitigation.

What sets you apart: 

• 8+ years of competitive intelligence, market intelligence, product strategy, consulting, or related experience within the life insurance and annuity industry.

• Deep understanding of annuity products, product management, distribution channels, carrier economics, and market dynamics.

• Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives through data-driven insights and strategic recommendations.

• Experience translating competitive intelligence into business actions that improved growth, market position, member experience, or operational performance.

• Strong understanding of competitor product development, pricing strategies, marketing approaches, sales models, and digital capabilities.

• Proficiency using industry intelligence platforms such as Wink, Morningstar Annuity Intelligence, Beacon, LIMRA, Competiscan, and Annuity Rate Watch.

• Ability to analyze competitor filings, earnings calls, product launches, regulatory developments, and industry trends to identify strategic implications.

• Established network and relationships within the annuity and retirement income industry.

• Exceptional storytelling, executive presentation, and PowerPoint communication skills, with the ability to distill complex insights into concise and compelling recommendations.

• Proven ability to operate independently, lead ambiguous strategic initiatives, and influence decisions across multiple leadership levels.

• US military experience through military service or as a military spouse/domestic partner.

Compensation range: The salary range for this position is: $114,080 - $218,030

USAA does not provide visa sponsorship for this role. Please do not apply for this role if at any time (now or in the future) you will need immigration support (i.e., H-1B, TN, STEM OPT Training Plans, etc.).

Compensation: USAA has an effective process for assessing market data and establishing ranges to ensure we remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range based on your experience and market data of the position. The actual salary for this role may vary by location.

Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.

Benefits: At USAA our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellness. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), pension, life insurance, parental benefits, adoption assistance, paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours, and various wellness programs. Additionally, our career path planning and continuing education assists employees with their professional goals.

For more details on our outstanding benefits, visit our benefits page on USAAjobs.com.

Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis, this posting will remain open until the position is filled. Thus, interested candidates are encouraged to apply the same day they view this posting.

USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.