Strategic Support Manager, Early Career Development

Jackson National Life Insurance•Lansing, MI

About The Position

The Strategic Support Program (SSP) cultivates a robust, flexible, talent pipeline for Jackson by developing Strategic Support Associates (SSAs) and Early Career Associates through robust professional and career development programs, partnership with organizational leaders and local universities. The Strategic Support Manager, Early Career Development, is responsible for managing approximately 50 to 100 part time Strategic Support Associates (SSAs) who provide a flexible, on-demand workforce for business units across Jackson focused on moderate to complex clerical and technical functions. The Manager supports the continued advancement of the Strategic Support Program (SSP) early career strategy by directing SSAs to tailored opportunities that expand their depth and breadth of experience and knowledge in moderate to complex clerical tasks and technical functions resulting in a talent pipeline for entry-level professional positions across Jackson. This role will participate in the facilitation of SSA career and professional development, leads department projects and initiatives and supports engagement with talent partners such as universities, colleges, clubs, and organizations. The Manager partners with SSP Leadership to gain deep understanding of our business partner needs and executes resource planning that delivers the right resources to meet the need. Based on their knowledge and expertise of the skills, workflows and processes, the manager can support success skill performance and advancement. This role is responsible for the development, performance management and corrective action processes for SSAs. The manager oversees the completion of daily work, successfully managing through high volumes while providing support, coaching, performance feedback, and motivation to the team.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience required.
3+ years of management experience, or equivalent required.
Demonstrated experience in professional/career development required.
Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively across all levels within the organization and external customers.
Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
Ability to develop associates through performance management and coaching.
Excellent networking skills.
Exceptional ability to identify talent within the organization.
Ability to adapt in an ever-changing environment.
Strong decision-making skills that can be applied in a fast-paced environment.
Strong problem-solving skills that include the application of both good business sense and common sense.
Exceptional time management and prioritization skills, including ability to lead projects.
Must be able to accept and continuously implement change.
Ability to multi-task and be flexible.
Ability to learn Jackson’s skills and business rules.
Ability to work beyond core hours, as necessary.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of business experience; insurance or financial services industry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Leads SSAs by directing work, providing support, coaching and motivation.
Fosters a culture of customer service excellence, professionalism, and career development.
Partners with the Program and Relationship Owner for assigned business units to deliver excellent customer service and understand business unit goals.
Develops deep expertise in business unit roles, tasks, and functions to provide tailored support.
Participates in the recruiting, training, and mentoring of associates.
Supports engagement with Jackson talent partners, such as universities, colleges, clubs, and organizations to identify and attract talent for Jackson.
Coaches SSAs to prepare them for full time, professional roles.
Identifies special projects, development programs and work assignments that prepare SSAs for their next step.
Manages the health of alternative staffing for assigned business units to ensure support supplied meets performance guidelines and aligns to budget.
Applies data-analytic techniques to analyze, visualize, and summarize complex data to recommend changes that support the development and management of associates, and improve the value for our customers.
Executes existing processes and takes responsibility for managing risk, efficiency, cost savings and alignment to the Strategic Support Program goals.
Communicates goals and expectations with SSAs regularly through team meetings and one-on-one discussions.
Performs problem analysis and escalates issues, including service failure resolution.
Leads the execution of departmental projects and initiatives.
Utilizes data to ensure effective capacity planning, prioritization of work and performance management of their team.
Directly supervises staff and administers personnel actions to include hiring, performance management and terminations.
Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.