Insurance Product Manager - Lead

Citizens is pleased to offer this opportunity in the Jacksonville, FL area. At Citizens, we’re building a workforce of top achievers committed to our company’s mission and vision. Our company values the knowledge that comes from experienced and dedicated individuals with a variety of backgrounds, in or out of insurance.
Citizens’ Mission is to provide property insurance protection in Florida to those who are, in good faith, unable to obtain coverage through the private market while also providing the utmost in customer service. Our Values are public service, integrity, respect, responsiveness and sound judgment. We strive to not only provide affordable insurance products and services but also to provide sound financial responsibility to the citizens of Florida.
At Citizens, we are a team of dedicated, service-minded professionals committed to our policyholders. Come achieve and maximize your potential with us!

This position is responsible for managing all operational aspects of a portfolio of contracted vendors. Duties include the management of contracts, communications, performance, competitive solicitations, and project management for vendors.

Job Duties:

Models’ ethical behavior and executes job responsibilities in accordance with Citizen’s core values, ethics, and information protection policies.

Manage a portfolio of contracted vendors, which may include oversight of up to one hundred firms. Develop annual strategic plans and goals for vendor categories within managed portfolio. Responsible for oversight of multiple firms for licensing, contracts, credentials, and performance management. Serve as project lead coordinating program implementation and implementation of operational enhancements. Visit select vendors’ corporate locations for relations, business development, and audit purposes.

Analyze vendor performance to evaluate compliance with contractual obligations, quality assurance and service levels provided to Citizens. Facilitate monthly operational conference and web calls and quarterly performance reviews. Conduct operational roundtables and performance reviews with vendors and Citizens’ staff to document and communicate opportunities for improvement to senior management team. Responsible for performance management related communications and implementation of corrective actions, as necessary. Utilize Citizens’ systems for reporting and monitoring performance measures and communicating trends, as well as alerts to Citizens’ management and vendors.

Serve as project lead in coordinating competitive solicitation projects for vendor categories within managed portfolio. Handle Request for Proposal (RFP) collaborating with procurement until completion of review process.

Partner with internal departments to produce training materials and programs to facilitate the delivery of training both internal and external, as related to vendor responsibilities and expectations. Manage communications involving support requests, program announcements, and operational questions from vendors. May coach, counsel, or train less-experienced staff, may also direct the work of others, may provide input in the performance management, goal setting and review processes.

Knowledge Required:

Knowledge of negotiation ploys and tactics that meet organizational needs.

Knowledge of solving complex problems through analytical approaches.

Knowledge of web conferencing tools.

Proficiency in MS Office.

Knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures for the unit.

Skills & Abilities Required:

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Ability to make presentations to groups of twenty-five or more.

Relationship development skills in the area of vendor management, sales, or customer service.

Relevant Experience Required:

5 or more years of contract or vendor management experience (a master’s degree and three years of vendor management experience may substitute for the five or more years) 2 or more years of project management experience.

Education Required:

High School Diploma | GED

Bachelor’s Degree OR 3 years relevant experience, OR a combination of college education and relevant experience equivalent to 3 years.

Other Certifications | Licenses Required:

1. Subject to value of contracts under management, must attend State of Florida Department of Financial Services training and / or must obtain Florida Certified Contract Manager designation; and (2) subject to the assigned functions of the position, must obtain Florida Certified Contract Negotiator designation.

Preferred Experience: 

• Seven or more years of contract or vendor management experience 

• Four or more years of project management experience 

• Formal training in project management principles and practices 

• Related professional work experience within the property and casualty insurance industry 

• Business unit specific experience (e.g., underwriting, claims, information technology) 

• For insurance operations roles, experience managing independent adjusting firms, appraisal firms, insurance restoration firms, or expert services 

• For information technology roles, experience managing contracted firms, business process outsourcing service providers, software service providers, or information services firms. Understanding of the ITIL foundation principles and COBIT processes. 

• Knowledge of State of Florida procurement laws and contract monitoring requirements 

• Experience working in an iterative service delivery environment, including Agile, Scrum, Kanban, and Lean 

• Relevant procurement or contract management certification such as Certified Professional in Supply Management, Certified Purchasing Manager, Certified Commercial Contract Manager, Certified Professional Contract Manager, Certified Public Procurement Officer, or Certified Professional Public Buyer

What percentage of time is accountable for short-term operational goals? 40%

What percentage of time is accountable for transactional, day-to-day operational support? 60%

What percentage of time is accountable for long-term strategic planning? 0%

Physical Requirements:

Occasional - Move, Traverse, Operate, Activate, Use, Prepare, Inspect, Place, Detect, Position, Ascend/Descend, Work Atop, Transport, Position, Put, Install, Remove, Travel

Frequent: Stationary position, Position self (to), Move

Continuous: Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information, Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess

• Relocation Assistance is available for this position.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 
• Selected candidates must live within a commutable distance (approximately 50 miles) to Citizens Jacksonville or Tallahassee Office
• Talent Acquisition Partner – Tammie Moore
• #LI-TM1
• #LI-Onsite

We offer unlimited career potential, excellent training and development opportunities, and a structured Career Development program to explore future roles of interest while growing and developing in your existing role.
Citizens offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes comprehensive medical/dental, Retirement Savings Plan, Vacation and Sick Time, EAP, Tuition Reimbursement, Community Service and much more!
Retirement savings plan with a generous company match
Medical, dental and vision coverage
Company Paid employee basic life insurance and short-term disability
Generous paid time off: vacation, sick and holiday leave
Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs
Tuition reimbursement
Professional and leadership development opportunities
Company Paid Parking
Employee recognition programs
Relocation assistance (where applicable)
Community and volunteering opportunities
Casual dress
Citizens is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.