VP, Insurance Operations

Job Description Summary

Job Description

The Vice President, Insurance Operations is an executive leader responsible for driving operational strategy, service excellence, and scalable infrastructure across insurance and annuity platforms. This role leads complex, multi-location operations supporting advisors and clients, with a focus on delivering best-in-class service and continuous process innovation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Define and lead the strategic direction for insurance and annuity operations, aligning with enterprise growth and client experience objectives

• Serve as a key partner to executive leadership, contributing to organizational strategy, transformation initiatives, and operational scalability

• Champion modernization, including workflow optimization, digital enablement, and platform enhancements

• Ensure seamless operations across multiple locations, maintaining consistency, efficiency, and high service standards

• Drive improvements in turnaround times, accuracy, and service delivery for advisors and clients

• Lead large-scale process improvement initiatives, leveraging automation and best practices to increase efficiency and reduce risk

• Implement continuous improvement frameworks to enhance productivity and scalability

• Lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams across geographically dispersed locations (e.g., St. Petersburg and Memphis)

• Build a strong leadership pipeline and succession plans

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and client-centric service excellence

• Partner with financial advisors, distribution leaders, and product teams to enhance the advisor experience

• Act as a senior liaison with insurance carriers and strategic vendors

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Resolve complex analytical challenges, independently analyze information and make recommendations based on analysis

• Proven leadership of annuity operations at scale, supporting both advisors and clients

• Multi project management

• Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives

• Organize, manage and track multiple detailed tasks and assignments with frequently changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

• Advisor-focused service model leadership

• Operational transformation & continuous improvement

• Multi-site team leadership & development

• Financial and performance management

Licenses/Certifications

• FINRA SIE & Series 7, required

• State Insurance License

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5 or more years in Financial Industry

Work Experience

• Previous experience in financial services - insurance/annuity preferred

• Manager experience 10-15 Years 

Education

Work Experience

Certifications

Travel

Workstyle

The total compensation for this position includes base salary or wages, and may include components such as additional compensation (cash or equity), discretionary bonuses, or commissions. This position is eligible for a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision; life insurance; critical illness insurance and accident insurance; disability benefits; retirement savings; paid time off (including vacation, holidays, and sick leave); and parental leave.  Eligibility for benefits and specific offerings may vary based on position and employment status. To view more details of the benefits offered, visit Myrjbenefits.com.

At Raymond James our associates use five guiding behaviors (Develop, Collaborate, Decide, Deliver, Improve) to deliver on the firm's core values of client-first, integrity, independence and a conservative, long-term view. 
We expect our associates at all levels to:
•  Grow professionally and inspire others to do the same
•  Work with and through others to achieve desired outcomes
•  Make prompt, pragmatic choices and act with the client in mind
•  Take ownership and hold themselves and others accountable for delivering results that matter
•  Contribute to the continuous evolution of the firm

At Raymond James – as part of our people-first culture, we honor, value, and respect the uniqueness, experiences, and backgrounds of all of our Associates.  When associates bring their best authentic selves, our organization, clients, and communities thrive. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit and business needs.