We are adding a Planning & Delivery Manager to our team!

Who We Are:

Since 1909, National Guardian Life Insurance Company (NGL) has been one of America’s most successful and highly rated independent life insurance companies. We specialize in a suite of innovative products for life’s journey, giving people the financial stability, careful guidance and peace of mind to lead a life filled with confidence, dignity and grace.

NGL's Core Values – integrity, dependability, collaboration, compassion and growth are a foundation of our company and help to build on the interactions we have with our policyholders, partners, funeral homes and each other. We believe in creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is encouraged to live their best, most authentic self. We offer Employee Resource Groups for employees to get involved, learn, network, and offer professional and personal development opportunities.

With over 100 years of experience, our passion is to serve people. Learn more by clicking here or visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlB7J8740hU.

Work Environment: NGL offers a flexible work environment where employees can work fully remote, hybrid or onsite at our Madison, Wis. office. We support virtual working arrangements in certain states outside of WI.

A Day in the Life:

The Planning & Delivery Manager is responsible for supporting the delivery of new, and maintaining current, value to the organization. This is accomplished by executing the vision for Planning & Delivery at NGL and continually improving team capabilities to achieve stronger collaboration, increased transparency, and better outcomes. In addition, the Planning & Delivery Manager leads teams within the three disciplines: Product Owners, Scrum Masters, Project Managers and is responsible for empowering teams and the organization with a focus on coaching for improved performance. This position works with people across all levels and areas of the organization on a variety of work requests.

Primary Responsibilities:

Manager Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction
• Actively motivate, inspire, and develop key talent by serving as a role model of NGL’s core values, applying effective leadership principles and fostering a positive workplace culture.
• Build and maintain high-performing teams including selecting, developing, coaching, rewarding and recognizing employees.
• Champion or sponsor cross-functional business initiatives or improvements and delegate project responsibilities where appropriate for growth opportunities.
• Manage day-to-day operational and workforce risks to ensure NGL processes adhere to industry, regulatory, and workplace compliance standards.
• Create alignment within teams and processes by increasing collaboration and defining talent development paths and opportunities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads and directs the work of employees in all disciplines of Planning & Delivery with a focus on staffing, performance management, budgeting, team goals, general onboarding, and employee relations.
• Establishes team metrics and assists AVP of Planning & Delivery with strategy of department.
• Mentors and guides team members along their career paths and evaluates performance.
• Steers talent to the appropriate development teams and shares findings with others across the organization.
• Develops and implements Agile and project management practices, processes, and methodologies.
• Prepares reports detailing project status and communicates updates to stakeholders.
• Ensures projects are completed on time and within established quality standards.

Essential to Your Success:

• Excellent leadership and coaching abilities to guide and mentor Scrum Masters, Product Owners, Project Managers to drive transformation initiatives and fostering a culture of learning and growth
• Demonstrated ability to develop others through informal and formal mentoring relationships
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity as the organization builds out practices
• Expert knowledge of Agile principles and practices with the ability to apply them effectively in complex situations
• Proven ability to lead organizational change efforts
• Ability to define and communicate a clear vision and strategy aligned with business objectives
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, testers, and stakeholders
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire teams, stakeholders, and leaders
• Ability to align Agile practices and principles with organizational goals and strategies
• Skilled in resolving conflicts and address issues within teams and stakeholder groups
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to support Agile initiatives
• Proven ability to negotiate to achieve mutually beneficial agreements and successful outcomes

Education Requirements:

• Required: 4 Year / Bachelors Degree - Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience can be substituted
• Preferred: Agile or Project Management Certifications such as Professional Scrum Master (PSM), Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO), Project Management Professional (PMP), or a similar advanced certification.

Years of Experience:

Minimum Years

• A minimum of seven years of experience working within an Agile environment required.
A minimum of three years of leadership or management experience in an informal or formal role required.

What We Offer:

At NGL, we provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package that includes competitive base pay and benefits designed to offer solutions to help meet your unique life needs.

Benefits:

• 20 days of Paid Time Off growing to 25 days after 5 years
• 11 Paid Holidays (9 company holidays and 2 personal holidays of your choice)
• Health care, dental and vision plans
• Up to $1,500 annually towards an employee's choice
• Annual bonus based on company performance
• Paid Parental Leave
• 401(k) match up to 9%
• Paid Sabbatical after 8 years
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Education Assistance Program
• Employee Recognition Program
• And much more!

Click here or visit https://nglic.wistia.com/medias/td9pvkvw9d to learn more about our comprehensive Total Rewards program.

NGL is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

NGL is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected].