AVP, Group Claims STD & Absence

You are as unique as your background, experience and point of view. Here, you’ll be encouraged, empowered and challenged to be your best self. You'll work with dynamic colleagues - experts in their fields - who are eager to share their knowledge with you. Your leaders will inspire and help you reach your potential and soar to new heights. Every day, you'll have new and exciting opportunities to make life brighter for our Clients - who are at the heart of everything we do. Discover how you can make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world.

Selected candidate can work from home, practically anywhere in the U.S.

The opportunity

As the AVP, STD, Absence & ADA, you will lead an organization focused on the daily operations of our STD Claims, Absence Management (FMLA, PFL, ADA etc.) and Integrated Short Term Disability claims teams. Responsibilities include contributing to the development of overall Absence Management & ADA product, claims and technology strategy. Direct responsibilities include claims team staffing and oversight, development of claim handling standards, collaboration with internal partners such as field leadership, compliance, implementation, clinical and quality assurance.

This position is responsible for setting and implementing strategic direction in partnership with other functional areas including underwriting, finance & actuarial and client management and must effectively work in partnership with the distribution organization to optimize our sales and financial results.

You will leverage your strategic leadership and communication skills to lead the Claims organization and enable our employees to serve our Clients in an effortless experience. This role is key in Sun Life’s journey of building the best benefits company in America.

How you and your teams will contribute:

• Set strategic direction and execute on the leadership of corporate strategies, including setting and executing the company’s profit agenda beyond Group Claims.
• Regularly interact with senior leadership, business stakeholders, and Clients and influence business solutions and strategy
• Develop Operational and Financial metrics for the STD and Absence Claims department. Lead the department to achieve appropriate growth.
• Set strategic direction and execute on our strategy with the Client at the center of everything we do
• Encourage high standards of performance and inspire others to define new opportunities that continuously improve the organization
• Improve the overall effectiveness of Sun Life’s absence management/ short term disability product offerings.
• Monitor market, legal and regulatory environment; determine responses to external sales inquiries; develop disability management policy and services to maintain the company’s competitive position in the marketplace.
• Develop efficient and accurate system support and financial controls.
• Identify best practices and philosophies and lead organization change
• Support new claim system development and implementation
• Form Client obsessed teams who will be integral in achieving our goals
• Create and foster a team environment that encourages others to be BOLD and deliver innovative solutions
• Encourage high standards of performance and inspire others

What you will bring with you:

• Disability Claims expertise with demonstrated experience managing multiple teams and functions
• Proven success leading organizational change
• Superior ability to interface and build relationships with Clients
• Well-developed communication skills, including an ability to articulate our strategic direction and key points of differentiation externally
• Strong business acumen with a solid understanding of how Sun Life makes money
• A working understanding of the many functions required for successful partnership with internal parties, including underwriting, distribution, TPA strategy, and legal and compliance
• Understanding and awareness of market trends in the absence and disability space.
• Exceptional Leadership skills with at least 5-7 years of experience leading expanded teams
• 10 years of STD, Absence and FMLA product exposure and claim administration preferred
• Thorough working knowledge of: Absence management programs that have been implemented by employers of various sizes including STD, statutory disability, long term disability, federal and statutory leaves including those related to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), paid family leave plans, statutory leaves and company specific leaves and the process links with workers compensation, employee assistance plans, vocational rehabilitation, return to work and other health and productivity initiatives; understanding of plan design, process and funding
• Advanced knowledge of best practices of other service providers within competitive absence management offerings; Regulations surrounding disability and workforce issues (e.g., ADA, ADEA)
• Bachelor’s degree preferred

Do you see yourself in this role even if you haven’t checked all the boxes above? We welcome all talented candidates and are committed to a culture that represents diversity in all forms. If you think you might thrive in this setting, we would love to hear from you.

Not ready to apply yet but want to stay in touch? Join our talent community to stay connected until the time is right for you!

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

• Excellent benefits and wellness programs to support the three pillars of your well-being – mental, physical and financial – including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, a partially-paid sabbatical program, medical plans, company paid life and AD&D insurance as well as disability programs and more
• Retirement and Stock Purchase programs to help build and enhance your future financial security including a 401(k) plan with an employer-paid match as well as an employer-funded retirement account
• A flexible work environment with a friendly, caring, collaborative and inclusive culture
• Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S.

• Named as a “Top 10” employer by the Boston Globe's “Top Places to Work” two years running

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are a California resident, the salary range for this position is:

• Southern region: 163,400-245,200 annually
  • Central region: 163,400-245,200 annually
• Northern region: 163,400-245,200 annually

If you are a Colorado resident, the salary range for this position is 163,400-245,200 annually

If you are a New York resident, the salary range for this position is 163,400-245,200 annually.

If you are Washington resident, the salary range for this position is 163,400-245,200 annually

We consider various factors in determining actual pay including your skills, qualifications, and experience. In addition to salary, this position is eligible for incentive awards based on individual and business performance as well as a broad range of competitive benefits.

Sun Life Financial is a leading provider of group insurance benefits in the U.S., helping people protect what they love about their lives. More than just a name, Sun Life symbolizes our brand promise of making life brighter -for our customers, partners, and communities. Join our talented, diverse workforce and launch a rewarding career. Visit us at www.sunlife.com/us to learn more.

At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

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Our Affirmative Action Program affirms our commitment to make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitation of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email recruitingUS@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.

At Sun Life we strive to create a flexible work environment where our employees are empowered to do their best work. Several flexible work options are available and can be discussed throughout the selection process depending on the role requirements and individual needs.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.