Product Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary

This position is responsible for building, supporting, and continuously optimizing the product build process for new life and annuity products, enhancements to existing products, and system remediation updates with a strong focus on utilizing best-practice agile methodologies. This position will be a subject matter expert on life and annuity product mechanics, values and calculations. This role requires a deep understanding of the Retail Product department's product development initiatives, with the ability to provide guidance on technical solutions and product build strategy across cross-functional stakeholders.

This role will report to the AVP, Life & Annuity Production Implementation and be part of the team that creates and oversees product validation tools, creates product requirements, ensures accuracy in product values, functionality, mechanics, and data extracts within administrative/proposal systems and other upstream/downstream systems to ensure product integrity is fully achieved.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the strategic delivery of the overall Product Roadmap to meet the timing and milestones from the Product Development and Product Implementation deliverables while exhibiting flexibility as projects are re-prioritized or timelines are shifted.
• Partner with product development, pricing and rate setting teams to provide any support or expertise during early ideation stages of product development.
• Serve as a product subject matter expert for cross-functional partners on product implementation efforts as needed to successfully deliver the product roadmap; providing product expertise and ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Create test tools and product mechanic test strategies that ensure accurate and timely delivery of the product roadmap.
• Support implementation efforts with an agile framework within the product build team by supporting continuous team optimization, identifying and resolving blockers, managing priorities, work pipeline and structure.
• Lead the product implementation efforts of new life and annuity products, enhancements to existing products, and system remediation updates related to life insurance and annuity products.
• Build cross functional stakeholder engagement strategies, working with key stakeholders to identify priorities and collaborate on solutions for new products. Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements related to improving efficiency and quality while enhancing speed-to-market.
• Support the management, creation, and integration of product requirements into administration, proposal systems, and other upstream/downstream systems.
• Provide support to business-as-usual items, such as completing policy holder service requests, data analysis requests, breaking down current system product functionality, competitive intelligence requests, input and review on agent/consumer marketing materials, and life reinsurance requests in a timely and efficient manner.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This role does not have formal people leadership responsibilities but may provide guidance, mentorship, or subject matter expertise to others.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proven ability to lead product implementation and system remediation projects with a high attention to detail, planning, and regulatory compliance
• Strong technical and operational knowledge of life insurance and annuity products and administration systems
• In-depth understanding of NAIC/state insurance laws, product forms, and life and annuity filing processes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in technical and operational contexts.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced production environment while addressing multiple projects and responsibilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate technical requirements for business partners and other stakeholders.
• Ability to visualize and/or contribute to the presentation of an idea or project (from concept and design to presentation)
• High integrity, organization, and ability to manage multiple priorities while exhibiting a strong ownership mindset.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree: Preferred in Business Management, Mathematics, Finance or related business field
• 8+ year of relevant experience in life and annuity product implementation, or similar implementation support
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional projects in a complex insurance environment, specifically while utilizing an agile framework
• Life insurance and/or annuity product knowledge is required with preference for Indexed UL and Fixed Indexed Annuity experience

Other Requirements

• This position primarily involves sedentary work, requiring long periods of sitting, regular use of a computer, and occasional standing or walking, with reasonable accommodations available.
• Perform other functions, duties and projects as assigned
• Regular and punctual attendance

Ability to travel up to: 10% of the time

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