Dir, Product - PL

Job Summary

• This is for a person with expertise in product execution.  This role supports the rate setting process which is the most important driver of our business results.
• The role leads large scale processes and drives process improvement.
• You will be leading a team working on specific markets or countrywide efforts that is responsible for supporting profitable growth of the business; assignments are generally larger and more complex than Product Managers.
• This position requires strong organizational and time management skills, working in a cross-collaborative environment and solving structured and unstructured business problems.
• Performs work independently with limited guidance. May manage a team of Product Managers and Analysts.

Essential Job Functions

• Demonstrates an expertise in the principles of product management, filing process, quoting platforms and systems, knowledge management, underwriting guidelines and defining data requirements in support of the profit and growth of the business.
• Demonstrates understanding of how the rate order of calculation works.
• Able to guide their team's ability to navigate the organization's processes (filing, IT programming/delivery/testing, compliance, underwriting, regulatory) to influence the timeline and sequencing of both rate and non-rate initiatives that drive and influence business results. Demonstrates ability to proactively guide team's management of complex rate and non-rate initiatives. 
• Proactively works with key business partners to drive complex process improvements across the organization. Provides guidance to Product Managers and analysts on ways to optimize product changes, project implementation, and underwriting guideline updates. 
• Provides guidance for scheduling and deployment of rate revisions, multi-state product initiatives, and non-rate projects, ensuring alignment across impacted states and teams. Owns scheduling and deployment of complex rate revisions, multi-state product initiatives, and non-rate initiatives, ensuring alignment across impacted states.
• Provides direction and guidance for all stages of the rate execution, filing process, compliance and regulatory, rate and non-rate initiatives, and timeline and sequencing.
• Regulatory expert for assigned market or product.
• Influences key business partners and leadership on complex rate and non-rate timeline and sequencing.
• Demonstrates expertise of competitor product structure, underwriting rules, systems and quoting platforms. Provides direction and guidance on competitor research into compliance and regulatory changes.
• Develops training and onboarding plan and responsible for consistent development of team members related to key processes and progression. Responsible for leading the hiring and onboarding process of new team members.
• Escalation owner for complex or high-impact product issues.
• Review team recommendations and facilitate presentations with leaders and business partners regarding proposed product or underwriting rule changes.
• Business owner of complex interactions and negotiation for proposed product or underwriting rule changes with departments of insurance and other regulatory entities.
• Able to drive and coach team prioritization.
• Able to leverage extensive network with key internal business partners.
• Responsible for escalation resolution and leadership communication of complex structured and unstructured problems impacting the Product team. 

Physical Actions

• Job is performed in-person at a Farmers office or virtually at an approved alternative work location. The physical work environment is indoors and climate-controlled with adequate lighting and ventilation. Normal and customary distractions include background noise produced by office equipment and chatter among people, as well as interruptions. Frequently sits for prolonged periods of time, up to a full shift. Occasionally moves about the workplace including, navigating stairs, ramps, and level or uneven surfaces. Occasionally moves, pushes, pulls, lifts, carries, and/or places objects or materials weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance. Frequently uses shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers to manipulate equipment, tools, and objects necessary to perform job duties. Frequently performs fine motor tasks such as typing, mousing, or writing, up to a full shift. Rarely performs movements such as bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, twisting, and reaching overhead or below the knees. Possesses clear vision, with or without correction, to visually read and verify information. Relies on depth perception and peripheral vision to navigate the work environment visually by identifying barriers, changes in terrain and locating objects. Possesses adequate hearing, with or without correction, to communicate with co-workers, respond promptly to auditory signals or alarms, and discern sounds essential for maintaining safety and productivity in the workplace. Jobs in this category require rare, if any, travel.

Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
• Bachelor's degree with focus in Business, or Research such as Economics, Business Administration, Marketing, Risk Management preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 13 years US property & casualty experience in product or underwriting preferred; or related experience preferred.
• People leadership experience preferred.

Additional Qualification

• Demonstrated analytical and research skills.
• Possesses strong organizational skills with technical aptitude. 
• Experience in Excel required. Effective interpersonal skills: has the ability to work in teams, embraces collaboration and networking.
• Embraces continuous learning. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Process improvement, lean thinking. Demonstrated mentorship and coaching skills.
• Experience with AI and Automation Tools preferred