AVP Employee Benefits Data Science, AI and Analytics

We’re determined to make a difference and are proud to be an insurance company that goes well beyond coverages and policies. Working here means having every opportunity to achieve your goals – and to help others accomplish theirs, too. Join our team as we help shape the future.   

The Hartford is hiring an AVP leading the Employee Benefits Data Science, AI and Analytics team. This leader will play a pivotal role in transforming the Employee Benefits customer journey from pre-sale through customer service by embedding AI and Analytic capabilities to enhance outcomes, process and experience. This position will oversee the development and scaling of a portfolio containing Generative AI, Agentic AI, Predictive AI and Analytic solutions.   

This role will have a Hybrid work schedule, with the expectation of working in an office (Columbus, OH, Chicago, IL, Hartford, CT, Alpharetta, GA or Charlotte, NC) 3 days a week (Tuesday through Thursday).  Travel to Hartford, CT averages once per month. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US without company sponsorship.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Develop and oversee a highly productive Data Science team to develop, test, and maintain robust AI and Analytic capabilities including pricing models, work triage and prioritization, decision augmentation tools, Generative and Agentic AI assistants spanning a variety of business functions including sales, marketing, underwriting, actuarial and service operations.
• Collaborate with business leaders and partners to understand their short and long-term goals, and develop, align and execute on the AI and Analytic strategy and multi-year roadmap to meet those goals.
• Develop deep partnerships and alignment with the portfolio and value stream frameworks. Promote agile and iterative development through cross-functional teams to provide appropriate solutions to meet the business problem.
• Hire, lead and develop a team of asset owners, data engineers, data scientists and analysts. Create an engaged and inclusive culture that draws and retains talent.
• Provide thought leadership through education, identification of AI opportunities and advance a data-driven culture that leverages data and AI whenever possible to enhance business efficiency and effectiveness.
• Partner with technology, data, AI platform, MLOps and Architecture teams to influence technology integration, data and platform strategy, tooling, standard work and reusable capabilities.
• Partner with data, analytic and reporting teams and business leaders to advise advanced monitoring metrics and leading indicators.
• Develop knowledge of The Hartford's formal and informal structures, business processes, and data sources. Remain current on industry trends as well as state-of-the-art data, analytic, modeling and AI techniques.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in Data Science, Analytic function or related field. 5+ years insurance experience successfully leading teams.
• Degree in Machine Learning, Statistics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Quantitative Economics or other similar analytical field.
• Demonstrated ability to build and grow technical teams and establish new operating rhythms. 
• Strong understanding of the end-to-end insurance business and the customer contact points through sales, service and claim. Experience in Employee Benefits is a plus.
• Subject matter expertise in Machine Learning techniques, prompt engineering, RAG, agentic frameworks, model evaluation, guardrail management, MLOps and model lifecycle management. Experience in actuarial and pricing models is a plus.
• Strong understanding of responsible AI practices, model risk management, governance frameworks, regulations.
• Experience with cloud platforms, preferably AWS or GCP, and their AI/ML ecosystems.
• Strong strategic thinking and exceptional analytical capability along with business acumen to translate complex technical topics into business solutions.
• Exceptional verbal/written communication skills; Must be able to communicate effectively at all levels across the organization
• Ability to work autonomously, with a strong attention to detail and balance multiple priorities.
• Experience executing change to core business processes through the innovative use of quantitative techniques.
• Strong negotiating, influencing, and conflict resolution skills at all organizational levels, builds effective relationships with internal partners.
• Innovative. Seeks new and creative ways to approach analytical exercises and development projects.
• Results-oriented. Demonstrates a sense of urgency and accountability for business issues.

Compensation

The listed annualized base pay range is primarily based on analysis of similar positions in the external market. Actual base pay could vary and may be above or below the listed range based on factors including but not limited to performance, proficiency and demonstration of competencies required for the role. The base pay is just one component of The Hartford’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include short-term or annual bonuses, long-term incentives, and on-the-spot recognition. The annualized base pay range for this role is:

Equal Opportunity Employer/Sex/Race/Color/Veterans/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity or Expression/Religion/Age

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