Team Leader, Proficiency & Deployment Team

Job Classification:
Project Mgmt, Transformation & Strategy - Project Mgmt, Transformation & Strategy

About the role The Proficiency & Deployment Team is part of the Group Insurance Operations Excellence Team. This Team Leader role owns execution of the end-to-end proficiency pipeline-from hiring through full deployment-for a defined cohort of Disability Claim Managers (DCMs).

You'll be accountable for candidate readiness, onboarding, staged training, coaching during short-term deployment, and recommendations for full deployment, ensuring clean transitions to receiving STD/LTD Team Leaders once a full deployment decision and effective date are set. You'll report directly to the Proficiency & Deployment Manager (final decision maker for "fully proficient / full deployment") and partner with L&D (trend-driven refresher learning), and receiving leaders to protect quality, pace, and retention.

This will be a hybrid role based out of Newark NJ, Fort Washington, PA. or Shelton, CT. For exceptionally well-qualified candidates, Virtual working arrangement may be considered, with expectation of travel as required.

• Own a cohort end-to-end: participate in hiring selection, then lead onboarding, staged training, and coaching through short-term deployment assignments through full deployment

• Set clear expectations and maintain a consistent coaching rhythm to drive proficiency, quality, and confidence

• Use readiness signals and performance data to manage progress (e.g., training milestones, proficiency indicators, quality trends, and early performance during short term deployment)

• Identify when a learner needs additional support or a reset; initiate those actions during short term deployment while Proficiency & Deployment leadership retains oversight

• Prepare and present full deployment recommendations to the Proficiency & Deployment Team Manager, supported by readiness signals and clear rationale

• Coordinate handoffs:

• Full deployment transitions to receiving STD/LTD Team Leaders once approved and an effective date is set (including context, strengths/risks, and early coaching focus)

• Partner with receiving Team Leaders to support a smooth transition and reduce post-deployment attrition

• Surface risks early (readiness gaps, quality issues, engagement/retention signals) and recommend mitigations

• Contribute to continuous improvement by identifying recurring friction points, coaching themes, and opportunities to strengthen stages, signals, and transition routines

• Ensure adherence to policies, procedures, and applicable controls while maintaining clear accountability and pace

• Ability to recognize and adapt to different learning styles and effectively deliver training to ensure comprehension

• LTD and/or STD, Absence, and State Paid Leave product experience

• Group Insurance claims experience with strong contract knowledge and comfort applying procedures and best practices

• People leadership experience (or demonstrated coaching leadership) with the ability to drive performance through clear expectations and feedback

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Comfort operating in a high-change environment where cohort composition and assignments fluctuate

• Ability to use performance data to guide coaching, readiness assessments, and escalation decisions

• Proficiency with standard tools (Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Experience supporting new hires through hiring, onboarding, and early proficiency-building in a claim operations environment

• Continuous improvement experience (process improvement, quality review, or change leadership)

• Market competitive base salaries, with a yearly bonus potential at every level.
• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, Paid Time Off (PTO), and leave of absences, such as parental and military leave.
• 401(k) plan with company match (up to 4%).
• Company-funded pension plan.
• Wellness Programsincluding up to $1,600 a year for reimbursement of items purchased to support personal wellbeing needs.
• Work/Life Resources to help support topics such as parenting, housing, senior care, finances, pets, legal matters, education, emotional and mental health, and career development.
• Education Benefit to help finance traditional college enrollment toward obtaining an approved degree and many accredited certificate programs.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Shares can be purchased at 85% of the lower of two prices (Beginning or End of the purchase period), after one year of service.