AVP, Policy Administration Strategy & Architecture

Job Summary

Pacific Life is seeking an Assistant Vice President, Policy Administration Strategy & Architecture to lead the strategic direction and execution of policy administration systems.

About the Role

This role will lead the technical strategy, architecture, and execution of core administration systems, partnering closely with business leaders in a “two-in-a-box” model to deliver measurable business outcomes. The AVP will champion innovation, define the future-state architecture, and ensure alignment between technology investments and business priorities to position the organization for long-term success.

Location

The role will be located onsite in one of our office locations, preferably in Newport Beach, CA.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the technology strategy and capability roadmap for Policy Administration aligned to enterprise architecture and business priorities.
• Partner in a “two-in-a-box” model with business leadership to co-own shared OKRs and outcomes.
• Drive modernization by decoupling legacy components, enabling composable services, and adopting next-gen platforms and AI-driven capabilities.
• Identify where automation and AI can materially improve straight-through processing, service efficiency, data quality, and customer experience.
• Lead dedicated engineering teams responsible for core Policy Administration platforms, including FAST.
• Translate business needs into crisp, actionable delivery plans—turning vision into roadmaps, epics, and user stories with strong acceptance criteria.
• Own execution cadence: PI planning, sprint prioritization, release strategy, and delivery metrics using agile and DevOps practices.
• Set delivery quality standards and ensure strong execution across design, build, testing, training, launch, and support.
• Remove roadblocks, manage dependencies, and maintain alignment across Technology, Product, Operations, and Enterprise Architecture.
• Own architectural decisions across Policy Administration platforms to ensure scalability, modularity, resiliency, and reuse.
• Guide the design of orchestration layers, APIs/integration patterns, unified workflows, and digital self-service experiences.
• Ensure technology investments align to business outcomes and support long-term platform sustainability.
• Build, mentor, and retain high-performing teams (employees + contractors + partners).
• Promote modern engineering practices and skills development (agile, DevOps, and GenAI enablement).
• Partner with HR and L&D on workforce planning, role clarity, and capability uplift.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in technology leadership roles, ideally within life and annuity insurance.
• Experience leading policy administration systems and large-scale modernization initiatives.
• Strong understanding of annuity/life products and core insurance operations.
• Proven ability to lead architecture + delivery across complex platforms and integrations.
• Experience with SaaS platforms and integrating SaaS with core administration systems.
• Strong command of agile delivery, product-centric operating models, and DevSecOps practices.
• Executive-level stakeholder influence and communication skills.
• Experience managing hybrid teams and vendor/partner relationships.
• Hands-on leadership style with a bias toward clarity, outcomes, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in complex environments.
• Passionate about talent development and building inclusive, high-performing teams.

Benefits

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 includes Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents. Generous paid time off options include: 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners, and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.