Product Manager, Workers Compensation

CNA Financial; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

CNA Financial is seeking an experienced Product Manager to own the vision, strategy, and roadmap for the Workers' Compensation line in a Chicago-based hybrid role. You will partner with business stakeholders, solution architects, and delivery teams to translate strategic initiatives into prioritized capabilities that deliver measurable business value.

Ideal candidates have extensive product management experience, strong leadership, and the ability to coach teams while navigating regulatory and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, with Master's preferred, in a related discipline or equivalent work experience.
• Typically a minimum of ten years of related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Owns and communicates the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for the Workers' Compensation line.
• Partners with business stakeholders and technology teams to translate initiatives into prioritized capabilities and delivery plans.
• Develops, maintains, and communicates a prioritized product roadmap and backlog.
• Leads release management and solution validation with cross-functional teams.
• Supports change management, training and communications; mentors Product Owners.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Roadmapping

Strategic thinking

Communication

Mentoring

Change management

Cross-functional collaboration

Prioritization

Conflict resolution

Growth mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree; Master's preferred

Tools

NCCI

Job description

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.

The Product Manager partners with business owners to define, maintain, and communicate the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for a moderately large and complex business capability or, alternatively, several smaller product areas. The Product Manager owns product outcomes, translating strategic objectives into clear, prioritized plans and investments that guide delivery teams toward achieving measurable business value. This position works closely with business stakeholders, solution architects, and delivery teams to identify needs, define requirements, and deliver effective solutions that support business objectives. Responsibilities include managing a diverse portfolio of work ranging from large-scale initiatives and regulatory changes to smaller enhancements, and defect resolution.

We are searching for candidates with the following attributes and experience:

• Minimum of three years' experience working within the Commercial insurance industry coupled with eight years' experience as a Product Manager, Senior Product Owner, Product Owner, or similar role.
• Deep knowledge in the Underwriting and Operations processes, including experience with multiple P&C lines of business.
• Workers' Compensation experience, including familiarity with NCCI and independent rating bureau rules and regulations.
• The ideal candidate is organized, collaborative, and able to balance multiple priorities while ensuring systems and processes continue to meet the evolving needs of the business and its users.

This is a Chicago-based hybrid role with limited travel requirements on an as needed basis.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities :

Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

• Partners with business stakeholders to support the Workers' Compensation line of business through ongoing system enhancements, maintenance activities, and operational support.
• Owns and has final accountability for the product vision, strategy, roadmap, priorities, and business outcomes for their product area.
• Collaborates with business stakeholders and technology teams to translate strategic initiatives into prioritized capabilities and delivery plans.
• Develops, maintains, and communicates a prioritized product roadmap and backlog, ensuring alignment to business objectives and delivery of measurable value.
• Develops detailed requirements and acceptance criteria
• Partners with system architects to prioritize architecture work aligned with the architectural runway and business priorities
• Provides strategic insights into work activities to help development teams in sizing
• Participates in release management and solution validation, including working closely with application support teams to prioritize system defects and user feedback.
• Support change management, training and communication needs.
• Supports the development of a high performing Product Management team at CNA. Provides leadership and mentoring, coaching and development support to empower Product Owners to proactively manage product backlogs to deliver business value.
• May perform additional duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

Typically AVP or above

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Ability to transform circulars, bulletins, meeting notes, and e-mails into detailed requirements to enhance our core internal systems.
• Proven ability to effectively coach, develop, mentor and inspire a team
• Expert domain knowledge of the solutions being developed and proven ability to deliver outcomes across business functions in pursuit of value within their area of expertise and for the company
• Proven ability to think strategically and develop plans and roadmaps to realize outcomes aligned with business strategy
• Strong ability to resolve conflicts, facilitate discussions, propose viable alternatives, and consider different approaches
• Proven ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including business and technical/product teams; building and maintaining collaborative relationships
• Ability to pivot and enact change quickly
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong leadership and management skills, demonstrating integrity and professionalism
• Growth mindset with a willingness to experiment, learn, and continuously adapt, including leveraging emerging AI capabilities to improve products, processes, and team effectiveness

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree, with Master's preferred, in a related discipline or equivalent work experience

Typically a minimum of ten years of related work experience, prefer