Sr. Operations Strategic Initiative Analyst

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead - our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It's a big ask, but it's one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate - pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it's a career with purpose. It's a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future - including your own.

We're actively seeking a talented Sr Ops Strategic Initiative Analyst to join our Ops Strategic Initiatives team in one of our three locations: Newport Beach, CA; Omaha NE or Lynchburg, VA. This role can be on-site or hybrid.

The CMD Operations Strategic Initiative Team is responsible for effectively leading, managing, and analyzing various Operations projects, as well as divisional/enterprise projects that have an impact on Operations. Projects vary by complexity, based on duration, scope, number of impacted CMD departments, external vendors, divisional initiatives, cost, stakeholder involvement, risk, and other various project interdependencies.

The Sr. Operations Strategic Initiative Analyst is responsible for independently leading three or more projects of medium and high-level complexity, taking on additional support functions, as assigned, such as demand prioritization, working group facilitation, or developing and maintaining administrative project tools and resources, and acting as a mentor for less experienced team members.

How you'll help move us forward:

Responsible for overseeing the entire project lifecycle, from inception to completion.

Initiation, Planning, Testing & Execution:

• Initiate project within Smartsheet or similar project management tools; facilitate kick-off meetings with all identified stakeholders and Sponsors to clearly define project roles, scope and objectives, timeline, cost, and project plan.

• Independently lead and facilitate productive planning sessions/meetings as needed to achieve the above; Create, maintain, and monitor project plan and roadmap as applicable.

• Independently lead and facilitate productive sessions with external stakeholders like Technology, Compliance, etc. to clarify queries or remove impediments impacting the project.

• Develop approaches and solutions, using a collaborative team approach with key stakeholders; develop needs assessments and cost-benefit analysis in support of proposed solutions.

• Coordinate implementation plans to minimize impact to department workflow and to ensure deliverable can be well-sustained by impacted teams after rollout.

• Partner effectively with manager and team to gain and apply feedback, insight and direction on project approaches and challenges.

• Work closely with Operations teams and SME's to develop thorough business requirements and/or user stories for IT.

• Work with Operations teams and SME's to effectively develop user acceptance test plans to provide end user sign off.

• Partner with Ops and IT to determine how change(s) will fit into existing business processes, whether existing processes require modification, or if new processes need to be stood up.

Risk, Issues & Dependency Management:

• Identify, manage, and track project and operational risks, issues, and dependencies impacting the projects' triple constraints (Scope, Schedule, Cost).

Communication:

• Independently lead and facilitate productive planning sessions/meetings with all internal and external business teams and SME's as needed to achieve the above.

• Independently facilitate effective meetings with Sponsor and stakeholders, driving successful decisions and outcomes.

• Present clear and concise progress/status updates in project reviews and proactively to various leadership levels within the organization as needed.

• Communicate key changes in scope, schedule, and cost, as well as project and operational risks, in a timely manner to the sponsor, project and leadership teams.

Documentation:

• Ensure agenda and minutes are clear and concise for all meetings and shared promptly with attendees.

• Update project management tool (Smartsheet) with all relevant project artifacts and details; include all relevant details, and ensure documentation is easy to comprehend, and identifies and addresses impact to all Operations teams.

• Partner with Training and Knowledge Management to coordinate updates to documentation, SOPs, and Job Aids, ensuring project objectives, impacts and action to be taken are appropriately reflected.

Closure:

• Obtain customer acceptance and feedback after project closure.

• Resolve post-implementation questions in a timely and thorough manner.

• Document and share lessons learned and best practices with Manager and team.

• Finalize all the project activities and closes/archives the project in Smartsheet.

• Partner closely with IT to scope, prioritize, and deliver remaining inforce/residual ("Day 2") scope after initial project launch.

Department Support:

• As assigned, successfully lead department support functions, including but not limited to demand prioritization, facilitation of key working groups, and develop and maintain administrative project tools and resources such as SharePoint or Smartsheet.

• Act as a mentor for less experienced team members by providing guidance on project management approaches, effective and constructive feedback, and delegating smaller tasks on more complex initiatives to expand their abilities; Share feedback with Manager to help support further growth and development.

• Identify areas of opportunity within the team to enhance Project Management skillsets.

• Formulate best practices for how team analyzes, documents, and validates new efforts.

• Act as Core Ops lead Point of Contact within larger cross functional programs.

The experience you bring:

• Preferably 6+ years within the financial services industry (or comparable equivalent), with experience in a highly service-focused, financial services Operations environment.

• 5+ years demonstrated ability to successfully lead mid to large size projects, applying project management principles and track record of successful project delivery

• Ability to present information effectively to various levels of stakeholders and leaders.

• Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of division and corporate management and teams to build consensus and meet project objectives.

• Requires excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently.

• Ability to anticipate, identify and overcome impediments to project success.

• Excellent research and analysis, critical thinking, and verbal and written communication skills.

• 4 year degree or equivalent combination of work and experience.

• Formal training or project management certification training

What makes you stand out:

• Knowledge of Smartsheet preferred

• PMP Certified

• Advanced Degree

You can be who you are.

People come first here. We're committed to a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment through Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at www.pacificlife.com. What's life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife.

Benefits start Day 1.

Your wellbeing is important. We're committed to providing flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we've got you covered.

• Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and a Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents

• Generous paid time off options including Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off

• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program

• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation.

Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

$98,100.00 - $119,900.00

Your Benefits Start Day 1

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we're committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we've got you covered.

• Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents

• Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off

• Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program

• Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.