Program Manager, AI & Automation - Operations

Please note that we do not offer visa sponsorship for this position.

 Position Summary
The AI & Automation Lead will partner with Operational leadership to prioritize and execute AI and automation-centered initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, drive revenue growth, strengthen risk management, and improve customer experiences. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of National Life Group through the strategic application of artificial intelligence and automation within Operations. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Digital Experience, the AI Transformation Lead will operate as an individual contributor, working in close collaboration with enterprise leadership responsible for driving AI. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to move from business opportunity to concept to deployment with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) mindset, followed by iterative improvement. This role requires exceptional consultative, analytical, and communication skills to effectively manage cross-functional collaboration and deliver measurable business outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 Execution and Delivery

• Lead end-to-end delivery of AI and automation solutions in operations, from concept definition through deployment and refinement.
• Define and manage project scope, business requirements, timelines, and dependencies.
• Anticipate and mitigate risks associated with delivery and implementation.
• Inspire and guide cross-functional teams toward achieving business and technology milestones.
• Work closely with leadership to support AI adoption as a way of working for all of operations.

Strategy, Roadmap, and Prioritization

• Assist in the definition and maintenance of the AI transformation strategy for Service & Operations in alignment with enterprise objectives.
• Develop and manage an Operations AI initiative roadmap, balancing innovation, feasibility, and business value realization.
• Apply an MVP approach to validate opportunities and guide scaling decisions within Operations.

Cross-Functional Alignment and Governance

• Collaborate across business, technology, data, and risk functions to ensure coordinated delivery of initiatives.
• Partner with compliance, legal, and the AI Governance Committee to ensure responsible, transparent, and compliant AI implementations.
• Facilitate alignment across stakeholders by clearly communicating objectives, trade-offs, and expected outcomes.

Measurement and Value Realization

• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the success and business impact of AI and automation initiatives.
• Leverage data-driven insights to guide ongoing optimization and future prioritization of AI and automation initiatives in the business.
• Ensure continuous improvement of AI applications to maximize business value and operational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field or minimum of 8 years in product management, with a focus on AI, software, digital platforms, or automation solutions.
• Proven record of delivering software or AI-driven solutions; experience with vendor partnerships and custom-built solutions preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and quantitative capabilities; statistical knowledge a plus.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success in managing cross-functional projects within complex organizational structures.
• Agile, consultative, and outcome-oriented, with the ability to balance innovation and disciplined execution.
• Experience with Life and Annuity operations or working within regulated industries preferred

AI Proficiency Expectations

At National Life Group, we view AI as an enabler of human potential. We use AI to help us work smarter, serve more clients, and keep our promises, while remaining a relationship-driven business where our people are our greatest strength.

All applicants are expected to:

• Leverage approved AI tools, where appropriate, to improve the efficiency, quality, and impact of their work.
• Stay curious and open to new AI-enabled ways of working.
• Exercise sound judgment by reviewing and validating AI-generated content.
• Maintain accountability for the accuracy, quality, fairness, and integrity of work products by adhering to National Life’s AI guiding principles.
• Use AI responsibly and in accordance with company policies related to confidentiality, data privacy, security, compliance, retention and intellectual property.

Applicants in AI-forward roles are also expected to:

• Identify practical opportunities to apply AI to improve workflows, productivity, analysis, and business outcomes.
• Create effective prompts, workflows, controls and HITL review processes that support responsible AI use.
• Critically evaluate AI-generated outputs for accuracy, quality, bias, fairness, confidentiality, compliance, security and business relevance.
• Partner appropriately with Legal, Compliance, Risk, Security, Data/Technology, and business stakeholders to move AI ideas from experimentation to responsible adoption.
• Help model responsible, human-centered AI adoption across the organization.

Benefits

• Your benefits start day one and are flexible and customizable to your and your family’s specific needs. Check out the BENEFITS of a Career at National Life!