About the Role
As Symetra Investment Management enters the third-party asset management business, it is imperative that we have the vital back office, data systems, marketing and client service infrastructure in place to be able to effectively onboard and service Insurance, Pension, Foundation and Endowment client types. As such, the Senior Managing Director, Business Strategy and Operations will work with the CEO, other senior managing directors and other team members to help drive business growth, continuously improve quality and efficiency of operations, reporting, risk management and workplace culture with a combination of collaboration, vision and focus. This role will lead and collaborate with senior team members focused on Finance, Operations, Risk Management, IT, Business Development and Marketing. Substantial experience in leadership roles in registered investment advisors is required, as well as prior experience with front office institutional investing. Initial focus areas will include leading the collaboration on the development and implementation of enhanced operations, reporting and risk management processes to support the expanding client base as well as third party business development and marketing strategy and implementation. This senior business builder will work to drive the third-party business forward, successfully partnering with the Investment, back office and business development teams to attract and retain third party clients.
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 also 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 has recently begun marketing its investment management services to third-party institutional investors.
Responsibilities
Partner with the CEO and senior leaders in designing, executing, and leading a strategic plan that implements the vision and strategic direction for SIM's business and product development, infrastructure and risk management.
Consistent track record of strong leadership that brings people together to build culture that embraces change, profitable growth and cultural alignment to Symetra organization values & strategic vision.
History of developing teams and helping others grow professionally.
Lead Finance, Operations, Risk Management/IT and Business Development and Marketing teams, providing guidance and collaboration on key initiatives and taking advantage of alliances across functional areas.
Manage, provide detailed guidance as needed and monitor progress relative to the strategic plan, including recommendations to improve SIM's business/Product development, core processes, systems, risk management and organizational capabilities.
Collaborate with all SIM teams to understand current and future client and team needs and drive strategy and implementation of efficiency and information flow improvements in the operations, reporting, risk management, IT and finance areas.
Working closely with the Head of Business Development and Marketing, investment team heads and CEO, help drive business growth strategy and implementation, including prioritizing outreach, product development and growing awareness of SIM.
Support marketing and business development efforts by attending/speaking at conferences, writing thought pieces for distribution and meeting with existing/potential clients.
Stay up to date on SIM's investment offerings and results by attending investment review meetings and conversations with investment teams.
Cultivate an environment of transparency and open dialogue, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
Your education, experience and skills
BA/BS in finance or business; CFA or MBA preferred but not required.
Long-term management experience in a broad range of investment, operations, risk management and sales/marketing roles within registered investment advisors that serve the liability driven institutional space, including insurance and pension clients.
Significant recent experience in leadership roles related to investment management business strategy and operations, including on-boarding liability-oriented client accounts.
Significant recent experience collaborating on the development and implementation of business development and marketing strategies.
Consistent track record to work with others on crafting operational improvements and leading all aspects of implementation.
Prior experience as an investment analyst or portfolio manager.
Exceptional critical thinking and execution capabilities.
Exceptional judgement, problem solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. Maintain a high level of integrity and confidentiality.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills, a trusted colleague.
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.
Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%
Self-Managed Time Away along with paid holidays
Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching
Want more details? Check outSymetra Benefits Overview
For more information about our careers visit www.symetra.com/careers.
Compensation
Salary Range: $350,000 to $400,000 plus eligibility for annual bonus program and long-term incentives.
Travel:
Required Training & Professional DevelopmentAll newly hired people leaders with direct reportsare required tocomplete 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 AccommodationsSymetra is committed to providingequitableaccess to all job-related responsibilities, including required travel. If reasonableaccommodations areneeded for travel, Symetra's HR department will work to provideappropriate solutionsin alignment with individual needs and company policies.
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.
Note: This position is in Farmington, CT and it will be a hybrid work environment.