Svp, senior actuary, individual life division - remote

We are seeking a visionary and influential SVP, Senior Actuary, to serve as a key member of the Individual Life Division leadership team. Reporting to the Chief Actuary, this executive will shape the division's financial strategy, drive enterprise growth, and modernize actuarial capabilities to support Symetra's long-term vision.

About the role

This role goes beyond traditional actuarial leadership. You will be a strategic partner to executive leadership, translating complex financial insights into business decisions, optimizing capital and profitability, and leading transformative initiatives that strengthen our competitive position in the market.

This is an opportunity for a bold actuarial leader who thrives on innovation, organizational influence, and building high-performing teams.

What You will Do

Strategic & Financial Leadership

• Partner with division, actuarial, and enterprise leaders to develop and execute the Individual Life Division's financial and strategic plans.
• Provide financial insight and recommendations that drive profitable growth, capital efficiency, and long-term value creation.
• Lead forecasting, budgeting, financial planning, and performance analysis activities.
• Influence decisions related to reinsurance, investments, capital management, and risk management.

Financial Reporting & Governance

• Oversee actuarial valuation and financial reporting processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory and accounting requirements.
• Provide executive and Board-level reporting and insights into financial performance and key business drivers.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of valuation, profitability, and management reporting metrics.

Product & Business Leadership

• Oversee Individual Life product pricing and pricing governance.
• Partner across the organization to develop innovative solutions that balance customer value, profitability, and growth objectives.
• Evaluate emerging opportunities and risks that may impact business performance.

Organizational Leadership

• Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing actuarial organization.
• Build leadership bench strength and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Drive modernization of actuarial processes, tools, and capabilities to improve efficiency, scalability, and business impact.

Innovation & Industry Leadership

• Champion the use of advanced analytics, AI-enabled processes, and modern actuarial technologies.
• Serve as a trusted thought leader within Symetra and the broader insurance industry.
• Bring innovative ideas and best practices that strengthen the division's market position and operational effectiveness.

Why Work at Symetra

Here’s what some of our employees have to say about why they work at Symetra:

“If you want to invest in yourself and build a career, this is a great place to work. If you don't want to put in the effort to learn the industry and become a student of the business (it takes real effort!), there are easier places to work.” - Cris H., VP Internal Sales

“We're big enough to make an impact on the country, but small enough to care and know who you are and what you're contributing to the organization. All new ideas are welcome!” - Stephanie F., VP Customer Service & Operations

What we offer you

Benefits and Perks

We don’t take a “one-size-fits-all” approach when it comes to our employees. Our programs are designed to make your life better both at work and at home.

• Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%
• Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days and ten paid holidays
• Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching
• Want more details? Check out our Symetra Benefits Overview

Compensation

Salary Range: $260,000 - $340,000 plus eligibility for annual bonus program and long-term incentive plan

Qualifications

Who You Are

• 10+ years of life insurance actuarial experience, including significant leadership responsibility required (experience leading teams of 10+ professionals).
• A credentialed actuary (FSA required) with deep expertise in life insurance products, valuation, pricing, and financial management required.
• A strategic executive who balances technical excellence with business acumen and commercial decision-making.
• An experienced people leader with a track record of leading and developing large, high-performing teams.
• A transformational leader who embraces innovation, challenges the status quo, and drives meaningful change.
• A trusted advisor who can influence senior executives, Boards, regulators, and external partners through clear, compelling communication.
• A relationship builder who thrives in highly collaborative environments and aligns diverse stakeholders around shared goals.
• Adept at simplifying complex concepts and translating data-driven insights into business action.
• Familiar with modern actuarial platforms, data and analytics capabilities, and emerging technologies shaping the future of insurance.
• Knowledge of Bermuda regulatory frameworks is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Finance, or a related field required.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10-15%.

Travel

Required Training & Professional Development

All newly hired people leaders with direct reports are required to complete a comprehensive leadership development program within their first year. This program includes both virtual and in-person training. The in-person sessions will take place at Symetra’s corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Symetra covers all travel and accommodation expenses.

Reasonable Accommodations

Symetra is committed to providing equitable access to all job-related responsibilities, including required travel. If reasonable accommodations are needed for travel, Symetra’s HR department will work to provide appropriate solutions in alignment with individual needs and company policies.

We empower inclusion

At Symetra, we aspire to be the most inclusive insurance company in the country. We're building a place where every employee feels valued, respected, and has opportunities to contribute. Inclusion is about recognizing our assumptions, considering multiple perspectives, and removing barriers. We accept and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives, because lifting each other up fuels thought and builds a stronger, more innovative company. We invite you to learn more about our efforts here.

Creating a world where more people have access to financial freedom

Symetra is a national financial services company dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals and feel confident about the future. In our daily work, we're guided by the principles of Value, Transparency and Sustainability. This means we provide products and services people need at a competitive price, we communicate clearly and openly so people understand what they're buying, and we design products--and operate our company--to stand the test of time. We're committed to showing up for our communities, lifting up our employees, and standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Join our team and help us create a world where more people have access to financial freedom.

For more information about our careers visit: https://symetra.eightfold.ai/careers

Work Authorization

Employer work visa sponsorship and support are not provided for this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with our company.

Please review Symetra's Remote Network Minimum Requirements:

As a remote-first organization committed to providing a positive experience for both employees and customers, Symetra has the following standards for employees' internet connection:

• Minimum Internet Speed:100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, in alignment with the FCC's definition of "broadband."
• Internet Type:Fiber, Cable (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum), or DSL.
• Not Permissible:Satellite (e.g., Starlink), cellular broadband (hotspot or otherwise), any other wireless technology, or wired dial-up.

When applying to jobs at Symetra you'll be asked to test your internet speed

and confirm that your internet connection meets or exceeds Symetra's standard as outlined above.

Identity Verification

Symetra is committed to fair and secure hiring practices. For all roles, candidates will be required (after the initial phone screen) to be on video for all interviews. Symetra will take affirmative steps at key points in the process to verify that a candidate is not seeking employment fraudulently, e.g. through use of a false identity.

Failure to comply with verification procedures may result in:

• Disqualification from the recruitment process
• Withdrawal of a job offer
• Termination of employment and other criminal and/or civil remedies, if fraud is discovered