Symetra has an exciting opportunity to join our team as the Head of Investment Technology!

About the Opportunity

The Head of Investment Technology and Data Management serves as a strategic leader with SIM, focused on defining the internal and external client needs and proposing and helping to implement efficient solutions for all major IT and Market Data needs within SIM. This position will drive development and implementation of the outcome-driven roadmap based on the to-be developed SIM technology vision and conveys the roadmap across the organization. This position will lead a small team of IT professionals.

Company Overview

Symetra Investment Management ("SIM") is a SEC-registered investment advisory firm with approximately $75 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2023. Symetra Financial Corporation ("SFC"), a diversified financial services company with $59 billion in assets as of December 31, 2022, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington is the sole shareholder of SIM. SFC is the holding company of Symetra Life Insurance Company ("Symetra Life"), which was founded in 1957, and has insurer financial strength ratings of 'A' by A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's and 'A1' by Moody's. Symetra Life is among the top 40 largest life insurance companies in the United States (based on statutory admitted assets as of December 31, 2022) and has approximately 1.7 million customers and over 2,200 employees nationwide. SFC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Life Insurance Company, a mutual life insurance company with head offices in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1907, Sumitomo is one of the largest life insurance companies in Japan with $319 billion of assets as of March 31, 2023. SIM currently plans to enter the third-party investment management market in the short to intermediate term.

Key Responsibilities

• Conducts and facilitates integrated software systems/automation review with product design efforts, using various design methodologies while seeking agreement on product automation and output specifications across the organization.
• Manage all Market Data relationships, including evaluating providers, negotiating business terms, approving invoices, and preparing and monitoring progress against budget.
• Working with internal clients and Symetra IT, including as co-head of the SIM Technology Leadership Counsel, define and effectively communicate the vision and roadmap for SIM's systems and technology infrastructure based upon strategic business priorities and the evolving needs of SIM and its clients. Identify areas to improve processes and leverage automation.
• Own data governance, including defining, managing, communicating, and enforcing data definition and management.
• Serve as IT product expert across the organization. Continuously monitors evolving client needs and market offerings and manages vendor relationships.
• Working with technology area, helps drive implementation of the product vision including hands-on work with systems implementations and upgrades. Coordinates with CFO to develop short- and long-term capital budget for IT infrastructure.
• Establishes, maintains, and evolves portfolio & product level performance measurements.

Who you are

• BA/BS required, MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• Investment management industry experience is a must.
• At least 15 years industry experience, at least 10 of which is as a Product Owner, Product Manager, Technical Product Manager, or subject matter expert representing investment business needs, priorities, and technical solutions.
• Advanced understanding of investment systems.
• At least 5 years of experience working as a member of an agile team.
• At least 3 years of experience effectively managing a small team.
• Leadership and Communication: A player-coach who leads by example and takes hands-on approach to project management and system implementation. Excellent technical and business communication skills. Foster a sense of ownership and accountability. Effectively communicate expectations and goals.
• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving: Advanced analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Knowledge of how technology can solve business problems.
• Technical Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of investment needs and system solutions for various areas, including Primary book of record, Reporting and Performance, Analytics/Research, Trading, Portfolio/Risk Management, Attribution, CRM, ESG, Compliance, Fund Accounting, Document libraries, Cybersecurity. Recognized expert within the organization.
• Analysis and Data Management: Advanced understanding of, and ability to apply, analysis techniques. Relentless focus on the client with an ability to segment and framework in the context of the client experience. Ability to take abstract and ambiguous data and organize it into meaningful information.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to influence, educate, and collaborate at all levels of internal stakeholders, including executive management. Ability to foster a collaborative working environment. Builds trust with others, including parent-company shared-service providers. Strong negotiation and consensus-building skills when dealing with internal clients, stakeholders, affiliates, and team members.
• This position is in Farmington, CT and it will be a hybrid work environment with 2 days a week in the office.

Compensation

Salary Range: $165,000 - $225,000 plus eligibility for annual bonus program

Why work at Symetra

"If you want to invest in yourself and build a career, this is a great place to work. If you don't want to put in the effort to learn the industry and become a student of the business (it takes real effort!), there are easier places to work." Cris H. - AVP Internal Sales, Training and Development

"Symetra is inclusive of all employees regardless of their personal differences." Darrell J. - Actuary III

"Symetra values learning. Symetra has so many resources - whether that is the Student of the Business courses, sponsorship of professional certifications, or just individual employees being so willing to teach and answer questions." Felicia D. - Financial Reporting Lead Senior Analyst

What we offer you

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

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 perspectives, 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 .

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:

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.

#LI-BV1

#LI-Hybrid