Director Investment Operations

Horace Mann•Springfield, IL

About The Position

The Director of Investment Operations is a strategic leadership role responsible for managing and enhancing investment operations, reporting, compliance, and policy governance. This position serves as a key liaison across internal departments, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. The role oversees all aspects of investment operations, from daily reporting and audits to strategic initiatives including financial modeling, regulatory monitoring, and process improvement aligned with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) and disaster recovery standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business is required; Master’s degree preferred.
7–10 years of progressive experience in investment operations, with a strong focus on risk and performance reporting.
Experience in managing teams and cross-functional initiatives.
Strong understanding of STAT and GAAP accounting principles, SOX compliance, and regulatory frameworks including NAIC, SEC, and State DOI.
Proficiency in investment systems and tools such as Bloomberg, BRS, and performance analytics platforms.
Exceptional analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

Lead the execution of investment reporting functions related to risk and compliance management of investment holdings.
Oversee daily operational reporting including trades, unsettled transactions, pricing, unrealized gains/losses, watchlists, and performance monitoring.
Maintain and ensure compliance with investment policies, guidelines, and investment management agreements.
Coordinate front and middle office procedures in alignment with SOX and disaster recovery protocols.
Oversee Know Your Customer (KYC) operations, state deposit management, and collateral operations including those for FHLB.
Supervise subscription agreements, alternative fund documentation, and other administrative support related to CMLs and derivatives.
Lead internal and external audits (STAT & GAAP), regulatory requests (SEC and State DOIs), state exams, and SOX responsibilities.
Monitor pronouncements and regulatory changes issued by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and ensure compliance.
Coordinate private placement documentation, private letter rulings, and investment-related legal transfers.
Lead financial forecasting, investment modeling, and scenario analysis to support strategic decision-making.
Serve as primary contact for all investment data requests, internal and external.
Provide insights to support investment policy adherence and performance evaluations.
Serve as the central point of contact for investment operations-related queries and issue resolution.
Coordinate and deliver data for Board and Investment & Finance (I&F) presentations, and support departments such as Actuarial, Accounting, Treasury, Financial Planning, and external consultants.
Facilitate valuation processes and portfolio pricing with vendors and third-party systems including Bloomberg, BlackRock Solutions (BRS), and custodians.
Drive continuous improvement by updating operational procedures and documentation.
Maintain the Master Contact List and ensure consistency in communications and system access across all stakeholders.