Senior Director, Data Product Manager

Markel • Richmond, VA

43d • $190,000 - $240,000

About The Position

If you’re looking for a place where you can make a meaningful difference, you’ve found it. The work we do at Markel gives people the confidence to move forward and seize opportunities, and you’ll find your fit amongst our global community of optimists and problem-solvers. We’re always pushing each other to go further because we believe that when we realize our potential, we can help others reach theirs. Join us and play your part in something special! Reporting to the Managing Director, Product Solutions & Services, this individual leads the Data Solutions portfolio, driving technology strategy, data innovation, and operational excellence across the US & Bermuda insurance operation. The Senior Director is responsible for delivering business value through data and technology, optimizing speed to market, and ensuring a seamless experience for Markel employees and partners. The ideal candidate possesses deep insurance expertise, financial acumen, and a passion for digital transformation, data governance, and customer-centricity.

Requirements

• Deep market and regulatory knowledge in insurance (commercial lines, specialty).
• Advanced strategic, analytical, and financial skills.
• Leadership in cross-functional and matrixed environments.
• Expertise in change management, transformation, and digital technologies.
• Customer experience and data-driven orientation.
• Strong influence and stakeholder management at executive/board levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple and multi-faceted stakeholders.
• Track record of managing and/or developing talent.
• Solution-oriented, creative thinker.
• Flexible, adaptable, and resilient in dynamic environments.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred in Business, Insurance, Technology, Data Science, or related field.
• Advanced certifications (e.g., PMP, Agile, Lean Portfolio Management, CPCU, Data Governance).
• 12+ years in insurance data management, product delivery, or related leadership roles.
• Proven success in leading large-scale transformation and innovation initiatives.
• US Work Authorization required. Markel does not provide visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute data technology strategy, aligning solutions with business objectives and market trends.
• Advance foundational target state architecture and data platform capabilities.
• Lead strategic investment planning, architecture engagement, and risk management for data solutions.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, data governance, and risk mitigation across all data domains.
• Champion data-driven customer experience, leveraging analytics and feedback to optimize value.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration with Underwriting, Claims, Reinsurance, Finance, Actuarial, and IT.
• Integrate Agile and Lean practices to accelerate delivery and continuous improvement.
• Manage data-related investment budgeting and investment prioritization.
• Develop and maintain executive dashboards and reporting for KPIs, OKRs, and ROI.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing, diverse team, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Own strategic stakeholder engagement, proactively building relationships across the US & Bermuda Insurance operation, IT, and broader Markel.
• Advance Data Quality and Data Governance functions, integrating with Product Management and shifting culture to proactive data management.
• Drive transparency around costs, benefits, resourcing, and quality, leveraging KPIs.
• Lead the overall prioritization process, defining business needs, setting priorities, identifying requirements, and analyzing impact to business stakeholders, such as data accessibility and quality.
• Collaborate across Product Solutions to identify dependencies and integrations with other areas such as Underwriting Platforms, Shared Solutions, and Legacy Platforms.
• Collaborate with the Enterprise Planning/PMO teams to ensure singular intake and prioritization; partner with change management to ensure maximum return on investment as technology changes are delivered.
• Drive accountability for delivery of scalable data technology solutions that meet immediate and strategic business needs, aligned to IT roadmaps.

Benefits

• In keeping with the values of the Markel Style, we strive to support our employees in living their lives to the fullest at home and at work.
• We offer competitive benefit programs that help meet our diverse and changing environment as well as support our employees’ needs at all stages of life.
• All full-time employees have the option to select from multiple health, dental and vision insurance plan options and optional life, disability, and AD&D insurance.
• We also offer a 401(k) with employer match contributions, an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, PTO, corporate holidays and floating holidays, parental leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees