Business Strategy & Innovation Lead (Hybrid)

Securian Financial•Saint Paul, MN

47d•Hybrid

About The Position

Securian Financial's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence Business Strategy team guides the enablement of AI initiatives across the enterprise, ensuring they are aligned with our strategic plan, business outcomes, are financially and operationally sustainable, and delivers measurable value. Working with other members of the AI business strategy team the Strategy & Innovation Lead will have a key role in ensuring AI initiatives are developed and executed with value realization in mind. This will be achieved through thought leadership, consultation, and collaboration with teams across the organization. What you would do in this job: Translate strategy into execution by providing consulting support before and during discovery phases to shape use-case and bold stroke business cases, problem statements, value hypotheses, and decision frameworks; align with business SMEs, Pod Owners, corporate finance, and portfolio management Frame the potential value by supporting creation of cost benefit analysis and sensitivity logic that inform ROI/NPV; steward assumptions and value logic, then collaborate with Finance and portfolio management to validate/benchmark. Assist with measurement plans. Consult on defining success metrics, baselines, counterfactuals, and test/learn approaches (pilots, A/Bs, phased rollouts) so value realization can be proven after launch. Prioritization & sequencing recommendations. Facilitate evaluation, dependency, and trade-off discussions; provide the "why" behind the recommended sequence Executive storytelling. Collaborate with communications to create crisp, decision-oriented materials (decks, briefs, one-pagers) that synthesize analysis into options and recommendations Operating model & playbooks. Take ownership of, maintain, and enhance repeatable artifacts such as Bold Stroke playbooks, use-case intake templates, and business-case checklist Stakeholder facilitation. Lead workshops to pressure-test assumptions, resolve ambiguity, and build cross-functional alignment-especially between business leaders, tech, risk, and finance. Leverage an external perspective and help inform AI COE of best practices and AI evolutions outside of Securian's four walls.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) in applicable field
3+ years relevant experience, with increasing levels of responsibility with strategic projects
Proven ability to solve complex problems through a systematic approach with strategic thinking and analysis complemented by strong business and financial acumen. Experience supporting creation of business cases and/or cost benefit analyses.
Thrives in demanding and sometimes ambiguous environment and able to adapt to shifting priorities
Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment. Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships, including with senior leaders
Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence without authority.
Highly self-motivated, with keen sense of ownership and passion to deliver results

Nice To Haves

MBA or relevant advanced degree
5+ years relevant experience, with increasing levels of responsibility with strategic projects
Experience at management consulting or investment banking firm, corporate or business strategy role preferred, financial services experience a plus
Internal Securian Financial job title for this position is Strategy & Innovation Consultant

Responsibilities

Translate strategy into execution by providing consulting support before and during discovery phases to shape use-case and bold stroke business cases, problem statements, value hypotheses, and decision frameworks; align with business SMEs, Pod Owners, corporate finance, and portfolio management
Frame the potential value by supporting creation of cost benefit analysis and sensitivity logic that inform ROI/NPV; steward assumptions and value logic, then collaborate with Finance and portfolio management to validate/benchmark.
Assist with measurement plans. Consult on defining success metrics, baselines, counterfactuals, and test/learn approaches (pilots, A/Bs, phased rollouts) so value realization can be proven after launch.
Prioritization & sequencing recommendations. Facilitate evaluation, dependency, and trade-off discussions; provide the "why" behind the recommended sequence
Executive storytelling. Collaborate with communications to create crisp, decision-oriented materials (decks, briefs, one-pagers) that synthesize analysis into options and recommendations
Operating model & playbooks. Take ownership of, maintain, and enhance repeatable artifacts such as Bold Stroke playbooks, use-case intake templates, and business-case checklist
Stakeholder facilitation. Lead workshops to pressure-test assumptions, resolve ambiguity, and build cross-functional alignment-especially between business leaders, tech, risk, and finance.
Leverage an external perspective and help inform AI COE of best practices and AI evolutions outside of Securian's four walls.

Benefits

Paid time off: We want you to take time off for what matters most to you. Our PTO program provides flexibility for associates to take meaningful time away from work to relax, recharge and spend time doing what's important to them. And Securian Financial rewards associates for their service by providing additional PTO the longer you stay at Securian.
Leave programs: Securian's flexible leave programs allow time off from work for parental leave, caregiver leave for family members, bereavement and military leave.
Holidays: Securian provides nine company paid holidays.
Company-funded pension plan and a 401(k) retirement plan: Share in the success of our company. Securian's 401(k) company contribution is tied to our performance up to 10 percent of eligible earnings, with a target of 5 percent. The amount is based on company results compared to goals related to earnings, sales and service.
Health insurance: From the first day of employment, associates and their eligible family members - including spouses, domestic partners and children - are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage.
Volunteer time: We know the importance of community. Through company-sponsored events, volunteer paid time off, a dollar-for-dollar matching gift program and more, we encourage you to support organizations important to you.
Associate Resource Groups: Build connections, be yourself and develop meaningful relationships at work through associate-led ARGs. Dedicated groups focus on a variety of interests and affinities, including: Mental Wellness and Disability Pride at Securian Financial Securian Young Professionals Network Securian Multicultural Network Securian Women and Allies Network Servicemember Associate Resource Group

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