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Securian Financial · 3 days ago

Business Strategy & Innovation Lead (Hybrid)

St Paul, MN

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$70K/yr - $129K/yr

3+ years exp

Securian Financial is a company focused on enabling AI initiatives across the enterprise through its Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence Business Strategy team. The Strategy & Innovation Lead will play a crucial role in developing and executing AI initiatives with an emphasis on value realization, collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure alignment with business strategies.

Financial ServicesInsuranceLife Insurance

Responsibilities

Translate strategy into execution by providing consulting support before and during discovery phases to shape use-case and bold stroke business cases, problem statements, value hypotheses, and decision frameworks; align with business SMEs, Pod Owners, corporate finance, and portfolio management

Frame the potential value by supporting creation of cost benefit analysis and sensitivity logic that inform ROI/NPV; steward assumptions and value logic, then collaborate with Finance and portfolio management to validate/benchmark

Assist with measurement plans. Consult on defining success metrics, baselines, counterfactuals, and test/learn approaches (pilots, A/Bs, phased rollouts) so value realization can be proven after launch

Prioritization & sequencing recommendations. Facilitate evaluation, dependency, and trade-off discussions; provide the “why” behind the recommended sequence

Executive storytelling. Collaborate with communications to create crisp, decision-oriented materials (decks, briefs, one-pagers) that synthesize analysis into options and recommendations

Operating model & playbooks. Take ownership of, maintain, and enhance repeatable artifacts such as Bold Stroke playbooks, use-case intake templates, and business-case checklist

Stakeholder facilitation. Lead workshops to pressure-test assumptions, resolve ambiguity, and build cross-functional alignment—especially between business leaders, tech, risk, and finance

Leverage an external perspective and help inform AI COE of best practices and AI evolutions outside of Securian’s four walls

Qualification

Business case developmentFinancial acumenStrategic thinkingCost benefit analysisStakeholder facilitationCommunicationTeam collaborationProblem-solvingSelf-motivated

Required

Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) in applicable field

3+ years relevant experience, with increasing levels of responsibility with strategic projects

Proven ability to solve complex problems through a systematic approach with strategic thinking and analysis complemented by strong business and financial acumen. Experience supporting creation of business cases and/or cost benefit analyses

Thrives in demanding and sometimes ambiguous environment and able to adapt to shifting priorities

Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative team environment. Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships, including with senior leaders

Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence without authority

Highly self-motivated, with keen sense of ownership and passion to deliver results

Preferred

MBA or relevant advanced degree

5+ years relevant experience, with increasing levels of responsibility with strategic projects

Experience at management consulting or investment banking firm, corporate or business strategy role preferred, financial services experience a plus

Benefits

Paid Time Off

Leave programs: Securian’s flexible leave programs allow time off from work for parental leave, caregiver leave for family members, bereavement and military leave.

Holidays: Securian provides nine company paid holidays.

Company-funded pension plan and a 401(k) retirement plan: Share in the success of our company. Securian’s 401(k) company contribution is tied to our performance up to 10 percent of eligible earnings, with a target of 5 percent. The amount is based on company results compared to goals related to earnings, sales and service.

Health insurance: From the first day of employment, associates and their eligible family members – including spouses, domestic partners and children – are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage.

Volunteer time: We know the importance of community. Through company-sponsored events, volunteer paid time off, a dollar-for-dollar matching gift program and more, we encourage you to support organizations important to you.

Associate Resource Groups: Build connections, be yourself and develop meaningful relationships at work through associate-led ARGs.