Director of Benefits Operations

FitzGerald Financial Group - Division of TowneBank Mortgage•Norfolk, VA

1d•$140,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

Towne Insurance is hiring a Director of Operations for our Benefits team. This key role will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of Towne Benefits' Administrative support teams, Enrollment Experience team, Technology teams, Compliance and HR functions, the Select Business Unit (SBU), and third-party vendor relationships. The Director of Benefits Operations will drive operational excellence, best practices, organizational effectiveness, technology optimization, and risk management, while supporting business growth and ensuring alignment with Towne Benefits' strategic objectives.

Requirements

8 to 10 years of progressive operational leadership experience.
5 years or more of experience in a senior management role.
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management, Operations, or a related field.
Five years of independent insurance agency experience.
Demonstrated success leading teams, managing organizational initiatives, driving operational improvements, and championing employee engagement.
Understanding of insurance products, preferably attained through working in an insurance marketing or selling program.
Proven ability to independently perform duties with confidentiality, integrity, sound judgment, and accuracy.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex situations, analyze data, and make strategic recommendations.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
Demonstrated project management or operational management experience.
Demonstrated ability to review processes and procedures, identify opportunities, and assist in the development and recommendation of solutions.
Extensive experience managing operational functions and organizational initiatives.
Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.
Ability to exercise discretion, confidentiality, and judgment in dealing with sensitive issues.
Ability to interpret and apply policies and guidelines effectively and accurately.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated experience managing vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and service-level performance expectations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree.
Active Virginia Life and Health License.
Advanced user of Microsoft Office Suite.
Excellent time-management, prioritization, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operational activities to ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance with company policies and standards.
Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute strategic initiatives and long-term operational plans.
Drive operational excellence through process improvement initiatives, performance metrics, technology enhancements, workflow optimization, and strategic resource planning.
Evaluate operational risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize disruption and support organizational objectives.
Provide leadership, coaching, and strategic direction to directors and department leaders, fostering accountability, employee engagement, succession planning, talent development, and high-performance teams.
Serve as the strategic liaison between executive leadership, operating departments, and external partners to ensure alignment, accountability, and achievement of organizational objectives.
Provide leadership and strategic direction for the Administrative support teams, Enrollment Experience team, Technology teams, Compliance and HR functions.
Lead vendor governance by overseeing vendor relationships, including contract management, service level expectations, and ongoing business reviews while managing vendor risk.
Identify opportunities for cost savings, resource optimization, and operational efficiencies.
Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, company policies, and industry best practices across all operational functions.
Partner with executive leadership on annual planning and forecasting initiatives.
Oversee system implementations, technology enhancements, and operational integrations.
Partner with Technology leadership to evaluate, implement, and optimize systems that improve operational efficiency, data integrity, and customer experience.
Provide strategic recommendations, operational insights, and business planning support to advance organizational objectives.