Associate Director, Product Management, ESI

Associate Director, Product Management, ESI

Come join one of America’s fastest growing insurance companies with a stable history of 175 years. At National Life Group (“NLG”), we offer a flexible work environment with opportunity for growth. As a mission-driven business, our promises are as important as the products we sell. We encourage our associates to live our values: Do Good. Be Good. Make Good.

Our mission extends beyond the insurance and annuities policies that we sell. Our cause is also to make the world a better place through grants from our charitable foundation, paid time for our employees to volunteer, environmentally sustainable and healthy work sites, and events that promote the work of nonprofits in our own backyard.

We invite you to explore what we have to offer and to join our cause.

Role Summary

At Equity Services, we create confidence in the financial future of everyone we work with. As the Director of Product Management, you will lead the evaluation and implementation of technology solutions to bridge the gap between existing systems and emerging innovations. This ensures seamless integration and optimal performance across our technology platform. Your role will involve collaborating with field representatives through targeted presentations and consultations, providing insights to tailor our technology solutions to their evolving needs and ensuring the effectiveness of these solutions.

Additionally, you will work closely with our technology partners to understand their product roadmaps, provide feedback on future developments, and incorporate new features that enhance our platform’s capabilities. The successful candidate will possess strong knowledge of the wealth management industry and experience in implementing new technology solutions. You will be adept at translating complex technical requirements into clear, actionable business solutions, collaborating closely with ESI’s VP of Technology and other key stakeholders to drive the successful implementation of critical technology initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with ESI’s VP of Technology to develop and refine the long-term technology roadmap, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Envision, evaluate, and articulate how new tech solutions can be seamlessly integrated into our existing technology platform to create the gift of time.
• Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with key technology partners and industry leaders to co-develop solutions that advance our business objectives and technological capabilities.
• Oversee the adoption of new technologies and custom enhancements, working closely with vendors and internal teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Act as the key decision-maker on technology upgrades, identifying areas where enhancements can increase efficiency, reduce costs, or improve service offerings.
• Foster collaboration across departments to ensure smooth execution and rollout of technology solutions, maintaining an open line of communication between development teams, business units, and end-user.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by monitoring and evaluating the performance of technology solutions post-implementation, recommending further enhancements or adjustments as needed.
• Partner with National Life’s IT organization and manage strategic relationships to co-develop solutions that advance our business objectives and technological capabilities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in product management, technology integration, or a related field, with a proven track record of evaluating and implementing technology solutions.
• Experience working in the wealth management, broker dealer, or RIA industry.
• Strong background in working with complex technology ecosystems, with a demonstrated ability to integrate new solutions effectively.
• Deep understanding of wealth management technology functions with an ability to identify and address deficiencies and inefficiencies. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, or a related field. Advanced degree or MBA preferred
• Prior experience collaborating with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to drive technology strategy and execution.
• Exceptional project management skills, with experience overseeing multiple concurrent technology initiatives from concept through to execution.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize data and derive actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, including executiv