Director, Business Insights

National Life Group • Montpelier, VT

201d

About The Position

We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to head our analytics function, responsible for transforming data into actionable insights that drive business performance across life & annuity operations. This role will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive analytics strategy that enhances decision-making, mitigates risk, improves operational efficiency, and strengthens our competitive position. The ideal candidate will act as a key liaison between analytics and business stakeholders, ensuring team efforts are aligned with organizational goals. They will champion a data-driven culture by crafting compelling data narratives and advancing data literacy across life & annuity operations. With a strong strategic lens, this role will identify critical business drivers, forecast emerging trends, and support high-impact decisions through advanced modeling and scenario planning. The successful candidate will collaborate cross-functionally to enhance our data infrastructure and governance, while leading, mentoring, and growing a high-performing analytics team. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact at both a strategic and operational level.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• 8+ years of experience in data analytics, actuarial analysis, or business intelligence, with at least 4 years in the life insurance or broader financial services industry.
• Deep understanding of life & annuity products, underwriting, claims, risk management, and customer lifecycle dynamics.
• 3+ years in a management or strategic leadership role, leading analytics teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Proficiency in analytics and statistical programming tools, experience with data visualization platforms predictive modeling software.
• Demonstrated ability to use data to drive insights around profitability, risk mitigation, and customer value in an insurance context.
• Strong track record of building, mentoring, and managing high-performing analytical teams.
• Excellent communication and data storytelling skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and bridge the gap between technical and business stakeholders.
• Passion for cultivating a data-driven culture and promoting data literacy within a traditional industry environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Data Science, Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or Business Analytics) or an MBA with a strong focus on analytics.
• Experience with advanced modeling techniques including predictive analytics, machine learning, or AI applied to life insurance use cases.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute an analytics strategy that defines how life & annuity operations will use data and analytics to drive decision-making, improve efficiency, reduce risk, enhance customer experience, and gain competitive advantage.
• Identify performance drivers, anticipate trends, identify risks and guide life & annuity operations by delivering complex models/solutions that support scenario planning.
• Develop a deep understanding of business needs in close collaboration with senior business leaders.
• Empower stakeholders to take specific action by crafting compelling data narratives that unveil hidden truths.
• Collaborate with data engineering and data governance to drive continuous improvement focused on enhancing data continuity, accuracy, and value.
• Elevate the analytical capabilities of the team through coaching, mentoring, and demonstrating more advanced analytical solutions.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan match
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company funded wellness account for director and below employees
• 10 paid holidays
• Generous paid time off plan (22 days of combined time-off for non-exempt employees)
• 6 weeks of paid parental leave
• 6 weeks of paid family leave after a year of full-time employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Insurance Carriers and Related Activities
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees