AVP, Operations Technology Transformation Lead

Pacific Life; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

Paid time off

401k with company match

Job summary

Pacific Life is hiring an experienced Assistant Vice President, Ops. Technology Transformation Lead to drive CMD's Operations Transformation in Newport Beach, CA.

You will define strategic technical direction, co-lead cross-functional workstreams, and mentor engineering teams across AI, automation, and next-gen platforms. The role requires 10+ years in tech leadership, deep EA and cloud expertise, and strong stakeholder management.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in technology leadership roles, preferable in life and annuity insurance.
• Proven success in leading large-scale transformation programs with measurable outcomes.
• Deep expertise in enterprise architecture, cloud platforms, AI/ML, and automation.
• Strong understanding of agile delivery models, DevSecOps, and product-centric operating models.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in managing hybrid teams and vendor partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the technical vision for Operations Transformation aligned with enterprise architecture and business priorities.
• Co-lead cross-functional workstreams with business counterparts, ensuring shared OKRs and outcome ownership.
• Champion modernization by decoupling legacy systems and adopting next-gen platforms and AI capabilities.
• Lead dedicated engineering teams across Operations Transformation workstreams including FAST, IVR, GenAI, and automation.
• Oversee execution roadmaps, PI planning, and delivery metrics using agile and DevOps practices.
• Ensure tight integration with BAU technology teams while maintaining focus on transformation goals.
• Own architectural decisions across Operations Transformation platforms, ensuring scalability, modularity, and reuse.
• Guide the development of orchestration layers, self-service portals, and unified processing workflows.
• Build and mentor high-performing technology teams, including internal staff and contractors.
• Support upskilling initiatives such as GenAI Academy and agile/DevOps training.
• Collaborate with HR and L&D on strategic workforce planning and role definition.

Skills

Technology leadership

Enterprise architecture

Cloud platforms

AI/ML

Agile/DevOps

Stakeholder management

Job description

Pacific Life is seeking an experienced and visionary Assistant Vice President, Ops. Technology Transformation Lead to drive CMD's Operations Transformation. This is a multi-year transformation and modernization initiative focused on digitization, automation, and AI enablement across CMD Operations. This role will lead the technical strategy, architecture, and execution of Operations Transformation workstreams, partnering closely with business leaders in a \"two-in-a-box\" model to deliver measurable business outcomes. This role will be located onsite in one of our office locations, preferably in Newport Beach, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the technical vision for Operations Transformation aligned with enterprise architecture and business priorities.
• Co-lead cross-functional workstreams with business counterparts, ensuring shared OKRs and outcome ownership.
• Champion modernization by decoupling legacy systems and adopting next-gen platforms and AI capabilities.
• Lead dedicated engineering teams across Operations Transformation workstreams including FAST, IVR, GenAI, and automation.
• Oversee execution roadmaps, PI planning, and delivery metrics using agile and DevOps practices.
• Ensure tight integration with BAU technology teams while maintaining focus on transformation goals.
• Own architectural decisions across Operations Transformation platforms, ensuring scalability, modularity, and reuse.
• Guide the development of orchestration layers, self-service portals, and unified processing workflows.
• Build and mentor high-performing technology teams, including internal staff and contractors.
• Support upskilling initiatives such as GenAI Academy and agile/DevOps training.
• Collaborate with HR and L&D on strategic workforce planning and role definition.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in technology leadership roles, preferable in life and annuity insurance.
• Proven success in leading large-scale transformation programs with measurable outcomes.
• Deep expertise in enterprise architecture, cloud platforms, AI/ML, and automation.
• Strong understanding of agile delivery models, DevSecOps, and product-centric operating models.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in managing hybrid teams and vendor partnerships.

Preferred Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity in complex environments.
• Passionate about talent development and building inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Be at the forefront of technology transformation, shaping the future of our enterprise and driving meaningful change.

Base salary range: $210,000-$ 260,000

Base Pay Range: The base pay range noted represents the company's good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we're committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we've got you covered.

Benefits

• 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

You Can Be Who You Are We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

What's life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife

EEO Statement: Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.

Pacific Life is more than a job - it's a career with purpose. For nearly 160 years, we've helped people protect their financial futures through strength, stability, and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact and build a career where you can thrive. Learn more. Pacific Life's success is driven by our people. We create, embrace and sustain an inclusive workplace where all employees are respected and supported throughout their career. Our values inspire and direct our actions shaping the vibrant culture we proudly uphold. Learn more.