AVP, Workforce Benefits
Overview
A leading insurance organization is seeking an Assistant Vice President to serve as Chief Risk Officer for its Workforce Benefits Division. This division supports a large, profitable group benefits business, helping employers and employees manage financial protection, income security, and long‑term well‑being.
This role is based in Newport Beach, CA or Omaha, NE and follows a hybrid schedule with four days in the office. Relocation assistance is available for candidates not currently located near either office.
The Role
The AVP, Chief Risk Officer will play a critical leadership role in supporting the continued growth and scalability of a high‑revenue workforce benefits platform. This individual will partner across actuarial, finance, underwriting, operations, technology, and enterprise risk teams to identify, assess, and mitigate risk across both new business initiatives and the in‑force portfolio.
The role combines strategic risk leadership with hands‑on execution, ensuring that pricing, underwriting, operational, and governance frameworks appropriately reflect the risk profile of group benefits products while enabling business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the execution of the Workforce Benefits Division's strategy to grow and scale a profitable group benefits business
- Partner closely with business and functional leaders on key initiatives to identify and manage risk across areas such as new product development, pricing and rate setting, renewal strategies, and technology and operations transformation
- Tailor and apply pricing and risk policies in collaboration with Actuarial, Finance, Risk Management, and division leadership to support effective product design and risk selection
- Oversee underwriting and pricing methodologies within the division, including assumption oversight and model risk governance
- Lead and coordinate operational risk management activities and second‑line oversight across functions such as Risk, Compliance, and Information Security as needed
- Promote a strong risk‑aware culture that supports consistent, transparent, and effective decision‑making
- Develop and maintain division‑level risk governance, reporting, and monitoring frameworks
- Stay informed on competitive dynamics and market practices in group benefits, sharing insights on risk approaches with stakeholders
- Contribute to the development of enterprise‑wide risk policies and standards and support their adoption within the Workforce Benefits Division
Qualifications
- 10+ years of actuarial and/or risk management experience within workforce or group benefits insurance
- Strong understanding of insurance, operational, and strategic risks specific to group benefits products
- Demonstrated analytical strength with the ability to apply structured, critical thinking to new and complex challenges
- Proven ability to take ownership of work products and operate independently in a leadership capacity
- Solid understanding of insurer financials, including Statutory and GAAP accounting and their application to pricing and risk evaluation
- Strategic, forward‑thinking leader with a collaborative style and the ability to influence across functions
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