Are you a strategic project or program leader who thrives at the intersection of vision and execution? Do you excel at translating business strategy into actionable roadmaps, initiating discovery work to uncover root causes and opportunities, and ensuring long-term sustainability of efforts? If you're someone who connects dots across teams, asks insightful questions, and drives value through curiosity and collaboration, we invite you to join the Employee Benefits Solutions (EBS) Strategic Initiatives team. We deliver strategic value through transparency, alignment, and a one-team mindset. Our mission is to craft actionable, data-driven strategies and ensure effective execution by :
Driving comprehensive discovery efforts to inform and shape strategic direction
Aligning business goals with execution plans that are built for long-term impact
Embedding sustainability and continuous improvement into every initiative
Fostering a culture of accountability, adaptability, and measurable results
This role is ideal for an individual who not only drives outcomes but also builds the foundation for enduring success.
Responsibilities include but not limited to :
Strategic Planning & Execution
Consume and support interpreting market, competitive, and internal analysis to inform project / program strategy and provide thought partnership to sponsors.
Translate strategic goals into actionable roadmaps and initiatives, identifying opportunities for growth, efficiency, or transformation.
Define scope, objectives, timelines, and success metrics in partnership with project / program managers and pillar sponsors.
Program & Portfolio Management
Lead large, complex projects and programs, managing contingencies, interdependencies, and resources across the project or program.
Manage risks, dependencies, and resource allocation for the collective pillar, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
Monitor KPIs and strategy pillar performance, providing insights and recommendations to pillar sponsors and key stakeholders based on data.
Prepare executive-level reports and presentations for portfolio and strategy managers, including program health, high-level financials, and benefits realization in partnership with applicable stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement & Facilitation
Collaborate with senior leaders and sponsors to align priorities, facilitate decision-making, and communicate pillar status, risks, and results.
Foster strong, trust-based relationships with project team, enabling supportive accountability and creating space for open dialogue, shared ownership, and proactive problem-solving.
Facilitate meetings with intention and consistency with clear agendas, concise recaps, and follow-up actions; ensuring productive experiences for stakeholders.
Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships with stakeholders and partners within the business and across the organization to navigate complex problems and decisions.
Operational Excellence
Maintain comprehensive project documentation (RAID logs, status reports, shared notes, roadmaps).
Reduce stakeholder noise through concise, purposeful communications and well-prepared meetings.
Ensure project and program governance, stakeholder engagement, and change management efforts are executed effectively.
EBS Values & Consultant Mindset
Demonstrate clear and transparent communication, prioritization, a one-team mindset, and accountability in all interactions.
Act as a steward of connecting the dots, gathering insights and asking critical questions to drive value.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, integrity, and shared success.
Mentorship & Team Development
Demonstrate collaboration and leadership within the Strategy Team and broader cross-functional teams supporting EBS initiatives to optimize team results, flexibility, efficiency, and consistency.
Mentor less experienced project managers or contract resources and contribute to a culture of learning and growth.
Required Qualifications :
3+ years project / program management experience, including large, complex cross-functional projects or programs.
Demonstrated ability to conduct strategic analysis and translate strategy into actionable plans.
Strong facilitation skills, including meeting preparation, agenda setting, follow-up and ability to read the room.
Advanced problem solving, critical thinking, and ability to ask insightful questions.
Experience with performance tracking, KPI monitoring, and executive-level reporting.
Ability to build relationships, foster a one-team mindset, and drive accountability.
Excellent communication, prioritization, and organizational skills.
In-depth knowledge of project and program management best practices and methodologies (agile, waterfall, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications :
PMP Certification preferred.
Experience in financial services and / or highly matrixed organizations preferred.
Commitment to EBS values : caring about others, integrity, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Securian Financial internal job title : Project / Program Management Consultant
Securian Financial believes in hybrid work as an integral part of our culture. Associates get the benefit of working both virtually and in our offices. This position requires you to live within a commutable distance (90 minutes) of our Home Office in St. Paul, MN . You'll join us 3 days each week in our offices to collaborate and build relationships. Our policy allows flexibility for the reality of business and personal schedules.
The estimated base pay range for this job is :
$69,500.00 - $129,000.00
Pay may vary depending on job-related factors and individual experience, skills, knowledge, etc. More information on base pay and incentive pay (if applicable) can be discussed with a member of the Securian Financial Talent Acquisition team.
Be you. With us. At Securian Financial, we understand that attracting top talent means offering more than just a job - it means providing a rewarding and fulfilling career. As a valued member of our high-performing team, we want you to connect with your work, your relationships and your community. Enjoy our comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your professional growth, well-being and work-life balance, including the advantages listed here :
Paid time off :
We want you to take time off for what matters most to you. Our PTO program provides flexibility for associates to take meaningful time away from work to relax, recharge and spend time doing what's important to them. And Securian Financial rewards associates for their service by providing additional PTO the longer you stay at Securian.
Leave programs : Securian's flexible leave programs allow time off from work for parental leave, caregiver leave for family members, bereavement and military leave.
Holidays : Securian provides nine company paid holidays.
Company-funded pension plan and a 401(k) retirement plan : Share in the success of our company. Securian's 401(k) company contribution is tied to our performance up to 10 percent of eligible earnings, with a target of 5 percent. The amount is based on company results compared to goals related to earnings, sales and service.
Health insurance : From the first day of employment, associates and their eligible family members - including spouses, domestic partners and children - are eligible for medical, dental and vision coverage.
Volunteer time : We know the importance of community. Through company-sponsored events, volunteer paid time off, a dollar-for-dollar matching gift program and more, we encourage you to support organizations important to you.
Associate Resource Groups : Build connections, be yourself and develop meaningful relationships at work through associate-led ARGs. Dedicated groups focus on a variety of interests and affinities, including :
Mental Wellness and Disability
Pride at Securian Financial
Securian Young Professionals Network
Securian Multicultural Network
Securian Women and Allies Network
Servicemember Associate Resource Group
For more information regarding Securian's benefits, please review our Benefits page.
This information is not intended to explain all the provisions of coverage available under these plans. In all cases, the plan document dictates coverage and provisions.
Securian Financial Group, Inc. does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital or familial status, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, veteran status, status in regard to public assistance or any other protected status. If you are a job seeker with a disability and require an accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, please contact us by email at , by telephone (voice), or 711 (Relay / TTY).
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Strategic Manager • Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States