Strategic Planning Manager

Position Description

Play a critical role in supporting the strategy development and execution success of our insurance business. This position involves analyzing complex financial data, developing financial models, and providing actionable insights to support strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented strategic thinker with deep expertise in financial analysis in a strategy setting, with a strong understanding of the insurance industry.

Utilize knowledge of insurance industry financial metrics e.g. loss ratios, combined ratios, premium growth, and regulatory requirements. Analyze complex data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable recommendations. Present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

This is a technical individual contributor role and does not involve direct people management.

Position Location This is a hybrid role working partially in-office (Lincoln, NE or Cincinnati, OH) and partially from home.

What you do

• Develop and maintain sophisticated financial models to support strategy development, opportunity assessments, competitive positioning, portfolio performance, and profitability analysis.
• Analyze external and internal trends (e.g., loss ratios, premium trends, and claims data) to identify opportunities for optimization.
• Prepare business cases and presentations to support strategic initiatives, including cost-benefit analyses and risk assessments.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Lead the integration of annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and long-term financial projections for various insurance lines into the broader strategic plan.
• Collaborate with Finance and Business teams to align financial plans with business objectives.
• Prepare and present detailed reports, including variance analysis, KPIs (e.g., combined ratio, expense ratio, and trend analysis) to senior management and stakeholders to support the broader strategy agenda and prioritized strategic initiatives.
• Provide data-driven insights to support strategic initiatives such as market expansion, product development, or potential M&A opportunities.
• Conduct scenario analysis to evaluate potential outcomes.
• Leverage advanced analytics tools (e.g., SQL, Python, or R) to extract and analyze large datasets from various internal and external sources in support of key strategy initiatives.
• Work closely and cross-functionally with enterprise shared services and business teams to provide analytical insights and business intelligence that drive improved efficiency, profitability, and strategic alignment.

What you bring

• Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• 4-7 years of financial analysis experience with at least 3 years in the insurance industry (e.g., P&C, life, health, or reinsurance) required.
• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling and Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros) required.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) required.
• MBA, CPA, CFA, or actuarial credentials (e.g., ASA, FSA) are desired.
• Experience with reinsurance analysis or sensitivity modeling desired.
• Knowledge of statutory accounting principles, SAP specific to insurance desired.
• Prior experience supporting corporate strategy, M&A, or capital market transactions in the insurance sector desired.
• Proficiency in SQL, Python, or R for data analysis is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with insurance-specific software (e.g., Policy Administration, Claims Management) is desired.

What we offer

• A meaningful mission.
• Great benefits.
• A vibrant culture.

Ameritas is an insurance financial services and employee benefits provider. Our purpose is fulfilling life. It means helping all kinds of people at every age and stage get more out of life. At Ameritas, youll find energizing work challenges, flexible hybrid work options, and time for family and community. But dig deeper.

Benefits at Ameritas cover things you expect -- and things you dont.

Ameritas Benefits

• For your money:
• 401k Retirement Plan with company match and quarterly contribution
• Tuition Reimbursement and Assistance
• Incentive Program Bonuses
• Competitive Pay
• For your time:
• Flexible Hybrid work
• Thrive Days - Personal time off
• Paid time off (PTO)
• For your health and well-being:
• Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Well-being programs with financial rewards
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• For your professional growth:
• Professional development programs
• Leadership development programs
• Employee resource groups
• StrengthsFinder Program
• For your community:
• Matching donations program
• Paid volunteer time - 8 hours per month
• For your family:
• Generous paid maternity leave and paternity leave
• Fertility, surrogacy, and adoption assistance
• Backup child, elder, and pet care support

An Equal Opportunity Employer Ameritas has a reputation as a company that cares, and because everyone should feel safe bringing their authentic whole self to work, were committed to an inclusive culture and diverse workplace enriched by our individual differences. We are an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer that hires based on qualifications, positive attitude, and exemplary work ethic regardless of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Deadline This position will be open for a minimum of 3 business days or until filled.

This position is not open to individuals who are temporarily authorized to work in the U.S.