SVP, Group Operations

Overview

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Group Operations is a pivotal strategic leader tasked with establishing a premier, customer-focused operations division that drives profitable growth for the Ameritas Group Division. This position emphasizes delivering superior customer experiences, enhancing operational efficiency, and spearheading digital innovations specifically across dental and vision operations.

This hybrid role involves working four days in-office and one day remotely, based in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion an industry-leading, omnichannel customer experience model engaging employers, members, brokers, and providers.
• Design and optimize service processes for simplicity, speed, and frictionless user interactions.
• Transform contact centers into digitally empowered experience hubs integrating self-service, AI support, and proactive outreach.
• Integrate customer-centric design thinking into all operational workflows.
• Oversee comprehensive operations including policy administration, claims, billing, licensing, commissions, contact center management, and provider relationships.
• Implement lean and scalable automation initiatives to reduce service costs and cycle times.
• Institutionalize continuous improvement methodologies across the division.
• Define and maintain clear operational models, governance structures, and decision-making rights to improve agility and accountability.
• Enhance global and vendor delivery models to secure quality and efficiency.
• Lead operational strategies tightly aligned with business priorities, driving technology investments that foster growth, efficiency, and outcomes.
• Partner with technology leaders to execute strategic roadmaps for core operations such as policy administration, claims, CRM, and digital experiences.
• Promote adoption of emerging technologies including AI, machine learning, robotic process automation, advanced analytics, and workflow tools.
• Collaborate with IT to ensure scalable systems architecture, data integration, and API-driven environments.
• Manage strategic partnerships ensuring third-party solutions support and advance business goals.
• Foster a data-driven culture with real-time visibility into operational performance and utilize analytics to improve customer satisfaction, productivity, and risk mitigation.
• Develop and monitor KPIs and dashboards that align operational metrics with business objectives.
• Utilize predictive analytics to forecast customer needs, service demands, and operational risks.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to define strategic growth initiatives supporting scalable expansion across markets.
• Create and execute clear, measurable strategic plans responsive to shifting market conditions.
• Build and nurture high-performing, digitally proficient teams emphasizing analytics, automation, and digital operations capabilities.
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous advancement.
• Lead leadership development, workforce transformation, and succession planning processes.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience mandatory.
• Over 15 years of progressive leadership experience in employee benefits, insurance operations, preferably with dental and vision insurance.
• Demonstrated success in operational transformation through technology and process innovations.
• Strong expertise in customer experience strategies and service operations management.
• Deep understanding of modern technology ecosystems, data platforms, and digital capabilities.
• Proven track record in automating processes, enhancing cost efficiency, and scaling operations.
• Executive presence and strong influence across business and technical leadership.
• Experience managing long-term transformational projects and fostering organizational change.
• Customer-focused mindset emphasizing exceptional service delivery.
• Technologically fluent with ability to align tech investments to business outcomes.
• Disciplined operational management ensuring clarity, structure, and accountability.
• Agile strategic thinker connecting vision with execution.
• Data-driven approach to decision making and performance optimization.
• Skilled in vendor management, contract negotiations, and applying financial insights to operational performance.
• Adept at anticipating market trends and leading change initiatives accordingly.

What Ameritas Offers

• Purpose-driven mission and vibrant company culture.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement with four days in-office and remote work options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match and quarterly contributions.
• Tuition assistance and reimbursement programs.
• Bonus incentives and competitive compensation.
• Generous paid time off including personal "Thrive Days".
• Comprehensive health benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Health Savings Account with employer contributions and well-being programs featuring financial incentives.
• Employee assistance and support programs.
• Professional and leadership development opportunities.
• Employee resource groups and personal strengths assessment programs.
• Community involvement with matching donation programs and paid volunteer days.
• Family-friendly benefits including paid maternity/paternity leave and support for fertility, surrogacy, adoption, and backup care.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Ameritas upholds an inclusive and diverse workplace, recruiting based strictly on qualifications, attitude, and work ethic. All protected classes under the law are welcomed to apply, fostering an environment where all can bring their authentic selves to work.

Additional Information

This vacancy will remain open for at least three business days or until a suitable candidate is appointed.