Managing Director, Insurance (Life & Annuities)

West Monroe•Chicago, IL

5d•$280,000 - $308,000

About The Position

West Monroe is hiring a Managing Director focused on the Life & Annuities market. This leader will grow the firm’s relationships and business with life insurers, annuity providers, reinsurers, retirement businesses, and distribution organizations. The role combines executive-level business development with hands-on leadership of strategy, operating model, and technology transformation engagements. The ideal candidate has a strong network in the Life & Annuities market, a record of building consulting relationships, and the ability to connect industry challenges with practical business and technology solutions. Preferred locations are Chicago and New York. The Managing Director will develop client relationships and business opportunities, create account and go-to-market strategies, lead proposals and engagements, and connect clients with West Monroe capabilities in areas including business and technology strategy, data and AI, digital experience, core platform modernization, and operational transformation. The role also involves growing the Insurance practice, managing practice financials, leading and mentoring consultants, recruiting talent, and ensuring high-quality delivery across a client portfolio. Frequent travel for on-site client work and in-person project team collaboration is required three days per week. West Monroe describes itself as a global business and technology consulting firm focused on measurable client value and practical solutions. The company offers medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance; a 401(k) plan; an employee stock ownership program; annual bonus eligibility; unlimited flexible time off; ten paid holidays; and eligibility for ten weeks of paid parental leave upon hire. The stated national salary range is $280,000–$308,000, with geographic premiums for employees near certain listed offices.

Requirements

At least 12 years of experience leading business and technology strategy, operating model, or transformation initiatives within Life & Annuities organizations, including carriers, annuity providers, reinsurers, retirement businesses, or distribution organizations.
An active network of relevant executive-level contacts in the local market or region.
Strong program and project management methodology background, including strategic planning and analysis, schedule, scope, issue, and risk management.
Strong communication skills and commitment to inclusion and diversity, with openness to new ideas and perspectives.
Ability to lead entrepreneurial environments while balancing decision-making with collaboration.
A strong balance of subject matter expertise and business skills, intellectual agility, and capacity for original thought.
Collaborative and disciplined approach, with ability to lead and motivate teams and attract, develop, and retain talent.
Ability to travel frequently for on-site client work and in-person project teams three days per week.

Nice To Haves

Recent experience leading a relevant consulting group or practice in the local market, preferably within the past three years.
Experience in policy administration, new business and underwriting, distribution transformation, in-force management, actuarial or finance transformation, or retirement solutions.
Technical experience with insurance core platforms, data and AI, digital distribution, and business transformation.
Visibility in relevant professional organizations, published thought leadership, and an active voice in the local market.
Change management experience is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Cultivate new and existing client opportunities across life insurers, annuity providers, reinsurers, retirement businesses, and life and annuity distribution organizations.
Build executive relationships and recurring business around client priorities, including new business and underwriting, policy administration modernization, in-force policy management, claims and beneficiary experience, distribution effectiveness, product and operating model transformation, and retirement solutions.
Identify opportunities to apply West Monroe capabilities in business and technology strategy, data and AI, digital experience, core platform modernization, and operational transformation.
Develop account and go-to-market strategies tailored to carriers, reinsurers, and distribution organizations.
Lead proposals and engagements involving business, actuarial, technology, operations, and distribution stakeholders.
Participate in relevant local business and insurance industry organizations.
Understand client issues and match them with West Monroe capabilities and offerings to create consulting opportunities and proposals.
Develop proposals, work plans, pricing estimates, and risk assessments for potential projects.
Partner with Technology, Operational Excellence, Customer Solutions, and product practices to develop multidisciplinary proposals.
Partner with Insurance and other West Monroe leaders, Business Development, and Marketing teams to lead marketing campaigns.
Collaborate with office and Insurance leadership to grow the Insurance practice in alignment with national practice goals for headcount, financials, and clients.
Create go-to-market strategies and help develop or enhance Insurance practice methodologies, best practices, and client-delivery approaches.
Lead, mentor, and develop consultants and participate in performance management.
Participate in recruiting practice managers and consultants.
Contribute time and effort to growing the firm’s culture and developing its people.
Manage practice financials in accordance with national Insurance Practice budgets.
Provide engagement leadership and quality assurance across a client portfolio.
Deliver value through consulting engagements and meaningful thought leadership.
Manage and mentor consultant teams to ensure delivery quality and keep projects on schedule and within budget.
Respond to immediate client issues, drive projects to completion, and serve as an escalation point.
Analyze client requests, identify underlying issues, and recommend appropriate solutions.