VP, Head of Strategic Planning and Business Development - SIAG

Sammons Financial Group • Chicago, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for defining and driving Sammons Independent Annuity Group's (SIAG) long-term growth strategy through business development, strategic planning, and market intelligence. Leads enterprise-level strategic direction, identifies and evaluates new growth opportunities, and builds external partnerships that expand distribution, capabilities, and market relevance. Facilitates enterprise strategic planning processes to ensure alignment, clarity, and informed decision-making across SIAG and Sammons Financial Group Companies (Sammons Financial Group). Translates market insights, competitive intelligence, and leadership input into actionable strategic priorities that position SIAG for sustained, profitable growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Finance, or related field Required
• Minimum 15-20 years' experience in the annuity industry Required
• Minimum 5 years' management experience with ability to develop talent, including managers Required
• Demonstrated experience representing company on external basis and working with key partners
• Effective leadership, decision-making, and motivational skills
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead through change and deliver results by developing and implementing strategy
• Demonstrated success in innovation and creative problem solving
• Strong interpersonal skills for relationship building and engagement
• Excellent communication skills, including oral and written, for all levels of management
• Strong analytical skills and forward thinking; ability to anticipate and direct the analysis of problems/questions and provide recommendations to appropriate audiences
• Highly organized with the demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects and to switch priorities as necessary

Responsibilities

• Lead SIAG’s long-term strategic planning and growth agenda, aligning enterprise priorities with market opportunities.
• Facilitate enterprise strategic planning processes, including leadership workshops, strategy sessions, and decision forums to align on priorities, trade-offs, and long-term direction.
• Design and lead structured strategy dialogues that drive clarity, alignment, and commitment across SIAG and enterprise stakeholders.
• Serve as a neutral facilitator to synthesize diverse perspectives, challenge assumptions, and guide leadership teams toward actionable strategic decisions.
• Establish and maintain strategic planning frameworks, tools, and cadences that enable consistent, high-quality decision-making across the organization.
• In conjunction with the Chief of Strategic Execution and Enablement, facilitate the annual planning process, tying strategic initiatives to the longer-term SIAG strategic plan.
• Drive business development strategy, including the identification, evaluation, and structuring of new partnerships, distribution opportunities, and growth initiatives.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of strategic opportunities arising from market shifts, regulatory changes, and evolving distribution models.
• Serve as an external relationship leader with key partners, including distributors, product development firms, and strategic alliances.
• Provide forward-looking market intelligence and competitive insights to inform decision-making.
• Lead SIAG strategic intelligence capabilities, including competitor analysis, distribution trends, and market analysis.
• Partner with Sales, Product, Marketing, and Strategy to translate insights into growth strategies and go-to-market direction.
• Anticipate shifts in customer needs, competitive dynamics, and regulatory environments to future-proof SIAG’s strategy.
• Represent SIAG externally in industry forums, strengthening market presence and relationship capital.
• Collaborate with Corporate Development and enterprise stakeholders on broader Sammons Financial Group growth initiatives.
• Foster a culture of innovation, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial exploration.
• Provide leadership to direct reports, fostering accountability, professional development, and performance aligned with SIAG’s strategic objectives and enterprise values. Provide continual coaching and feedback regarding progress, strengths, and areas for development. Leverage corporate programs to reinforce performance and development, including the Target Incentive Plan (TIP), annual merit reviews, and Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
• Represent SIAG externally through industry engagements, strategic forums, and partner meetings to strengthen market presence and relationship capital.
• Commitment to embrace Sammons Financial Group Companies shared values (Accountability, Connection, Openness, Respect and Integrity).
• As stated within the Company Attendance and Punctuality policy, regular attendance is required and expected in order to meet the business service levels and workflow demands.
• Participate in other initiatives and/or projects as necessary.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA & FSA options, and term life insurance.
• Competitive compensation with a performance-based incentive program tied to clear goals and individual and/or company success.
• 100% company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), plus automatic enrollment in our 401(k).
• Friday afternoons off year-round, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Paid development time, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities across industry, individual, and leadership programs.
• Volunteer time off, and our company nonprofit matching gift program.
• An ownership culture that inspires; join a connected, values-driven workplace where employees take accountability, support one another, and are empowered to do their best work—together shaping our future shared success.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive