SVP, Operations

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.
We’re actively seeking a talented SVP, Operations to join our Consumer Markets Division (CMD) in Newport Beach, CA reporting to the Executive Vice President, Consumer Markets Division and be part of the senior leadership team. As the SVP, Operations you’ll move Pacific Life, and your career, forward as you take on responsibility for providing strategic, customer-focused and balanced holistic advice regarding direction and competitiveness of life and annuity Operations amid regulatory, political and global uncertainty.  You will participate in the formulation and evolution of CMD’s strategy.

How you’ll help move us forward:

• Builds credibility, communicate regularly, and forge strong internal relationships, then influence across matrixed structures to establish consistent and efficient operational practices, processes, and governance while enabling achievement of CMD objectives.  They will be a champion for Operations while also balancing the needs of CMD and Pacific Life.
• Builds strong relationships externally to identify industry trends and best practices, then anticipate impacts to prepare CMD for any implications of not only emerging industry trends (such as GenAI) but also pending regulations, reforms, and legislation (state and federal), and rapidly lead adjustments to leverage those insights in ways that drive business and customer value.
• Set the strategic direction of CMD’s operations and lead its transformation while ensuring an industry-leading competitive advantage for CMD, a focus on BAU activities, minimizing operational risk, remaining in compliance with applicable rules and regulations, driving cost efficiencies, and exploring opportunities for continual efficiencies across life, annuities, new business, and structured settlements operations.
• Leverage robust leadership capabilities to attract, develop, retain, empower, align, and hold accountable a strong and cohesive team that partners with other leaders to proactively drive continued service excellence for the CMD portfolio of business.  Builds strong future leaders, defines career paths (into, within, and even out of operations), implements development and rotational opportunities, and upskills employees to be prepared for emerging needs (such as AI and critical thinking).

The experience you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Insurance, or equivalent experience required. MBA or other advanced degree a plus.
• Minimum of 15 years in the life insurance and annuities industry, with at least 7 years in leadership roles.
• Demonstrated strategy development, positive leadership impact, and business results at a senior level. Has deep understanding of and had success in leading call centers and Operations organizations in a financial services organization with a budget of at least $60-$80M.  
• Strong applied financial and business acumen. Understands compliance and risk as a gatekeeper for state regulations, rules, and contracts.
• Has existing, positive relationships with major stakeholder groups or can build them quickly. Respected by and has influence with previous organizations, within industry associations, with industry peers, and by other key external stakeholders.
• Has successfully led organizations facing challenges, extensive transformation, changing stakeholder needs, and/or a volatile environment.
• Has experience leading and managing in an environment with a significant portion of staff who are non-exempt.  Strong understanding of and has successfully navigated non-exempt legalities and regulations.  Maintains an enterprise lens while identifying impacts of decisions on non-exempt population and influencing decisions to balance needs of exempt and non-exempt workforce.

What makes you stand out:

• Establishes rapport and builds credibility at all levels. Invests in meaningful relationships, inside and outside of the organization, building strong partnerships and breaking down silos.  Leverages the power of the enterprise, engages in collaborative decision-making and incorporates alternative points of view to achieve shared objectives, and shares success. 
• Ability to make tough decisions and take measured risks.  Has executive presence, perseverance, commands respect, and can function in an environment where ambiguity, immediacy, diverse personalities, and competitive nature exist.  Exhibits resiliency and a ‘can do,’ positive attitude.
• Understands and translates trends easily into a realistic picture of long-term future possibilities.  Guides towards organizational growth by articulating a vision of that future.  Clearly sees the steps necessary to close the gaps to the desired future then translates it into strategy and operating plans which balance stakeholder needs.
• Communicates effectively to drive clarity, accountability, and outcomes.  Easily explains complex issues and strategies in a business and bottom-line way.  Clear and concise, yet inspiring in communication.  Cultivates a positive and inclusive culture by listening, inviting feedback on self, and adjusting approach to manage impact on others
• Long-term thinker who understands when moving slowly is an advantage and able to instill this in others.  Takes the necessary time and focus to bring others along, build long-term solutions, and wait for the right opportunities.
   

Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

Your Benefits Start Day 1  
 

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.

• Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents

• Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off

• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program

• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.