Head of Institutional Retirement Distribution & Strategic Partnerships

Securian Financial • Saint Paul, MN

1d • $132,000 - $274,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Securian Financial is creating a new senior leadership role to accelerate the growth of our Institutional Retirement Solutions (IRS) business. As the Head of Institutional Retirement Distribution & Strategic Partnerships , you will serve as a senior leader responsible for shaping the national go‑to‑market strategy for Securian’s defined contribution stable value and guaranteed income solutions and some adjacent markets , while building a modern, scalable distribution platform. You will play a pivotal role in expanding our market presence, deepening strategic partnerships, and driving disciplined execution during a period of accelerated growth and complexity. This role reports to the SVP, Institutional Retirement Solutions, and acts as a strategic partner to the IRS Leadership Team and enterprise executives. It is a rare opportunity to build something foundational at an inflection point for the business.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in insurance or financial services, including partnerships, DCIO, stable value, guaranteed income, retirement platforms, or related channels; or product leadership experience in stable value and guaranteed income solutions that would translate well to DCIO sales leadership .
• 5+ years of experience leading a distribution team of 5 or more .
• Demonstrated actuarial expertise , with proven ability to translate complex analysis into business decisions , preferably holding a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries designation (FSA) and/or d eep expertise in financial analysis, market dynamics, and strategic evaluation, preferably holding a Chartered Financial Analyst designation (CFA).
• Proven success forming and governing strategic partnerships with recordkeepers, aggregators, technology/middleware providers, consultants, and ecosystem partners.
• Demonstrated success leading large, high impact external organizations and influencing outcomes across a complex matrixed environment, partnering closely with Product, Investments, Operations, and Technology.
• Strong strategic and operational acumen with the ability to translate enterprise strategy into measurable execution and disciplined processes.
• Executive presence with strong communication , influence, and relationship building skills across advisors, consultants, partners, and senior internal stakeholders.
• Experience navigating fiduciary, regulatory, and compliance considerations in the institutional retirement marketplace.
• Understanding of stable value, guaranteed income, managed accounts, model portfolios, or similar institutional retirement solutions.
• MN Life/Health Insurance License is required. If you do not have an active license, you must obtain it quickly after starting (within 3 months).
• Must be able to travel approximately 30–40% to support business needs.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated ability to build and scale national distribution teams, operating models, and performance systems.
• Background driving platform integrations or technology enabled distribution (e.g., NSCC processes, API connectivity, recordkeeper workflow automation).
• Experience developing thought leadership, CE programming, or industry facing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Distribution Leadership & Execution Lead Securian’s national distribution strategy across advisor, consultant, aggregator, and recordkeeper channels.
• Oversee external wholesaling, national accounts, strategic relationship management, and broader business development efforts.
• Build and refine the operating model—including segmentation, territory design, and pipeline discipline—while expanding distribution capacity aligned to business growth.
• Strengthen consultant and advisor engagement and partner with Marketing to convert market awareness into scalable adoption.
• Establish a clear performance rhythm through KPIs, forecasting, dashboards, and structured business reviews.
• Sales Enablement & Operating Discipline Create and champion repeatable adoption frameworks, messaging, and distribution playbooks.
• Elevate CRM, analytics, and reporting capabilities to improve visibility, predictability, and decision quality.
• Build training and readiness programs that ensure consistent product fluency across distribution teams.
• Ensure all distribution, connectivity, and partnership activities meet regulatory, fiduciary, and compliance standards.
• Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships Support the development of multi‑partner and multi‑insurer ecosystems that expand Securian’s capabilities and distribution r each.
• Lead the roadmap for recordkeeper and middleware connectivity, driving integrations (e.g., NSCC, APIs, workflow automation) for scalable adoption.
• Cultivate high‑value partnerships with RIA aggregators, PEP providers, consultants, and retirement technology firms, supported by strong governance and joint business planning.
• Represent Securian within key industry forums to advance thought leadership, contribute to evolving standards, and elevate enterprise reputation.
• Enterprise & Cross‑Functional Leadership Translate enterprise and Solutions Group strategy into disciplined, cross‑functional execution.
• Partner closely with Finance, Legal, Risk, Technology, HR, Investments, Operations, and other enterprise teams to ensure alignment and delivery across a complex matrixed organization.
• Lead and influence enterprise‑wide strategic programs tied to market expansion, growth initiatives, and ecosystem development.
• Provide continuity of leadership and act as a trusted advisor to senior executives on market dynamics, competitive insights, and partnership opportunities.
• Leadership & Talent Development Provide leadership, coaching, and performance accountability for teams across distribution and partnerships.
• Build organizational depth, succession readiness, and talent development to support sustained growth.
• Foster a culture of high performance, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Paid time off: We want you to take time off for what matters most to you. Our PTO program provides flexibility for associates to take meaningful time away from work to relax, recharge and spend time doing what’s important to them. And Securian Financial rewards associates for their service by providing additional PTO the longer you stay at Securian.
• Leave programs: Securian’s flexible leave programs allow time off from work for parental leave, caregiver leave for family members, bereavement and military leave.
• Holidays: Securian provides nine company paid holidays.
• Company-funded pension plan and a 401(k) retirement plan: Share in the success of our company. Securian’s 401(k) company contribution is tied to our performance up to 10 percent of eligible earnings, with a target of 5 percent. The amount is based on company results compared to goals related to earnings, sales and service.
• Health insurance: From the first day of employment, associates and their eligible family members – including spouses, domestic partners and children – are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage.
• Volunteer time: We know the importance of community. Through company-sponsored events, volunteer paid time off, a dollar-for-dollar matching gift program and more, we encourage you to support organizations important to you.
• Associate Resource Groups: Build connections, be yourself and develop meaningful relationships at work through associate-led ARGs. Dedicated groups focus on a variety of interests and affinities, including: Mental Wellness and Disability Pride at Securian Financial Securian Young Professionals Network Securian Multicultural Network Securian Women and Allies Network Servicemember Associate Resource Group

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees