AVP, Business Transformation Leader – Institutional Division

Pacific Life

Lead transformation initiatives for Pacific Life's Institutional Retirement Division, focusing on operational excellence and customer experience across divisions.

Posted 5/24/2026full-timeNewport Beach • California, New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $250,000 - $270,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Drive division-wide change across operations, technology, data, and vendor ecosystems to improve competitiveness, efficiency, resilience, and customer experience as the business continues to grow.
Architect and deliver the next-generation operating model for the Institutional Division
Establish clear transformation success metrics tied to business performance and customer outcomes
Lead a matrixed team of internal and external analysts dedicated to supporting transformation efforts
Partner closely with business leaders in Operations, Technology, Product to develop, communicate and execute a transformation roadmap, including future service models and technology needs, aligned to the division’s growth strategy, with a focus on scalability, modernization, and operational excellence
Implement scalable processes and controls that support increased volume, product expansion, and regulatory complexity
Coordinate vendor transformation initiatives to ensure alignment with modernization goals and delivery commitments
Champion automation, workflow orchestration, and data-driven decisioning to reduce manual effort, improve cycle times, and free capacity for higher-value work
Regularly reassess and adjust program plans and timelines to meet evolving business needs
Establish transformation KPIs and governance to ensure transparency, accountability, and measurable, sustainable outcomes.
Champion the development and execution of the Change Management strategy
Promote excellence in portfolio and program management across the team
Build and lead high-performing, cross-functional teams focused on operational readiness of new operating model, while ensuring adoption of new model
Foster a culture of agility, engagement, and collaboration

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years in transformation leadership within financial services, insurance, asset management, with Defined Benefit (DB) or Defined Contribution (DC) retirement experience
Proven success leading complex, cross-functional transformation programs, spanning operations, technology, data, and third-party/vendor ecosystems
Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale change in environments with strong governance, controls, and regulatory oversight; change management, process modernization at scale, partnering with cross-functional leaders, etc.
Solid understanding of defined benefit and defined contribution retirement ecosystem including new business, Inforce, customer service and operations
Exceptional leadership and communication skills with strong ability to influence and align cross-functional teams
Experience establishing KPIs, managing portfolio health, and driving accountability through program governance
Strategic thinker with a bias for action and continuous improvement
Experience transforming or managing BPO/outsourcing operating models and vendor performance frameworks
Ability to translate strategy into actionable roadmaps and measurable outcomes
Experience operating in highly regulated environments with strong controls and governance expectations
Bachelor's or master’s degree in business, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Your Benefits Start Day 1
Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents
Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off
Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program
Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

transformation leadershipchange managementprocess modernizationprogram governanceKPI establishmentvendor performance frameworksoperating model designdata-driven decisioningworkflow orchestrationautomation

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationinfluencecollaborationstrategic thinkingcontinuous improvementagilityengagementcross-functional team leadershipaccountability