AVP & Actuary - ALM

About the Role

Lead an actuarial function that supports a specific business unit or multiple business units. Drive execution of strategic vision that supports Sammons Financial Group Companies' long-term growth objectives. Oversee high-visibility projects and provide strategic oversight in evaluating internal and external factors that impact the team's work. Build and develop a talented team of actuaries and/or analysts to establish processes and tools aligned with best practices. Understand and articulate underlying risks of the team's work. Utilize superior presentation skills to convey technical results to a wide range of audiences, including Senior Leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, forward-thinking leadership in support of Sammons Financial Group’s long-term growth objectives.
• Establish clear and documented vision for the team that aligns with the organization’s vision, ensuring projects and team goals are aligned.
• Provide strategic oversight for the team, leading with vision toward the future.
• Assume accountability for results produced by the team and articulate results to key stakeholders.
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of Sammons Financial Group products and insurance contracts.
• Maintain strong knowledge of industry issues including economic, regulatory, and competitive factors.
• Recommend enhancements to existing products or processes or develop new products and processes to accommodate market changes.
• Oversee development of materials needed to comply with applicable regulations.
• Lead the team to create, understand, and interpret complex financial models in line with best practices.
• Articulate to leaders and key stakeholders, including non-financial stakeholders, how model results compare to actual financial results and document differences that impact conclusions drawn from the models.
• Ensure proper governance, peer review, and documentation is completed.
• Lead the team to design and develop efficient data systems and oversee analysis of data.
• Recommend appropriate data analysis techniques given the nature of the analysis needed and use key insights to make recommendations to management.
• Build a risk-aware culture by ensuring all employees conduct their daily work with an eye toward risk.
• Lead development of appropriate methods to monitor, measure, and project risk exposure and understand the implications of failing to manage risk.
• Provide leadership and direction to the team to assist in developing risk mitigation techniques and prepare and present risk analysis to Enterprise Risk Management.
• Establish a team environment adaptable to emerging requirements, inspiring innovation and creative thinking.
• Build and develop a talented team of actuaries and/or analysts, overseeing multiple projects.
• Effectively plan and prioritize the team’s work in accordance with broader department objectives and priorities.
• Execute performance management responsibilities on a timely basis.
• Maintain strong relationships and collaborate with other departments and business units, understanding how the team’s work affects others.
• Proactively collaborate and communicate effectively with both actuarial and non-actuarial teams to ensure alignment of priorities and goals.
• Enhance and develop personal and professional skills through the Society of Actuaries’ continuing education requirements.
• Attend actuarial-related conferences and bring insights back to the team.
• Drive and reinforce commitment to internal controls processes such as those under Model Audit Rule and Record Information Management.
• Embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values: Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect, and Integrity.
• Participate in other initiatives and/or projects as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, Business, or Actuarial Science with a high level of demonstrated mathematical ability.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in the life insurance and annuity industry.
• Minimum 5 years’ management experience with proven ability to develop talent, including managers (preferred).
• Effective leadership, decision-making, and motivational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for relationship building and engagement.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for all levels of management, including Senior Management.
• Strong analytical skills with forward thinking; ability to anticipate and direct the analysis of problems/questions and provide recommendations to appropriate audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects and deliver results.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead through change and deliver results by developing and implementing strategy to cope with changing business environments.
• FSA or career ASA (preferred).
• MAAA may be required for specific roles.

Due to the financial nature and level of accountability of this position, a credit and criminal background check is required. If the position is in the SIG business unit, Annuity New Business Securities team, or if holding securities licenses, FINRA regulations require fingerprinting; if holding securities licenses, a credit check will also be required.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA & FSA options, and term life insurance.
• Competitive compensation with a performance-based incentive program tied to clear goals and individual and/or company success.
• 100% company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), plus automatic enrollment in our 401(k).
• Friday afternoons off year-round, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Paid development time, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities across industry, individual, and leadership programs.
• Volunteer time off and company nonprofit matching gift program, supporting causes that matter most to you.

Work Authorization/Sponsorship: At this time, we’re not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future or those needing work authorization for this role.