Chief Operating Officer - World Financial Group (WFG)

Transamerica•Cedar Rapids, IA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Operating Officer - World Financial Group (WFG) & VP Transamerica will serve in an executive capacity and will be responsible for the development and execution of WFG’s operating strategy to support the continued growth and digital transformation of WFG. This role will also oversee the leaders of the operations, distribution partner integration, agent servicing and governance functions for WFG. This position will report to and work closely with the President of WFG & SVP of Transamerica.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a business field or equivalent experience
Minimum of 10 years industry leadership experience with deep technology and Agile experience, financial services operations/service delivery, broker/dealer operations, and administration.
Proven track record of success in leading the operational aspects of insurance and broker dealer distribution serving large networks of B2B agents and financial professionals.
Tech savvy with proven track record of digital expertise, ensuring integrated API infrastructure for connected and efficient data exchange within the digital ecosystem.
Solid financial analysis aptitude with ability to dissect and interpret large amounts of information for all facets of the businesses.
Exceptional problem solving and negotiating skills.
Transformational experience driving top line growth.
Outstanding ability to influence, motivate, and collaborate with all stakeholders.
Strong communication and presentation skills to articulate and facilitate important messages across diverse audiences (to both internal and external stakeholders).
Proven experience in the ability to attract and retain top talent in the industry.
Experience weighing multiple options and making tough trade off decisions that protect the longevity of the organization and properly serve the customer.

Nice To Haves

Entrepreneurial mindset with experience in business development and/or sales to bring strategic and creative vision to the Company and successfully transition to BAU activities.
Proven executive leadership experience with an insurance distribution organization.
Life license
FINRA Series 6, 63
FINRA Series 7 and 24
FINRA Series 66 or 65
SAFe or CSM certification
Knowledge of Transamerica and Transamerica products
Experience working with National Financial Services (Fidelity platforms)
FMAX, Wealthscape, and e-Money

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain the operating strategy for WFG to successfully align with the vision for accelerated growth. This includes delivering connected digital solutions in the business-to-business marketplace (B2B), finding efficiencies and reducing friction in all aspects of serving our agents, overseeing low-code-business owned configuration team, data stewardship and strategy customers, partners, and future market position.
Lead all operating activities across WFG and own the execution of strategic initiatives for enhanced agent experiences and profitable outcomes in the US and Canada.
Drive innovative and integrated API infrastructure technology solutions to support a cloud-native, digital-first operational environment for agents, registered representatives, employees and partners in a client-led, B2B business model.
Manage all aspects of a multi-million-dollar operational budget, to deliver on goals, to manage within expense guidelines, to drive efficiency, reduce cost and ensure profitable operations while balancing a positive agent/client experience.
Champion the identification and mitigation of organizational risks within the business unit and agency structures.
Drive high-quality execution and operational excellence by communicating clear direction and expectations.
Build and manage with strong compliance, regulatory & industry ethical standards.
Lead, coach, and mentor a team of 120+ individuals. Promote and foster employee engagement and well-being by driving collaboration, innovation, transparency, inclusion and trust across the function and organization. Build high performing, diverse teams to meet business needs. Provide superb coaching.
Represent the Company on industry committees and before regulators regarding various regulatory issues in the US and Canada.
Serve as a strategic change leader to drive digital adoption for profitable business results.

Benefits

Competitive Pay
Bonus for Eligible Employees
Benefits Package
Pension Plan
401k Match
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Tuition Reimbursement
Disability Insurance
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Employee Discounts
Career Training & Development Opportunities
Paid Time Off starting at 160 hours annually for employees in their first year of service.
Ten (10) paid holidays per year (typically mirroring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) holidays).
Be Well Company holistic wellness program, which includes Wellness Coaching and Reward Dollars
Parental Leave – fifteen (15) days of paid parental leave per calendar year to eligible employees with at least one year of service at the time of birth, placement of an adopted child, or placement of a foster care child.
Adoption Assistance
Employee Assistance Program
Back-Up Care Program
PTO for Volunteer Hours
Employee Matching Gifts Program
Employee Resource Groups
Inclusion and Diversity Programs
Employee Recognition Program
Referral Bonus Programs