Director, Connectivity Strategy & Operational Enablement

Sun Life•Nashville, TN

1d•$137,900 - $206,900•Hybrid

About The Position

Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work. Our team members and leaders are expected to foster connection and teamwork by being present in the office at least 2 days per week. The Opportunity Sun Life's Digital Strategy organization is responsible for delivering industry-leading digital solutions by building scalable, client-focused technologies that align with strategic business objectives. The Director, Connectivity Strategy & Operational Enablement plays a pivotal leadership role in defining, prioritizing, and ensuring the delivery of value for all EDI and API connectivity solutions across our ecosystem. This critical position is accountable for the value delivered by data connectivity across value streams, working closely with Sales, Operations, Legal, Compliance, Claims, Underwriting, Product, Account Management, and IT. By enabling seamless connectivity that enhances the experience for brokers, employers, and their employees, this role directly supports Sun Life's digital client journey ambition and growth objectives. You will set the vision and strategic direction for enterprise data connectivity with direct accountability for how API and EDI capabilities enable value delivery across Sun Life's value streams. You will have the authority to make key strategic and investment decisions that shape the effectiveness, scalability, and impact of API and EDI partnerships. This position requires a seasoned leader who can balance strategic platform thinking with hands-on leadership, driving innovation while maintaining strong, trust-based relationships with internal partners and external ecosystem participants. You will operate independently to develop and execute strategic plans aligned to enterprise objectives while leading transformational change across processes, operating models, and organizational mindset.

Requirements

7+ years of experience in a senior management or business strategy role
10+ years of experience in the group insurance business with focus on connectivity, technology, or digital solutions
Proven experience leading people, driving change, and creating a high-performance culture
Bachelor's degree in business management or technical field (or equivalent years of experience in group insurance)
Strong leadership, management, and strategic planning skills
Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
Experience with agile development practices and tools such as Jira and Confluence
Strong relationship management and analytical skills
Demonstrated ability to influence and develop effective internal and external business relationships
Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills
Ability to work in a deadline-oriented environment with multiple priorities
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Demonstrated strategic thinking and execution capabilities

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in business management or technical field
Benefits/HR technology or connectivity technology (EDI/API) expertise
Previous experience in the insurance industry
Demonstrated innovation and digital transformation leadership

Responsibilities

Partner with Lean-Agile leaders to align connectivity strategy with value stream and enterprise objectives
Define and own the vision, outcomes, and long-term direction for API and EDI value delivery
Articulate a compelling strategic vision and build alignment across business and technology leaders
Engage executive leadership and major clients to influence enterprise strategy
Own and track OKRs, KPIs, and performance metrics for the connectivity value stream
Analyze results and develop action plans to improve value delivery and adoption
Identify and evaluate strategic business opportunities aligned with enterprise priorities
Identify, manage, and mitigate business risks, dependencies, and constraints
Ensure reliable and efficient value stream delivery while maintaining client experience and operational stability
Deploy resources across teams to resolve issues and sustain delivery
Drive enterprise EDI and API strategy across Sun Life's Group Benefits ecosystem
Develop scalable, repeatable connectivity models that support seamless integration with the benefits’ technology landscape
Simplify connectivity for ecosystem participants to increase broker confidence
Gather feedback from clients, brokers, technology partners, and internal stakeholders
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among Lean-Agile leaders and value stream teams
Leverage internal partnerships to anticipate needs and deliver scalable solutions
Identify and drive process improvements aligned with connectivity strategy
Lead organizational change initiatives supporting platform-oriented, value-driven API and EDI delivery
Establish and institutionalize best practices across the organization
Direct people leadership, performance management, and budget planning