Assistant Vice President Premium Services

Horace Mann is seeking a strategic and operationally strong leader to serve as Assistant Vice President, Premium Services. This executive role is responsible for developing and leading the operational strategy, execution, and oversight of our Premium Services Operations function across all lines of business.

The AVP will drive operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and exceptional service experiences for policyholders, agents, internal business partners, and external vendors. This leader will play a critical role in transforming operations through data-driven decision-making, technology enablement, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Develop, lead, and execute the operational strategy for Premium Services across the enterprise.
• Translate enterprise objectives into measurable operational plans and outcomes.
• Ensure delivery of high-volume, customer-facing transactions with accuracy, timeliness, and service excellence.
• Maintain strong operational controls and ensure regulatory compliance.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• Build and lead a highly engaged, high-performing team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decision making, and flawless execution.
• Develop leadership bench strength and ensure appropriate staffing and succession planning.

Data, Analytics & Performance Management

• Partner with Analytics to design and maintain an Operations dashboard.
• Leverage KPIs, performance metrics, and business insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Identify trends and proactively implement solutions to enhance performance and customer experience.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with senior leadership and partners across Compliance, IT, Distribution, HR, Legal, and other functions.
• Influence and execute technology roadmaps and strategic initiatives.
• Support enterprise-wide strategic and tactical implementations within Operations.

Industry & Governance Leadership

• Exercise authority in making policy-level decisions and initiating procedural improvements.
• Stay actively engaged in the financial services industry to monitor regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and billing best practices.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in insurance or financial services.
• 5+ years of progressive management experience.
• Significant experience leading complex operations and/or shared services environments.
• Demonstrated executive presence and strong business and financial acumen.
• Proven track record of strategic leadership and consultative influence.

Required Competencies

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to translate enterprise strategy into operational execution while leading change and inspiring teams.
• Operational & Technical Expertise: Deep experience in operations management, program/project leadership, and implementation of technology solutions.
• Analytical Acumen: Skilled at interpreting data, identifying trends, and using insights to improve performance.
• Collaboration & Influence: Ability to build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Execution & Accountability: Strong prioritization skills with consistent follow-through and results orientation.
• Communication Effectiveness: Clear, compelling communicator who adapts messaging to varied audiences.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Proactively identifies opportunities to enhance processes, controls, and customer experience.

Pay Range:

• $124,200.00 - $175,800.00/annually

Salary is commensurate to experience, location, etc.

Horace Mann was founded in 1945 by two Springfield, Illinois, teachers who saw a need for quality, affordable auto insurance for teachers. Since then, we’ve broadened our mission to helping all educators protect what they have today and prepare for a successful tomorrow.  And with our broadened mission has come corporate growth:  We serve more than 4,100 school districts nationwide, we’re publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: HMN) and we have more than $12 billion in assets.

We’re motivated by the fact that educators take care of our children’s future, and we believe they deserve someone to