SVP, Operating Strategy, Transformation & Process Optimization

McKinney

**SVP, Operating Strategy, Transformation \& Process Optimization** **Life Insurance \| Underwriting \& New Business Operations** Hybrid (Tues--Thurs onsite) -- McKinney, TX Reports to: Executive Vice President **Compensation** * Year 1: $220K--$230K base bonus equity (**$300K total**) * Year 2 : **$400K--$425K total compensation** with structured ramp We're looking for a senior operator who has led **underwriting or new business transformation inside a large life insurance carrier**, with experience scaling operations, modernizing processes, and driving measurable efficiency gains. **About the Role** A **Fortune 600 life insurance carrier** is building a **net-new SVP leadership role** to drive enterprise-wide transformation across **underwriting, new business, and sales administration**. This is a **high-impact mandate** to modernize a multi-entity insurance platform---standardizing operations, accelerating underwriting, and enabling scalable growth through automation, AI, and operating model redesign. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping how a large, established insurer evolves to a **faster, more digital, and more efficient operating model**---without proportional headcount growth. **Why This Role Stands Out** * **Enterprise-scale scope** across multiple business units and product lines * Direct ownership of **strategy → execution → measurable outcomes** * Significant investment in **AI, automation, and process modernization** * High visibility with **executive and board-level stakeholders** * Opportunity to **redefine underwriting and new business operations at scale** **What You'll Own** **Enterprise Transformation \& Process Standardization** * Drive **end-to-end process harmonization** across underwriting, new business, and sales administration * Eliminate silos across business units, particularly in post-acquisition environments * Establish consistent, scalable operational frameworks **Operating Model Strategy** * Design and execute **future-state operating models** (1-, 3-, and 5-year horizons) * Enable growth from **$1B to $1.5B in issued premium** through operational efficiency **Underwriting Modernization \& Digital Enablement** * Lead initiatives including: * Automated underwriting / rules engines * Straight-through processing (STP) * AI-assisted decisioning and case management * RPA and workflow orchestration * Advance toward **real-time underwriting and instant policy issuance** **Business \& Technology Alignment** * Align operations with: * Policy administration systems (legacy modern platforms) * Mainframe environments and digital layers * Partner with IT, data/AI, actuarial, finance, and distribution leadership **Transformation Portfolio Leadership** * Own full lifecycle: business case → funding → execution → ROI realization * Establish strong governance, KPI tracking, and accountability **Change Leadership** * Drive adoption across large, distributed teams * Lead **sustainable operational and cultural transformation** **Who You Are** **Profile** * Current or recent **SVP / VP / Sr. AVP** within a **life insurance carrier environment** * Deep experience in: * Underwriting operations * New business / acquisition operations * Policy issuance / case management **What Sets You Apart** * Led **enterprise-wide transformation initiatives inside a carrier** * Experience standardizing processes across **multiple business units or entities** * Track record implementing: * Automation / AI * Operating model redesign * Process optimization at scale * Strong ability to operate across **business and technology functions** **Additional Background** * Consulting experience (e.g., large system integrators) is a plus **if paired with hands-on operating leadership** * Experience in **complex, multi-system environments (legacy modern)** highly valued **What You Bring** * 10--20 years in **life insurance operations** * Proven success modernizing: * Underwriting workflows * New business pipelines * Sales administration functions * Strong understanding of: * Policy admin platforms * Underwriting tools and rules engines * Digital and agent-based distribution models * Executive presence with ability to influence **senior leadership and board stakeholders** **Culture \& Work Model** * Hybrid (Tues--Thurs in office) * Collaborative, execution-focused leadership team * Strong emphasis on **shared outcomes and enterprise impact** **Benefits** * Competitive executive compensation equity participation * 401(k) matching * Medical, dental, vision * HSA / FSA * PTO holidays * Tuition reimbursement professional development * Relocation assistance (if applicable)