Description and Requirements
AVP, Product Design- MetLife Pet
Level 14M
Location Remote
Title AVP, Product Design- MetLife Pet
The Role
The individual in this role operates as the single point of contact and subject matter expertise to develop and continually enhance the Pet product design, as well as ensure adequate end-to-end operational support for the product. This individual leads the team responsible for design, development, and validation of innovative product features and accompanying services that support market strategies that will drive profitable and scalable growth. Additionally, this individual establishes and maintains effective working relationships and appropriate controls with third-party partners that assist in executing on our product delivery and competitiveness.
A multi-faceted and dynamic role, the position requires an experienced, dedicated leader who can lead and manage with effectiveness and efficiency and has a strong working knowledge of the ever-changing world of Pet Insurance. Candidates best suited for the position should have an extensive insurance background, preferably in property and casualty. Candidates are expected to have strong communication skills, the ability to convey information succinctly, strong organizational and time management skills, and the ability to multitask and operate under fixed deadlines. It is also critical that the candidate has experience leading both directly and through influence, and the ability to succeed in fast- paced and evolving environment.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide Pet product expertise to ensure profitable and scalable growth that supports the growth expectations for Pet across all channels.
• Drives product development, compliance activities and delivery of initiatives related to growth strategies. Leads product development team and is responsible for creating new products and providing guidance for the management of the Dental product portfolio.
• Cultivates and nurtures new and existing partnerships that align with the long term product vision and position the Pet organization for long term scalable growth through innovation, technology enablement, or customer value.
• Leads, documents, and articulates long-term Pet product development strategy, working closely with the CEO of Pet Insurance, AVP of Pet Portfolio Management, Market Segment leaders, Sales (including COE), Contracts & Compliance, and the Pet Senior Leadership Team. Additionally, successful execution requires strong partnership with business areas outside Group including but not limited to finance, operations, technology, marketing, training, compliance, legal, and risk management.
• Drives activities to expand market and customer insights, informing action items for product development and portfolio management. The may include sponsoring primary market research to understand pet parent, animal shelter, veterinarian, vet office, employer, and employee preferences.
• Serves as subject matter expert on product vision to internal partners and industry. Coaches the product design team and participates in decisions regarding; hiring, firing, promotions, performance and compensation management, and training and development.
• Coordinates the development and implementation of product development activities throughout the Group Benefits matrix organization.
• Develops and supports key product strategies for the business and market. Oversees most complex projects or with the most visible/important insurance products.
• Works with internal partners to establish and monitor initiatives and milestones and effective action plans to mitigate any gaps to ensure deliverables are met within agreed-upon time frames.
• Leads change across a variety of stakeholders to deliver results with multiple deadlines and shifting priorities; is able to achieve results in ambiguous context.
• Leverages innovative and analytical thinking, preparing and implementing action plans and leading improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrates strong influencing, communication, writing and facilitation skills. Builds relationships at all levels of the organization, including the ability to resolve issues and seek consensus among diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Demonstrates strength in strategic thinking, identifying key business issues and opportunities, creating business strategies, and driving results across diverse internal teams and/or external partners.
• Analyzes complex situations, learns quickly, and synthesizes corresponding solutions, options, and action plans.
Key Relationships
• Reports to: CEO-MetLife Pet Insurance Solutions, LLC
• Direct Reports: 2-3
• Key stakeholders: CFO of Group Benefits, Pet SLT members, Group ELT members, Legal, Actuary, Contracts, Government Relations, US Group Compliance, and Finance.
Essential Experience and Skills
• Bachelor's degree (MBA preferred) with 10+ years relevant experience, preferably in the Pet space
• Strong communication skills with deep experience successfully introducing and managing change
• Exemplary team building and relationship skills
• Deep knowledge of Pet Insurance
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Proficient in Excel modeling, Powerpoint and Word
• Excellent negotiation skills, detail-oriented and persuasive.
• Prior experience leading teams or organizations, including the ability to craft and execute product strategies from concept to the marketplace.
• BA/BS in related field required; MBA desired.
MetLife Leadership Competencies
• Drives Results - Sets aggressive goals and is accountable for continuously driving improved performance, leading change and ensuring high standards.
• Creates Partnerships - Authentically builds trusted relationships and collaborates across global, diverse and multi-functional teams to successfully drive business objectives.
• Thinks Strategically - Sets direction aligned to the company's strategy, applying external and global perspective to meet local and global needs.
• Seizes Opportunity - Seeks new opportunities and ways to create balanced business growth while improving operational capabilities.
• Focuses on Customers - Promotes customer centricity and ensures focus on creating great customer experiences to achieve competitive advantage.
• Motivates People - Gains people commitment to achieve business objectives through clear communication of the company's vision and flexing leadership styles to inspire high performance.
MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
MetLife Pet Insurance is a leading provider of Pet Insurance focused on being there for pet parents at every step of their journey and giving them the ability to care for their pets with confidence. Originally founded as Pet First in 2004 and acquired by Met Life in 2020, MetLife Pet protects dogs and cats in all 50 states and has expanded the employee benefit channel to become the fastest growing distribution channel in the pet insurance industry. In 2023, MetLife Pet's commitment to pet health was recognized with the "Pet Insurance of the Year" award from the Pet Independent Innovation Awards, our second year in a row earning this high honor. MetLife Pet's vision is a pet care ecosystem with the pet and the pet parent at the heart of it all.
The wage range for applicants for this position is $154,000 to $200,000. This role is also
eligible for annual short-term incentive compensation. MetLife offers a
comprehensive benefits program, including healthcare benefits, life
insurance, retirement benefits, parental leave, legal plan services and paid
time off. All incentives and benefits are subject to the applicable plan terms.
Equal Employment Opportunity/Disability/Veterans
If you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at [email protected]. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application process.
MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.