Director, Strategy & Business Planning

The Opportunity The Director, Distribution Strategy & Business Planning is a newly created, high‑impact role within Group Benefits Regional Business—one of MetLife’s core growth engines serving over 60,000 customers and generating $6+ billion in annual premium on a path to $8.5 B in PFOs before 2030. Regional Business provides the broadest product set in the industry to meet the diverse needs of an evolving workforce, delivered through strong broker, employer, and third‑party relationships. Within this dynamic environment, the Director will serve as a strategic catalyst to ensure the organization’s unified value proposition is built at the national level, continuously maintained, and effectively executed across the country. This leader will own the full Business Planning process—including design, execution, tracking, and operational routines—ensuring it remains an evergreen, future‑focused engine that informs key decisions. The role requires deep cross‑functional partnership with Marketing, Product, Portfolio, and Market Enablement. A critical success factor is the ability to execute with discipline in the current year while simultaneously planning strategically for the future. Key Responsibilities Business Planning Leadership Lead the end‑to‑end Business Planning process, ensuring plans are connected to strategic priorities and consistently executed across all regions. Establish and manage the operational routines required to maintain an evergreen, commercial mindset planning discipline. Work collaboratively across functions to identify and articulate opportunities, resolve challenges, and implement solutions that drive business impact. Track progress, identify risks and opportunities, and deliver insights that inform leadership decision‑making. Unified Value Proposition Development Drive creation and maintenance of a cohesive, nationally aligned value proposition that differentiates MetLife in the marketplace. Ensure national value propositions are translated into consistent, actionable strategies at the local franchise level. Partner with Marketing and Product teams to evolve narratives based on market insights, broker feedback, and competitive dynamics. Strategic Distribution Execution Develop annual and multi‑year distribution strategies aligned with Regional Business growth objectives. Provide strategic guidance to Sales and Distribution leaders on key initiatives, priorities, and performance drivers. Ensure aligned execution across markets through disciplined routines, documentation, communications, and follow‑through. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Operate as the central connector across Service, Marketing, Product, Portfolio, and Market Enablement to ensure cohesive strategies and communication. Partner with leaders at national and local levels to drive alignment and ensure planned work translates into measurable impact. Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the Head of Sales and Regional Business leadership. Required Qualifications 10+ years’ experience in group benefits, specifically an understanding in regional business (under 5000 lives) 5+ years of experience in distribution strategy, sales planning, product, marketing, or related strategic leadership roles. 5+ years of leading people and/or projects Proven success leading strategic planning processes and managing complex, cross‑functional initiatives. Strong strategic thinking and synthesis skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts into clear, actionable direction. Excellent communication and presentation skills, including executive‑level storytelling. Demonstrated ability to operate in both current‑year execution and long‑term strategic planning modes. Strong relationship‑building skills with the ability to influence across teams and levels. Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Preferred Qualifications Prior experience in employee benefits, financial services, or other distribution‑driven businesses. Experience supporting or leading market‑facing distribution teams. Familiarity with franchise‑based execution models. Strong understanding of broker dynamics and the competitive benefits landscape. #J-18808-Ljbffr MetLife