Product Strategy Lead (Group AD&D and Life Products)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategy Lead (Group AD&D and Life Products)

Company: Aflac, Incorporated

Location: Remote (Continental US)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Strategy & Management (Insurance)

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (5+ years in Product Management)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product strategy and development for Group Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) and Life Insurance products, aligning with business unit coverage strategies.

• Manage the comprehensive product lifecycle, from inception through to ongoing management, acting as a central liaison between Product, Underwriting, Legal, Claims, Regulatory Affairs, and Business Units.

• Oversee the execution of product development initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to strategic goals within the insurance product portfolio.

• Contribute to the institutionalization of standard practices in project execution and change management for product development processes.

• Analyze market trends, regulatory changes, and competitive landscapes to identify opportunities for product innovation and enhancement within the Group AD&D and Life Insurance segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a strategic leadership function within Aflac's insurance product division, requiring a deep understanding of product lifecycle management, regulatory environments, and cross-functional stakeholder engagement, particularly within the Group AD&D and Life Insurance product lines. The emphasis on "Product Strategy Lead" and managing the "Product Development and Management process from beginning to end" indicates a significant level of ownership and influence over product roadmaps and execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the product team to successfully deliver Group AD&D and Life insurance products that align with the Business Unit's coverage strategy and market objectives.

• Oversee the entire product development and management process, serving as a key advisor and facilitator between Product, Underwriting, Corporate Law, Claims Legal, Regulatory Affairs, and various Business Units and Service Support Units.

• Act as a project manager for significant product initiatives, developing detailed work plans, schedules, resource allocation, and comprehensive status reporting.

• Translate product vision and specifications into actionable plans, ensuring alignment with technological capabilities and system infrastructure.

• Manage comprehensive product development projects from initial concept through to final implementation, ensuring adherence to scope and strategic intent.

• Collaborate with technical and systems teams to translate product requirements into functional system designs and ensure seamless integration.

• Ensure all assigned product development projects are completed within agreed-upon timelines and budget constraints.

• Participate in and contribute to the development, implementation, and adoption of standardized practices for project execution and change management across the product development function.

• Propose strategic recommendations for policy, system, product, and service enhancements to senior leadership based on market insights and performance analysis.

• Ensure all necessary documentation, implementation activities, and communication plans are executed for established policies, procedures, and operating standards related to assigned insurance products.

• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of product-related activities to identify potential risks and instances of non-compliance.

• Lead or participate in risk assessments for assigned insurance products, escalating any potential issues or concerns to higher management promptly.

• Perform other related duties as required to support the overall product strategy and development objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product leadership and hands-on project management within a highly regulated insurance sector. The emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, risk assessment, and state filing development points to the critical nature of this role in bringing new or updated insurance products to market compliantly and efficiently.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of overall job-related experience.

• A minimum of 5 years of dedicated product management experience, specifically within the Group AD&D and Life Insurance product lines.

• Demonstrated experience with state filing development and regulatory compliance processes for insurance products.

Required Skills:

• Product Strategy & Development: Expertise in defining, developing, and managing product roadmaps, lifecycles, and go-to-market strategies for insurance products.

• State Filing Development: In-depth knowledge and practical experience with the state-specific filing processes for insurance products, including understanding regulatory requirements and documentation.

• Project Management: Strong proficiency in leading complex projects, including planning, scheduling, resource management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder communication.

• Analytical Thinking & Problem Solving: Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and develop effective solutions for product-related challenges.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with diverse internal teams (Underwriting, Legal, Claims, Sales, IT) and external partners.

• Written and Verbal Communication: Excellent ability to articulate complex ideas, present findings, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, both in writing and verbally.

• Insurance Product Knowledge: Deep understanding of Group AD&D and Life Insurance products, including market dynamics, competitive landscape, and customer needs.

• Regulatory Compliance: Familiarity with insurance regulations and compliance requirements at the state and federal levels.

Preferred Skills:

• Change Management: Experience in leading organizational change initiatives related to product launches or modifications.

• Risk Assessment: Proficiency in identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks associated with product development and implementation.

• Market Research & Analysis: Ability to conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to inform product strategy.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Skill in leveraging data analytics tools to track product performance, identify insights, and generate comprehensive reports.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile or other iterative product development frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "State Filing Development" is a critical, specialized skill within the insurance industry, indicating this role will be heavily involved in ensuring products meet all state-specific legal and regulatory requirements. The combination of product strategy, project management, and deep insurance product knowledge is essential for success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Strategy & Roadmap Examples: Showcase instances where you developed and executed product strategies, including market analysis, competitive positioning, and future-state roadmaps for insurance products.

• Product Development Lifecycle Case Studies: Provide detailed examples of products you managed through the entire lifecycle, from ideation and requirements gathering to launch, performance monitoring, and iteration. Highlight challenges overcome and key decisions made.

• State Filing Documentation Examples: If permissible, include anonymized examples or descriptions of your involvement in state filing submissions, demonstrating understanding of the process, required documentation, and successful approvals.

• Project Management Deliverables: Present examples of project plans, work breakdown structures, risk registers, and status reports for complex product development projects you managed.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration Frameworks: Illustrate how you facilitated collaboration and communication across diverse teams (e.g., underwriting, legal, IT, sales) to achieve product objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing, documenting, and optimizing end-to-end product development and management workflows, including stage-gate processes, approval hierarchies, and communication protocols.

• Implementation and Automation: Provide examples of how you have contributed to the implementation of new product features or systems, and any efforts made to automate processes within the product lifecycle to improve efficiency and reduce errors.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Showcase your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for products, establish tracking mechanisms, and conduct regular performance analysis to inform strategy adjustments and identify areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on product strategy and development in a regulated industry, a strong portfolio demonstrating tangible results in product launches, process improvements, and successful navigation of complex requirements like state filings is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their contributions to process optimization and how they ensure product compliance throughout the lifecycle.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000 Annually

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Includes Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Prescription Drug Coverage: Access to prescription medications.

• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health Care Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Flexible Spending accounts to manage pre-tax dollars for eligible expenses.

• Aflac Supplemental Policies: Offered at no cost to the employee, including Accident, Cancer, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity insurance.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plans to support long-term financial planning.

• Performance-Based Compensation: Annual bonuses and an opportunity to purchase company stock, aligning individual success with company performance.

• Paid Time Off: Up to 20 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually, flexible for any reason.

• Paid Holidays: 11 paid holidays per year.

• Sick Leave: State-mandated sick leave accrual (e.g., Washington employees accrue 1 hour per 40 hours worked), plus other leaves of absence when needed. Aflac complies with all applicable leave laws.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is remote, occasional office visits may be requested based on business needs, with advance communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a senior product strategy role. The benefits package is robust, with a notable inclusion of company-paid supplemental Aflac policies, which is a unique perk. The PTO policy offers significant flexibility. Calculations for regional salary standards were not necessary as a specific range was provided.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurance (Voluntary Insurance Products)

Company Size: Fortune 500 company, indicating a large, established organization with significant market presence and resources.

Founded: Aflac has a long history, established in 1955, which suggests a stable company with deep industry expertise and a proven business model.

Team Structure:

• Product Development & Management Focus: This role sits within a team responsible for the strategic direction and execution of insurance product offerings, likely collaborating closely with specialized departments such as Underwriting, Legal, Claims, and Actuarial.

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role necessitates strong partnerships with various business units and support functions, indicating a matrixed or highly collaborative organizational structure where communication and alignment are paramount.

• Remote Workforce: As a fully remote role, the team likely utilizes digital collaboration tools extensively and fosters a culture of asynchronous communication and trust.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Aflac's operations likely rely on data analytics to inform product strategy, assess market opportunities, and measure performance.

• Process-Oriented Execution: Given the regulatory nature of the insurance industry, a structured approach to product development, project execution, and change management is expected.

• Customer-Centricity: The company emphasizes being "there for people in need," suggesting a customer-focused approach to product design and service.

Company Website: https://www.aflac.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Aflac's "Fortune 500" status and long history imply a stable, well-resourced company with established processes. The emphasis on "The Aflac Way" suggests a defined corporate culture that values integrity, communication, and customer service, which candidates should research and align with.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, a "Lead" role, indicating significant autonomy, strategic responsibility, and the need for extensive experience. It sits at an Associate Director level or equivalent within product strategy and management.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Director or Senior Director of Product Management or Product Strategy within the Group AD&D and Life Insurance division. This position acts as a primary interface between senior leadership and the product development teams.

Operations Impact: The Product Strategy Lead directly influences Aflac's market competitiveness and revenue generation by shaping the Group AD&D and Life Insurance product portfolio. Successful product development and strategy implementation are critical for market share growth, customer acquisition, and retention in the voluntary insurance sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director or VP-level roles within Product Management, Strategy, or a broader Business Unit leadership capacity.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific insurance product lines or advanced product development methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into related strategic roles within marketing, business development, or operations within the insurance domain.

• Continuous Learning: Aflac's commitment to employee development suggests opportunities for training, certifications, and participation in industry events to stay abreast of evolving product trends and regulatory changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a large, established insurance company. The "Lead" title signifies a high level of responsibility and the potential for future leadership roles, especially given the strategic importance of product development in the insurance industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote (Continental US). This offers significant flexibility and autonomy for the employee.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, Aflac's headquarters are in Columbus, Georgia. Occasional office visits may be requested, implying potential travel to this location or other Aflac offices as business needs dictate, though this is expected to be infrequent and communicated in advance.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomy and Flexibility: Remote work allows for a self-managed work environment, enabling employees to structure their day while meeting deliverables.

• Digital Collaboration: The team heavily relies on digital tools for communication, collaboration, and project management, fostering a connected virtual workspace.

• Focus on Deliverables: Success in this remote environment hinges on strong self-discipline, proactive communication, and a results-oriented approach to managing product initiatives.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and stakeholder availability across different time zones within the Continental US.

• The remote nature may allow for some flexibility in daily scheduling, provided business needs and team collaboration are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature is a significant aspect of this role's work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with virtual collaboration and demonstrate strong self-management skills. The mention of potential office visits suggests the need for some flexibility in travel, though this is explicitly stated as infrequent.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in Group AD&D/Life insurance product management and state filing development.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, strategic thinking, project management capabilities, and understanding of the insurance product landscape. Expect behavioral questions related to collaboration and problem-solving.

• Panel Interview / Skills Assessment: This stage may involve a presentation of your portfolio showcasing product strategy examples, case studies of product development lifecycles, and your approach to state filing processes. You may also encounter scenario-based questions or a case study related to product development challenges.

• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Underwriting, Legal, Claims, or other business units to assess your ability to collaborate and build relationships across departments.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic vision, and long-term potential within Aflac.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Achievements: For each case study or project, clearly articulate the business problem, your role, the actions taken, and the measurable results (e.g., revenue growth, market share increase, cost reduction, improved compliance rates).

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Showcase how you identified market opportunities, defined product vision, and developed strategic roadmaps.

• Demonstrate Process Mastery: Clearly explain your approach to product lifecycle management, including how you navigated complexities like state filings, regulatory approvals, and cross-functional dependencies.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience directly relevant to Group AD&D and Life insurance, state filing development, and managing complex product initiatives.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio highlights concisely and engagingly, explaining your thought process and impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Product Strategy Case Study: Prepare to analyze a hypothetical insurance product scenario, develop a strategy, and outline key steps for development and launch, including regulatory considerations.

• Project Management Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would manage a complex product launch with competing priorities, tight deadlines, and cross-functional dependencies.

• Risk & Compliance Discussion: Prepare to address how you identify and mitigate risks within product development, particularly concerning regulatory compliance and state filings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical experience, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate the complexities of the insurance industry. A well-prepared portfolio that demonstrates quantifiable achievements and a deep understanding of product lifecycle management and regulatory compliance will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software: Experience with tools designed to manage the product development process from ideation to end-of-life.

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools such as Jira, Asana, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms for tracking tasks, timelines, and resources.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in using tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, or Google Workspace for virtual team communication and collaboration.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for organizing, storing, and retrieving product documentation, policies, and regulatory filings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Experience with platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or QlikView for data visualization, dashboard creation, and performance reporting on product metrics.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, modeling, and reporting.

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) can inform product strategy and customer insights, though direct management might not be a primary function.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly managing sales operations, understanding CRM data and its implications for product adoption and customer segmentation is beneficial.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools that can automate aspects of the product development or compliance processes, enhancing efficiency.

• Regulatory Compliance Software: Potential exposure to specialized software used for tracking regulatory changes and managing compliance documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the nature of the role suggests a need for proficiency in standard project management, collaboration, and data analysis tools. Experience with insurance-specific regulatory and product management platforms would be highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and transparency in all product development and strategic decision-making, reflecting Aflac's core value.

• Customer Focus: Prioritizing the needs of policyholders and business partners in product design, ensuring value and support.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and mutual support are encouraged across diverse departments.

• Efficiency & Excellence: Driving continuous improvement in processes and product offerings to achieve high standards of performance and operational effectiveness.

• Adaptability: Embracing change and proactively responding to evolving market conditions, regulatory landscapes, and customer expectations.

• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing data and analytics to inform strategic decisions, validate assumptions, and measure the impact of product initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: A highly collaborative style is essential, requiring proactive engagement with Underwriting, Legal, Claims, Regulatory Affairs, Actuarial, IT, and Sales teams to ensure alignment and successful product execution.

• Advisory and Influential: The role involves acting as a trusted advisor, influencing stakeholders through data-backed recommendations and clear communication of product strategy and requirements.

• Remote Team Cohesion: Building and maintaining strong working relationships within a remote setting through regular communication, virtual meetings, and a focus on shared goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Aflac's stated values ("Acting with Integrity," "Communicating Effectively," "Serving Customers," etc.) are integral to their culture. Candidates should demonstrate how their professional approach aligns with these values, particularly in the context of product strategy and development within a regulated industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Regulations: The insurance industry is heavily regulated, and staying compliant with state-specific filing requirements presents an ongoing challenge requiring meticulous attention to detail and continuous learning.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing competing priorities and aligning diverse stakeholder interests (e.g., profitability, marketability, legal compliance, operational feasibility) can be complex.

• Driving Innovation in a Mature Market: Introducing new or enhanced products in a well-established market like Group AD&D and Life insurance requires strategic differentiation and a deep understanding of customer needs and market gaps.

• Remote Team Management: Ensuring seamless collaboration, communication, and productivity within a fully remote team requires proactive engagement and strong virtual leadership skills.

• Product Performance Optimization: Continuously monitoring and improving the performance of existing products in a dynamic market environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Insurance Training: Access to industry-specific training and certifications to deepen expertise in product management and regulatory compliance within the insurance sector.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities for formal leadership training and mentorship to prepare for advanced management roles.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in relevant industry events to stay current with market trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in product strategy.

• Exposure to Diverse Product Lines: Potential to gain broader experience across different insurance product areas within Aflac beyond AD&D and Life.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role will require navigating a dynamic regulatory environment and managing complex stakeholder relationships. The challenges are balanced by significant growth opportunities within a leading insurance organization, particularly for those focused on strategic product leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing a product strategy for a new insurance product, considering market analysis, competitive positioning, and regulatory constraints." (Prepare to discuss your framework for market research, risk assessment, and strategic roadmap development.)

• "How do you ensure alignment between product vision, technical capabilities, and regulatory requirements when managing a product lifecycle?" (Focus on your collaboration with IT, Legal, and Underwriting, and your approach to translating requirements.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Aflac's stated values, such as 'Acting with Integrity' and 'Serving Customers,' translate into your own professional practices, especially in product development?" (Research Aflac's values and prepare specific examples of how you embody them.)

• "Given this is a remote role, how do you foster collaboration and build strong working relationships with colleagues you may not meet in person?" (Discuss your strategies for proactive communication, virtual team building, and utilizing collaboration tools effectively.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business problem, your strategic approach, the actions you took, and the quantifiable results achieved for each portfolio example. Use metrics relevant to insurance products (e.g., market share, policy sales, retention rates, compliance adherence).

• Structure Your Narrative: For product development case studies, follow a logical flow: Opportunity/Problem -> Strategy -> Execution -> Results -> Learnings.

• Highlight State Filing Expertise: Be prepared to discuss your specific role and contributions to state filing development, emphasizing your understanding of the process and compliance requirements.

• Demonstrate Cross-Functional Mastery: Showcase how you effectively partnered with Legal, Underwriting, IT, and other departments, highlighting your communication and negotiation skills.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most impactful examples that directly address the job requirements. Avoid jargon where possible, or explain it clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize quantifiable achievements, strategic thinking, and specific experience with insurance product development and state filings. Demonstrating cultural alignment with Aflac's values and strong remote collaboration skills will be key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Aflac careers portal at https://careers.aflac.com/.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in Group AD&D and Life insurance product management, state filing development, and project leadership. Use keywords from the job description such as "product strategy," "product lifecycle management," "state filing," "regulatory affairs," and "project management."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Compile a concise portfolio that showcases your most relevant achievements. Focus on case studies demonstrating product strategy development, successful product launches, and your experience navigating regulatory compliance. Be ready to discuss the quantifiable impact of your work.

• Research Aflac: Understand Aflac's business, market position, and core values. Familiarize yourself with their product offerings in Group AD&D and Life insurance, and consider how your experience aligns with their mission and culture.

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your responses to common interview questions, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and preparing clear, strategic answers for hypothetical scenarios. Practice articulating your portfolio highlights concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.