Manager, Business Intelligence

Banner Life; Frederick, Northern (MD, KY); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Dental coverage

401K match

Pension plan

Paid time off

Wellbeing programs

Professional development

Job summary

Banner Life Insurance Company is seeking a Senior Manager, Business Intelligence to lead enterprise data analytics, governance, and reporting across Finance. The role drives the evolution to modern Lakehouse architecture on Azure Databricks, partnering with FP&A, Actuarial Data Science, and Marketing to deliver insights that inform strategy.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in BI, strong SQL/Python, Azure experience, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in data Analytics, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Finance, or a related field.
• Advanced degree(s) and/or Actuarial Finance, Finance, Accounting, and/or Project Management qualifications a plus, e.g., Master’s degree or higher, ASA, FSA, CFA, CPA, PMP.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in business intelligence, data analytics, operations, or related leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing enterprise-level BI or data strategies.
• Demonstrated success influencing cross-functional teams that integrate analytics, systems, and process improvement.
• Deep expertise in SQL, Python (PySpark, pandas), and distributed computing preferred.
• Strong understanding of data modeling (dimensional, Data Vault, Lakehouse)
• Experience with cloud platforms, specifically Microsoft Azure
• Knowledge of data governance, security, and compliance frameworks
• Experience managing enterprise various applications (e.g., ERP, general ledger, reporting, planning, investment accounting, invoicing, payments systems) and modern BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, SQL Server)
• Familiarity with agile project delivery and modern data environments (e.g., cloud data platforms)
• Proven track record of driving measurable efficiency and insight through process and technology innovation
• Experience in collaborating with or leading finance transformation initiatives preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic BI and analytics initiatives across FP&A, Actuarial Data Science, Distribution and Marketing.
• Define data platform strategy, roadmap, and migration plans from legacy to modern systems.
• Design and implement enterprise-wide Lakehouse architecture using Azure Databricks and Delta Lake.
• Manage complex, multi-phase migration projects and adapt to new cloud technologies.
• Design scalable, cost-efficient solutions supporting TB-scale data processing.
• Collaborate with the Finance Transformation team to align BI initiatives with business objectives.
• Influence finance performance reporting, dashboards, and analytics for growth initiatives.
• Mentor BI developers and drive DataOps, DevOps, and CI/CD practices.
• Oversee hiring, development, and budget for the BI team.

Skills

SQL

Python

PySpark

Distributed computing

Lakehouse

Azure

Power BI

Tableau

Data modeling

Data governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in data analytics/data science/statistics/mathematics/actuarial science/engineering/computer science/finance

Advanced degree(s) & certifications (ASA/FSA/CFA/CPA/PMP)

Tools

Azure Databricks

Delta Lake

SQL Server

Power BI

Job description

Overview

At Banner Life Insurance Company, we lead with heart and ambition. Every day, we transform purpose into progress, guided by our unwavering commitment to be better for our customers, clients, and communities, not just today but long-term as well. Our people are the driving force behind everything we achieve. Their passion, purpose, and pursuit of innovation empower us to deliver cutting-edge solutions that support those we serve, ensuring we are here for you, here for good and striving for better.

We’re a forward-thinking company energized by our work and how we show up for one another. Our culture is built on meaningful impact and genuine enjoyment, because we believe great work and great experiences should go hand in hand.

By offering career development opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and programs that support your wellbeing, we help you thrive personally and professionally. We are here for you, here for good and here for better.

The Manager, Business Intelligence supports the integration of business analytics and various processes in the enterprise to enable data-driven decision-making across the Company and operational efficiency across the Finance function. This is an important role for the Company, ensuring that it is equipped with the insights, tools, and processes needed to make decisions based on a deep understanding of business performance, while also continuously improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the company’s operating model. This strategic role requires deep technical expertise in modern cloud data architectures, process management, combined with leadership skills to guide teams and align initiatives with business objectives. The ideal candidate will drive the evolution from legacy systems to a modern Lakehouse architecture on Azure Databricks and serve as advocate for process improvement opportunities derived from our insights.

Responsibilities

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Supports various leaders of analytic functions across the Company, including FP&A, Actuarial Data Science, Distribution and Marketing, Operational Planning, Risk, and Legal and Compliance.
• Defines and executes unified enterprise data and analytics strategy aligned with Company objectives.
• Supports leadership to ensure data, systems, and processes work together to continuously improve the efficiency of the Enterprise’s Operating Model while enhancing the function’s ability to build a deep understanding into business performance and actionable insights for leaders.
• Design and implement enterprise-wide Lakehouse architecture using Azure Databricks and Delta Lake
• Define data platform strategy, roadmap, and migration plans from legacy to modern systems
• Manage complex, multi-phase migration projects
• Adapt to new software and rapidly evolving cloud technologies
• Establish architectural standards, patterns, and best practices for data engineering and analytics
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance the data platform
• Design scalable, cost-efficient solutions supporting TB-scale data processing
• Champion a culture of innovation, analytical rigor, and operational excellence throughout the Company.
• Collaborate with the Finance Transformation team to align ongoing transformation initiatives with the BI and process optimization agenda.

Business Intelligence, Analytics, and Forecasting

• Influences finance performance reporting, dashboards, and analytics to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and strategic relevance.
• Serves as a key member of the strategic planning committee, providing financial leadership and analytical support for distribution channels, staffing and evidence management to aid growth initiatives.
• Assists in building budget/plan, forecast, and scenario planning for Annualized Paid Premiums and Value of Business (VNB) growth.
• Prepares analysis to explain business performance, also on a pro-forma and normalized basis.
• Supports the development and enhancement of analytic tools and visualization frameworks that illuminate operational and financial drivers and support forward-looking analysis.
• Ensures consistent data governance, reporting standards, and best practices across the Company.

Technology Enablement

• Identify and implement new technologies that improve efficiency, data integrity, and user experience across the Finance function.
• Serve as a bridge between Finance and IT to align system capabilities with business needs.
• Possess financial services experience with preferred background in Accounting close procedures, mortality and claims expertise, and various accounting methodologies (international and domestic)

Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement

• Conducts analysis as needed to identify cost optimization and efficiency opportunities, prepares associated actions plans and follows up on their execution.
• Prioritize and maintain workloads within the BI team by tracking work in Service Now and JIRA.
• Promote best practices in process management, documentation, and knowledge sharing.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor BI developers and contractor(s) under this reporting structure.
• Handle competing priorities and meet tight deadlines
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers on modern data engineering practices
• Drive adoption of DataOps, DevOps, and CI/CD practices
• Foster collaboration, innovation, and cross-functional learning.
• Oversee hiring, development, performance management, and career growth of team members.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource allocation to balance innovation with operational discipline.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in data Analytics, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Actuarial Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Finance, or a related field/experience.

Advanced degree(s) and/or Actuarial Finance, Finance, Accounting, and/or

Project Management qualifications a plus, e.g., Master’s degree or higher,

ASA, FSA, CFA, CPA, PMP.

Certifications highly preferred.

Experience and Knowledge

10+ years of progressive experience in business intelligence, data analytics, operations, or related leadership roles.

Demonstrated success developing and executing enterprise-level BI or data strategies.

Demonstrated success influencing cross-functional teams that integrate analytics, systems, and process improvement.

Deep expertise in SQL, Python (PySpark, pandas), and distributed computing preferred

Strong understanding of data modeling (dimensional, Data Vault, Lakehouse)

Experience with cloud platforms, specifically Microsoft Azure

Knowledge of data governance, security, and compliance frameworks

Experience managing enterprise various applications (e.g., ERP, general ledger, reporting, planning, investment accounting, invoicing, payments systems) and modern BI tools (Power BI, Tableau, SQL Server)

Familiarity with agile project delivery and modern data environments (e.g., cloud data platforms)

Proven track record of driving measurable efficiency and insight through process and technology innovation

Experience in collaborating with or leading finance transformation initiatives preferred.

What’s in it for you?

The expected hiring compensation range for this position is $127,500 - $165,000 annually. This is a hybrid opportunity working in Frederick, MD.

The total compensation package for this position may include other elements, such as a sign-on bonus, long term incentives, and annual bonuses. This role is eligible to participate in the Annual Incentive Plan. The current target payment for the position is 20% of base salary, modified for corporate and individual performance. Bonuses are pro-rated based on start date. This role has 20 vacation days and 10 sick days that are accrued on a bi-weekly basis. Employees also have 9 paid holidays throughout the calendar year.

We have a competitive compensation and benefits package focused on your overall wellbeing. Employee benefits include health, life, and dental insurance; 401K with company match up to 6% as well as a pension package; generous time off; and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year (we like doing fun stuff). We’re big on professional development and we’ll support and mentor you in your career progression and expect you to help us pay it forward by helping us develop tomorrow's leaders and growth-focused professionals. We value our teams and our communities and believe in giving back. Enjoy time off to volunteer for those causes that matter most to you!

If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. The Company reserves the right to change benefits plans at any time.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.