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.

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.