Strategic Support Manager, Early Career Readiness

If you are an internal associate, please login to Workday and apply through Jobs Hub.

Job PurposeThe Strategic Support Program (SSP) cultivates a diverse, flexible, talent pipeline for Jackson by developing Strategic Support Associates (SSAs) and Early Career Associates through robust professional and career development programs, partnership with organizational leaders and local universities. The Strategic Support Manager, Early Career Readiness, is responsible for managing approximately 100-200 part time Strategic Support Associates (SSAs) who provide a flexible, on-demand workforce for business units across Jackson focused on low to moderate complexity clerical tasks and technical functions.The Manager supports the continued advancement of the Strategic Support Program (SSP) early career strategy by serving as a Jackson Ambassador, helping SSAs learn about Jackson's culture, values and performance expectations and aligning their goals and skillsets to new opportunities resulting in a talent pipeline for more complex clerical and technical work across Jackson. This role will participate in the facilitation of SSA career and professional development, lead department projects and initiatives and support engagement with talent partners such as universities, colleges, clubs and organizations. The Manager partners with SSP Leadership to gain a deep understanding of our future business partner needs and provides development and coaching to SSAs to create a continuous flow of ready now talent to meet the need. This role is responsible for the development, performance management and corrective action processes for SSAs. The manager oversees the completion of daily work, successfully managing through high volumes while providing support, coaching, performance feedback and motivation to the team.Essential Responsibilities

• Leads SSAs by directing work, providing support, coaching and motivation.
• Fosters a culture of customer service excellence, professionalism, and career development.
• Partners with the Program and Relationship Owner for assigned business units to deliver excellent customer service and understand business unit goals.
• Develops deep expertise in developing foundational professional and career skills in associates.
• Participates in the recruiting, training, and mentoring of associates.
• Supports engagement with Jackson talent partners, such as universities, colleges, clubs, and organizations to identify and attract talent for Jackson.
• Coaches SSAs to prepare them for the next step in their career journey. Identifies high potential SSAs and connects them with the Strategic Support Manager, Early Career Development for special project and advancement opportunities.
• Manages the health of alternative staffing for foundational skills to ensure support provided meets performance guidelines and aligns to budget.
• Analyzes real-time and on-going/historical metrics to recommend changes that support the development and management of associates.
• Executes existing processes and takes responsibility for managing risk, efficiency, cost savings and alignment to the Strategic Support Program goals.
• Communicates goals and expectations with SSAs regularly through team meetings and one-on-one discussions.
• Performs problem analysis and escalates issues, including service failure resolution.
• Leads the execution of departmental projects and initiatives.
• Utilizes data to ensure effective capacity planning, prioritization of work and performance management occurs for their team.
• Directly supervises staff and administers personnel actions to include hiring, performance management and terminations.

Other Duties

• Performs other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively across all levels within the organization and external customers.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Ability to develop associates through performance management and coaching.
• Excellent networking skills.
• Exceptional ability to identify talent within the organization.
• Ability to adapt in an ever-changing environment.
• Strong decision-making skills that can be applied in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills that include the application of both good business sense and common sense.
• Exceptional time management and prioritization skills, including ability to lead projects.
• Must be able to accept and continuously implement change.
• Ability to learn Jackson’s skills and business rules.
• Ability to work beyond core hours, as necessary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience required.
• 3+ years of business experience; insurance or financial services industry experience required.
• 1+ years of management experience, or equivalent required.
• Demonstrated experience in professional/career development preferred.

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products and our community. Jackson is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. The Company subscribes to and endorses federal and state laws and regulations relating to equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, legally-recognized disability, marital status, legally-protected medical condition, citizenship, ancestry, height, weight, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other factor not related to the needs of the job. The Company is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. Company facilities and campuses are tobacco-free environments.