Program Manager, AI & Automation - Operations

Program Manager, AI & Automation - Operations

Come join one of America's fastest-growing insurance companies. Since 1848, National Life Group has aimed to keep our promises, providing families with stability in good times and in bad. Throughout that history, we have provided peace of mind to those families as they plan their futures.

Our mission extends beyond the insurance and annuities policies that we offer. We strive to make the world a better place through our grants from our charitable foundation, paid volunteer time for our employees, environmentally sustainable and healthy workplaces, and events that promote the work of nonprofits in our own backyard.

We foster a collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and encourage our associates to live our values: Do good. Be good. Make good.

Position Summary The AI & Automation Lead will partner with Operational leadership to prioritize and execute AI and automation-centered initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, drive revenue growth, strengthen risk management, and improve customer experiences. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of National Life Group through the strategic application of artificial intelligence and automation within Operations. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Digital Experience, the AI Transformation Lead will operate as an individual contributor, working in close collaboration with enterprise leadership responsible for driving AI. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to move from business opportunity to concept to deployment with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) mindset, followed by iterative improvement. This role requires exceptional consultative, analytical, and communication skills to effectively manage cross-functional collaboration and deliver measurable business outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Execution and Delivery

• Lead end-to-end delivery of AI and automation solutions in operations, from concept definition through deployment and refinement.
• Define and manage project scope, business requirements, timelines, and dependencies.
• Anticipate and mitigate risks associated with delivery and implementation.
• Inspire and guide cross-functional teams toward achieving business and technology milestones.
• Work closely with leadership to support AI adoption as a way of working for all of operations.

Strategy, Roadmap, and Prioritization

• Assist in the definition and maintenance of the AI transformation strategy for Service & Operations in alignment with enterprise objectives.
• Develop and manage an Operations AI initiative roadmap, balancing innovation, feasibility, and business value realization.
• Apply an MVP approach to validate opportunities and guide scaling decisions within Operations.

Cross-Functional Alignment and Governance

• Collaborate across business, technology, data, and risk functions to ensure coordinated delivery of initiatives.
• Partner with compliance, legal, and the AI Governance Committee to ensure responsible, transparent, and compliant AI implementations.
• Facilitate alignment across stakeholders by clearly communicating objectives, trade-offs, and expected outcomes.

Measurement and Value Realization

• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success and business impact of AI and automation initiatives.
• Leverage data-driven insights to guide ongoing optimization and future prioritization of AI and automation initiatives in the business.
• Ensure continuous improvement of AI applications to maximize business value and operational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field or minimum of 8 years in product management, with a focus on AI, software, digital platforms, or automation solutions.
• Proven record of delivering software or AI-driven solutions; experience with vendor partnerships and custom-built solutions preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative capabilities; statistical knowledge a plus.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional projects within complex organizational structures.
• Agile, consultative, and outcome-oriented, with the ability to balance innovation and disciplined execution.
• Experience with Life and Annuity operations or working within regulated industries preferred

Benefits

• Your benefits start day one and are flexible and customizable to your and your family's specific needs. Check out the BENEFITS of a Career at National Life!

Base Pay Range. The base pay range for this position is the range National Life reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for the position taking into account the wide variety of factors, including: prior experience and job-related knowledge; education, training and certificates; current business needs; and market factors. The final salary or hourly wages offered may be outside of this range based on other reasons and individual circumstances. Additional Compensation and Benefits. The total compensation package for this position may also include a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. The successful candidate may also be eligible to participate in National Life's discretionary annual incentive programs, subject to the rules governing such programs. If hired, the employee will be in an "at-will position" and National Life reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. National Life is accepting applications for this role on an ongoing basis and the role remains open until filled.

Salary Pay Range

$131,250 - $192,500 USD