Director, Technology Innovation

Job Location: Cary, NC

Role Value Proposition:

The MetLife Innovation Office (Met.IO) helps internal organizations better understand the realm of possibilities that exist for our business. We're here to turn dynamic ideas that start with "if" into actionable steps that move us toward "when". Our core principles were derived from Steven Johnson’s book Where Good Ideas Come From; we understand that great ideas are born from interactions between diverse individuals. Through social, facilitated, and collaborative innovation practices, Met.IO continuously reimagines how MetLife creates and delivers new forms of value for customers, associates, and business partners.

The Director of Technology Innovation and Engagement (TIE) is responsible for the sourcing, testing, and contracting of new capabilities from the venture capital ecosystem, MetLife’s Digital Accelerator powered by Techstars, and the portfolio of MetLife Digital Ventures. This leader will manage a team of associates (1-4) and own the relationships, processes and tools to ensure MetLife businesses are taking full advantage of the latest technologies from Silicon Valley, New York, Boston, Tel Aviv and other entrepreneurial hotspots. The role is also responsible for the recruiting and execution of the Digital Accelerator in Cary, NC.

This person must have a unique combination of skills that includes creativity and imaginative thinking, but also the ability to apply the strong, disciplined business practices needed to author compelling business cases and develop sound ROIs. 

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a technical subject matter expert researching and staying abreast of innovations within, and outside, the insurance industry
• Partner and collaborate with leading venture capital firms, in addition to, internal organizations such as Architecture, IT Risk, Procurement, and Legal to ensure compliance
• Lead efforts to capture, assess, prioritize, and fulfil innovation requirements
• Facilitate proof of concept and pilot testing as well as the scaling of external capabilities across the enterprise
• Identify and implement innovation tools and methodologies appropriate within the business to support the continued expansion and relevance of the Innovation Office

Essential Business Experience and Technical Skills:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree required with a minimum of 8 years of leadership experience, including strategic leadership positions within large companies.  In addition to, a minimum of 3 years of experience within the financial services industry
• Creative thinker with a deep understanding of the insurance industry
• Experience leading large teams and innovative programs or projects working across multiple teams or regions.
• Experience in proposing or selling projects to senior leadership, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization
• Exceptional written, oral, and presentation communication skills, with a strong capability for collaboration across organizations to foster change through multiple channels and relationships

Preferred:

• Advanced knowledge of enterprise technology and trends
• Demonstrated ability to navigate and complete complex business processes and reviews
• An understanding of the venture capital industry and its main participants
• Experience with testing and evaluating startup companies and teams

Travel

20% - 25%

Business Category

Global Technology and Operations

Number of Openings

1

At MetLife, we’re leading the global transformation of an industry we’ve long defined. United in purpose, diverse in perspective, we’re dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers.” 

MetLife is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is MetLife's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.

For immediate consideration, click the Apply Now button. You will be directed to complete an on-line profile. Upon completion, you will receive an automated confirmation email verifying you have successfully applied to the job.

Requisition #: 111806