Counselor

Symetra is seeking a Head of Workforce Benefits Disability Claims to lead the strategy, performance, and ongoing evolution of our disability claims organization. This executive leadership role oversees short-term disability, long-term disability, and clinical/vocational services, ensuring exceptional customer outcomes, strong financial stewardship, and operational excellence.

About the role

In this role, you will provide strategic leadership for disability claims operations, balancing customer experience, risk management, financial performance, and regulatory compliance.

You will lead a high-performing organization, drive continuous improvement, and partner across the business to deliver exceptional service, support business growth, and advance our claims capabilities.

What You will Do

• Claims Leadership & Strategy
  • Lead end-to-end disability claims operations, ensuring consistent, timely, and accurate claim outcomes.
  • Develop and implement a forward-looking claims strategy aligned with business objectives.
  • Provide leadership and guidance on complex and escalated claims matters.
• Operational Excellence
  • Drive process improvements, automation, and innovation to enhance efficiency and service quality.
  • Establish performance standards and monitor key operational and customer metrics.
  • Improve claimant experiences and return-to-work outcomes.
• Financial & Risk Management
  • Oversee claim liability management and financial performance.
  • Monitor trends, identify risks, and implement strategies to improve outcomes and manage costs.
  • Ensure effective governance and sound business practices.
• Leadership & Talent Development
  • Build, develop, and inspire a high-performing team.
  • Lead workforce planning, succession planning, and capability development initiatives.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer focus.
• Stakeholder Partnership
  • Partner with leaders across underwriting, clinical, legal, product, technology, and operations teams.
  • Support client relationships through exceptional service delivery and issue resolution.
  • Use data and insights to advise decisions and enhance business outcomes.
• Compliance & Governance
  • Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, company policies, and industry standards.
  • Lead audit, compliance, and risk management activities.

Why Work at Symetra

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

"Everyone that works here wants to be here and enjoys their job here. We work as a team and are definitely swift to serve our customers as well as EE's!!" - Julie M., Regional Manager

"I chose Symetra because I heard it was a pro-employee company-and it's absolutely true. The work environment is supportive, the people are great, and the benefits are generous. Symetra truly cares about its employees. The relaxed atmosphere and opportunities to learn and grow-both within your role and beyond-make it a great place to build your career." - Alicia L., Claims Examiner

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: $141,600 - $236,000 plus eligibility for annual bonus program and long-term incentive plan

Who You Are

• 10+ years of experience in group life, disability, absence management, and leave programs, with 5+ years of progressive leadership experience leading leaders within claims organizations required.
• Profit and loss management experience for a division or department required.
• Proven success leading large-scale operations and driving strategic initiatives.
• Strong business acumen with experience handling financial and operational performance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and influence across functions.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree or higher preferred.
• Experience with Claim Vantage or Fineos a plus.
• Receptive to AI and its implications at the enterprise level.
• Ability to travel occasionally.

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 perspective, 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: 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