Nationwide Insurance

Director, Staff Operations (Middle Market)

Nationwide Insurance$122K — $182K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Des Moines, IA
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in management and operations within Middle Market underwriting and commercial insurance.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects while improving operational processes.
  • Exceptional presentation skills, capable of creating and delivering executive-level reports.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, especially in front of senior leadership.
  • Experience with data analysis for actionable insights and comprehensive reporting.
  • Demonstrated organizational, judgment, and problem-solving capabilities.

Responsibilities

  • Establish processes to align business initiatives with outcomes effectively.
  • Facilitate improvement of processes for efficient asset stewardship and operational results.
  • Direct financial management and resource planning for the business unit, providing executive level analysis.
  • Oversee additional administrative support services across operations.
  • Adhere to and analyze operational standards and data for performance improvement.
  • Act as a key member of the business unit leadership team to drive strategic alignment.
  • Serve as the primary liaison across multiple operations for enhanced collaboration.
  • Manage direct reports, focusing on their development, performance evaluation, and administrative planning.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
  • Short and long-term disability insurance, plus life insurance.
  • A minimum of 18 days paid time off per year, escalating with tenure.
  • Nine paid holidays and additional wellness-related paid time off.
  • 401(k) plan with company match and a pension plan provided by the company.
  • Business casual dress code, encouraging a comfortable work environment.
Full Job Description
This Staff Operations Director will support the Middle Market Custom Solutions and Middle Market Sales and Distribution business units. The role will partner with business leaders and cross-functional teams to advance strategic priorities, improve processes, and support effective execution across the organization.

Success in this role requires the ability to manage multiple projects, translate business needs into actionable plans, and communicate insights and recommendations to senior leadership.

Qualified candidates will bring:
  • Knowledge of Middle Market underwriting and commercial insurance operations
  • Experience leading projects, improving processes, and coordinating work across multiple stakeholders
  • The ability to create clear, executive-ready presentations and deliver them effectively
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including confidence presenting to senior leaders
  • Experience working with business systems and data to develop meaningful reports and insights
  • Strong organization, judgment, collaboration, and problem-solving skills


Job Description Summary
Our Senior executives are most effective when surrounded by strong key people. This role is exactly that, an extension of the leader that helps get things done! Are you ready for a high profile role where you function in a "chief of staff" capacity and are accountable to ensure key results are completed correctly and on time? If you can work with little direction, keep strategic imperatives in mind, pivot and adapt to changing priorities and projects, we want to know more about you!

As a Staff Operations Director, you'll lead multiple staff administrative operational functions within a major business unit, subsidiary or similar operation. This includes developing program management policies, standards and methods and performing program and project analysis.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:
  • Establishes and maintains processes to ensure alignment of business initiatives and business results.
  • Facilitates the definition, maintenance and improvements of processes to provide cost-effective stewardship of assets and results.
  • Directs the financial management, project/resources budgeting and resource planning processes for the business unit, product or functional assignments. Provides executive level reporting and analysis.
  • Manages additional support services such as facilities, communications, licensing, reporting, accounting, office services, etc.
  • Adheres to operational standards and methods, analyzes problem situations and acquires data.
  • Serves as key member of business unit leadership team.
  • Serves as primary liaison to other operations/business units for affected operations and/or products.
  • Manages associates, including performance management, salary planning and administration, training and development, workflow and organizational planning, hiring and placement and disciplinary actions.
  • Serves as a leadership development role based on office needs and individual career path development plans.

May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Reporting Relationships: Reports to the business unit executive/officer; leads a team of professionals and/or vendors.

Typical Skills and Experiences:

Education: Undergraduate studies in business, accounting and finance preferred.

Experience: Typically, ten or more years of demonstrated experience in business management with emphasis on financial analysis, project management and leadership. At least five years of management experience required.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: In-depth knowledge of business unit products services organizational structure and critical initiatives. Working knowledge of insurance or financial services operations including technology, financial analysis, and quality/training initiatives preferred. Demonstrated decision-making skills, including the ability to recognize, analyze and improve operational and financial performance. Strong verbal and written communications skills for internal/external contacts, negotiations and presentations.

Other criteria, including leadership skills, competencies and experiences may take precedence.

Staffing exceptions to the above must be approved by the hiring manager's leader and HR Business Partner.

Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Job Conditions:

Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions: Normal office environments. Occasional travel.

ADA: The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require some people assigned to the job to perform a somewhat different combination of duties.

We currently anticipate accepting applications until 09/23/2026. However, we encourage early submissions, as the posting may close sooner if a strong candidate slate is identified before the deadline.

Benefits

We have an array of benefits to fit your needs, including: medical/dental/vision, life insurance, short and long term disability coverage, paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date, nine paid holidays, 8 hours of Lifetime paid time off, 8 hours of Unity Day paid time off, 401(k) with company match, company-paid pension plan, business casual attire, and more. To learn more about the benefits we offer, click here.

This position could be filled within any of the lower 48 U.S. states.

About Nationwide Insurance

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company & Affiliated Companies is a group of large U.S. insurance and financial services companies based in Columbus, Ohio. Nationwide has grown from a small mutual auto insurer owned by policyholders to one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the world, with more than $158 billion in statutory assets.

Nationwide Insurance Careers

Join the Nationwide Insurance team today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity. As one of the leading insurance and financial services providers, Nationwide offers unparalleled job opportunities that foster professional growth and development. Work You’ll Do At Nationwide Insurance, you’ll contribute to projects that impact lives and help communities thrive. You’ll work alongside a team of experts dedicated to upholding the highest standards in insurance and financial services. Our culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, driving us to achieve excellence in everything we do. Nationwide Insurance is not just about insurance; it’s about fostering an environment of continuous growth and innovation. With a variety of career paths available, from customer service to claims management, each position offers the chance to make a significant impact. Join Our Market-Leading Team Nationwide Insurance is home to some of the most dedicated professionals in the industry. Our team benefits from leadership that is committed to personal and professional development, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity for career advancement and skill enhancement. Innovate with Us Embrace the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects that set industry standards. Nationwide’s commitment to innovation means constantly seeking out new ways to improve our services and processes, benefiting both our customers and our team members. Internship and Employment Opportunities Start your career with Nationwide Insurance through our internship programs or dive straight into a fulfilling career with vast employment opportunities. We are looking for passionate, curious, and driven individuals ready to make a difference in the insurance industry. Diversity and Inclusion At Nationwide, diversity and inclusion are more than just words—they are principles guiding how we build our teams, cultivate leaders, and create a company that’s the right fit for every person inside of it. We offer diversity training and resources that promote an inclusive workplace. Benefits and Culture Nationwide Insurance is committed to supporting our team members’ well-being both inside and outside of work. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health care, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. More than just benefits, our company culture encourages networking, mentorship, and community involvement. Career Development Invest in your future with Nationwide Insurance’s career development programs. From resume and interview workshops to advanced leadership training, we provide the tools to help you succeed and advance within the company. Stay Connected Join Our Team Explore the various positions available at Nationwide Insurance that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for new talent to join our professional network. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights—all from the people who work at Nationwide Insurance. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Nationwide Insurance. Join Nationwide Insurance today and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers and communities.
Learn more about Nationwide Insurance
Size
28,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1925

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