• Job Description

  Req#: 9176

  Description

  Symetra is seeking an experienced senior leader to serve as Vice President, Product & Economics for the Individual Life Division (ILD) — the head of product responsible for setting product direction, governing product decisions, and bringing enterprise‑level economic judgment to the initiatives shaping ILD’s long‑term growth and value.

  About the role

  The VP leads ILD’s product strategy, portfolio direction, and economic decision-making, ensuring that product choices balance growth ambition, competitiveness, capital efficiency, and risk management. This leader owns ILD product governance and product decisions, establishing decision standards, escalation pathways, and disciplined evaluation criteria. Lead through senior functional product leaders who drive day-to-day product leadership and execution, while the VP sets direction, decision standards, and accountability for outcomes.

  In addition, the role strengthens ILD’s forward‑looking insights and capabilities — including market intelligence, competitive positioning, and the use of data, analytics, and emerging technologies (AI) to inform decisions and improve speed to market.

  This is an executive leadership role and a member of the Life Leadership Team (LLT) with regular engagement across ILD and enterprise executives, including the CEO, CFO, and senior functional leaders.

  What you will do

  • Product Strategy, Portfolio Leadership & Governance
    • Set ILD’s product strategy and portfolio direction across life insurance offerings.
    • Establish clear decision criteria, economic framing, and strategic priorities for product initiatives.
    • Own product oversight and product decisions through the Product Committee, ensuring disciplined evaluation, alignment, and timely handling of critical issues as needed.
    • Lead via senior functional product leaders who manage day-to-day execution and committee cadence.
  • Division Strategy, Prioritization & Economic Vetting
    • Shape ILD strategy and investment tradeoffs through rigorous economic vetting, scenario analysis, and strategic recommendations.
    • Partner across actuarial, underwriting, distribution, and finance to integrate product direction with ILD’s strategic goals and operational capacity.
  • Product Economics & Strategic Structuring
    • Provide senior economic judgment on profitability, customer behavior, risk, capital sensitivity, and reinsurance.
    • Guide complex, high impact initiatives where structure matters (e.g., large-case designs, premium financing, executive benefits, BOLI/COLI).
    • Partner with Actuarial and Reinsurance leaders to evaluate risk-transfer strategies and long-term value implications.
  • Market Intelligence & Competitive Strategy
    • Oversee market intelligence and competitive assessment activities.
    • Translate market signals, customer insights, and distribution dynamics into clear product actions and positioning recommendations.
  • Distribution Partnership & External Engagement
    • Align product strategy to distribution needs through close partnership with Sales and Business Development.
    • Engage selectively with external counterparties (e.g., reinsurers, strategic partners) on initiatives where product economics and structuring require senior level judgment.
    • Support key strategic negotiations in partnership with cross-functional leaders
  • Data, Analytics & Product Enablement
    • Strengthen ILD’s use of data, analytics, and emerging capabilities (including AI) to drive data-driven decision-making.
    • Find opportunities to modernize product workflows and improve decision speed and operational efficiency.
  • Executive Communication & Leadership
    • Communicate complex product, economic, and strategic topics clearly to executive audiences.
    • Serve as a strategic thought partner across ILD and contribute to division wide priorities and investment decisions.

  What Success Looks Like

  • A clear, cohesive product strategy aligned to ILD growth goals.
  • Faster, higher quality product decisions grounded in strong governance and economic rigor.
  • Strong product market fit enabled by effective distribution partnership.
  • Enhanced use of insights, data, and analytics to advise decisions and monitor performance.
  • Confident, crisp communication on complex product and economic topics.
  • A high performing product organization aligned to ILD’s strategic priorities.

  Why Work at Symetra

  Here’s what some of our employees have to say about why they work at Symetra:

  “We're big enough to make an impact on the country, but small enough to care and know who you are and what you're contributing to the organization. All new ideas are welcome!” - Stephanie F., VP Customer Service & Operations

  “I truly believe there’s something for everyone at Symetra. No matter what your passion is, if you enjoy being part of something bigger than yourself and want to make a meaningful difference, this is the place for you. We’re more than just an insurance company—we’re a community with purpose.” - Joanne S., AVP Compliance

  What we offer you

  Benefits and Perks

  We don’t take a “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to our employees. Our programs are designed to make your life better both at work and at home.

  • Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements
  • Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%
  • Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days and ten paid holidays
  • Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching
  • Want more details? Check out our Symetra Benefits Overview

  Compensation

  Salary Range: $260,000 - $320,000 plus eligibility for annual bonus program and long-term incentive plan.

  Qualifications

  Who You Are

  • 15+ years of experience in the life insurance industry with senior leadership roles in product strategy, product development, product management, or similar domains required.
  • Deep understanding of life insurance product economics and key tradeoffs.
  • Experienced in influencing through senior functional leaders and delivering complex initiatives end to end.
  • Strong executive presence with the ability to synthesize complex concepts and influence senior partners.
  • Comfort engaging selective external partners (e.g., reinsurers) and supporting strategic negotiations.
  • Background in actuarial science (FSA/ASA), corporate strategy, or advisory roles a plus.
  • Ability to travel as needed.

  Travel:

  • Required Training & Professional Development
    All newly hired people leaders with direct reports are required to complete a comprehensive leadership development program within their first year. This program includes both virtual and in-person training. The in-person sessions will take place at Symetra’s corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Symetra covers all travel and accommodation expenses.

  • Reasonable Accommodations
    Symetra is committed to providing equitable access to all job-related responsibilities, including required travel. If reasonable accommodations are needed for travel, Symetra’s HR department will work to provide appropriate solutions in alignment with individual needs and company policies.

  We empower inclusion
  At Symetra, we aspire to be the most inclusive insurance company in the country. We're building a place where every employee feels valued, respected, and has opportunities to contribute.

  Inclusion is about recognizing our assumptions, considering multiple perspective, and removing barriers. We accept and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives, because lifting each other up fuels thought and builds a stronger, more innovative company. We invite you to learn more about our efforts here.

  Creating a world where more people have access to financial freedom
  Symetra is a national financial services company dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals and feel confident about the future. In our daily work, we're guided by the principles of Value, Transparency and Sustainability. This means we provide products and services people need at a competitive price, we communicate clearly and openly so people understand what they're buying, and we design products--and operate our company--to stand the test of time. We're committed to showing up for our communities, lifting up our employees, and standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Join our team and help us create a world where more people have access to financial freedom.

  For more information about our careers visit: https://symetra.eightfold.ai/careers

  Work Authorization
  Employer work visa sponsorship and support are not provided for this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with our company.

  Please review Symetra's Remote Network Minimum Requirements:

  As a remote-first organization committed to providing a positive experience for both employees and customers, Symetra has the following standards for employees' internet connection:

  • Minimum Internet Speed:100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, in alignment with the FCC's definition of "broadband."
  • Internet Type:Fiber, Cable (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum), or DSL.
  • Not Permissible:Satellite (e.g., Starlink), cellular broadband (hotspot or otherwise), any other wireless technology, or wired dial-up.

  When applying to jobs at Symetra you'll be asked to test your internet speed and confirm that your internet connection meets or exceeds Symetra's standard as outlined above.

  Identity Verification

  Symetra is committed to fair and secure hiring practices. For all roles, candidates will be required (after the initial phone screen) to be on video for all interviews. Symetra will take affirmative steps at key points in the process to verify that a candidate is not seeking employment fraudulently, e.g. through use of a false identity.

  Failure to comply with verification procedures may result in:

  • Disqualification from the recruitment process
  • Withdrawal of a job offer
  • Termination of employment and other criminal and/or civil remedies, if fraud is discovered

• About the company

  Symetra is a United States-based family of companies providing retirement plans, employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through independent distributors nationwide.

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