Product Owner
About The Position
As a Product Owner, you will help modernize processes, systems, and services that support EquiTrust’s Policy Administration teams. Working closely with the Product Manager, IT, Customer Experience, and other business partners, you will translate business needs into priorities and solutions that improve customer and agent experiences. The role calls for curiosity, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to solving problems and supporting change. EquiTrust Life Insurance Company is a national carrier of annuity products sold through a variety of distribution channels, including more than 20,000 independent agents and independent marketing organizations. The company is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with operations in West Des Moines.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- At least three years of experience in product management, business analysis, or customer experience/service operations.
- Product Management or Agile certification, such as CSPO, Pragmatic, or SAFe.
- Ability to prioritize work, manage a product backlog, and balance business needs with available resources.
- Analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to use customer feedback, performance measures, and workflow data to guide decisions.
- Ability to translate business needs into clear requirements and actionable plans.
- Clear communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and explain recommendations to varied audiences.
- Ability to evaluate technologies, vendors, and solution options.
- Understanding of testing, implementation, change management, and adoption practices.
- A customer-focused approach that considers customer and agent experiences, operational efficiency, and compliance requirements.
- Ability to manage multiple initiatives, adapt to changing priorities, and incorporate feedback.
- Ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Work primarily involves computer use, reviewing information, and communicating with others throughout the workday.
- Occasional standing, walking, reaching, bending, pushing or pulling, and lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.
- Infrequent business travel, less than 5% of the time.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
- Five years of relevant experience in a technology-enabled service environment.
- Insurance or financial services experience.
Responsibilities
- Partner with the Product Manager to align work with business priorities and contribute to product direction and roadmap planning.
- Use stakeholder feedback, data, and process reviews to identify improvement opportunities and define measures of success.
- Evaluate potential solutions based on business value, feasibility, effort, and risk.
- Own and prioritize the product backlog, partnering with analysts and delivery teams to develop clear requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria.
- Provide business direction during delivery, resolve questions, and communicate progress, dependencies, risks, and decisions.
- Validate completed work against business needs and support testing, implementation, training, and adoption.
- Monitor results and feedback to refine solutions and future priorities.
- Build collaborative relationships across departments and contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment.
Benefits
- Eligible employees may receive an annual discretionary incentive bonus.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick, and holiday time.
- Paid parental leave for mothers and fathers.
- Hybrid/remote work options.
- Early Friday closure.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
