Lead Associate - Group Benefits Product Management

Protective Life is an insurance company seeking a Lead Associate, Group Benefits Product Management to oversee the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of Group Benefits products. The role manages the full product lifecycle across Group Life, AD&D, Disability, and Statutory PFML products, while leading regulatory implementation, product strategy, cross-functional governance, launches, and performance optimization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end product lifecycle for Group Life and AD&D, Disability (STD/LTD), and Statutory PFML products, including market entry and expansion, product enhancements, renewals, and ongoing optimization
• Drive the development, launch, and scaling of Group Life and AD&D products, including product design, competitive positioning, and go-to-market strategy
• Ensure timely and accurate implementation of new state programs and legislative changes, translating regulatory requirements into actionable product, operational, and system strategies
• Work with compliance and filing teams to develop and execute product filings and filing strategy, in partnership with Legal
• Drive product design, standardization, scalability, and governance across the Employee Benefits portfolio, ensuring consistency while maintaining flexibility to meet regulatory and market requirements
• Monitor product performance using financial, operational, and market intelligence metrics, including profitability, growth, and competitive positioning, and recommend enhancements to improve outcomes
• Collaborate with Marketing and Sales to inform product positioning, value proposition, group benefits best practices go-to-market strategy, and market expansion efforts
• Partner with Actuarial and Underwriting to support pricing strategy, rate development, forecasting, and loss ratio performance
• Lead cross-functional alignment and governance across Legal, Claims, Operations, Underwriting, Actuarial, Finance, and Technology, throughout the product development process
• Serve as the central product authority and subject matter expert for Group Benefits products driving alignment on strategy, regulatory interpretation, and execution, and supporting internal training and business enablement
• Leverage data, analytics, and AI tools to support product research, development, and performance insights
• Oversee operational readiness for product launches and enhancements, including systems, processes, and cross-functional training
• Mentor and guide junior members of the team
• Represent Product, in partnership with Legal and Compliance, in engagement with industry groups and trade associations
• Support and lead broader product strategy initiatives as assigned by EB management

Requirements:

• • Proven leadership skills and the ability to succeed in a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment, building alignment among diverse stakeholders and delivering results
• • Demonstrated ability to lead complex strategic initiatives from concept through implementation, driving progress and accountability without direct authority
• • Strategic mindset; consistently contributes thoughtful continuous improvement perspectives and new ideas
• • Deep analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills
• • Strong project management skills, with advanced knowledge of agile methodologies and project management / collaboration tools
• • Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively to develop solutions and achieve objectives under limited oversight
• • Executive-level communication and presentation skills
• • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• • Ability to travel as needed (:10-15%)
• • 15+ years of experience in product management within the insurance or employee benefits industry, with expertise across Group Benefits products including Group Life and AD&D, Disability (STD/LTD), and Statutory PFML, and multi-state regulatory environments
• • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field
• • In-depth knowledge of Group insurance products and best practices
• • Experience with product filings, legislative interpretation, and regulatory compliance
• • Expertise in effectively engaging external partners, including consultants, research firms, and third-party service providers, to advance product initiatives and deliver business outcomes
• • Demonstrated experience launching products on new administrative or digital platforms, including requirements definition, testing, and go-live support
• MS / MBA preferred