Small Business State Product Manager

Job Summary

As the Small Business State Product Manager, you are the owner of results for your assigned state(s). You will deliver the state-level P&L, growth, and underwriting performance by translating the broader Small Business strategy into a targeted, localized plan. You will manage the full product lifecycle - from conception through launch, monitoring and ongoing optimization - ensuring that your state's unique market conditions, distribution footprint, regulatory environment and competitive dynamics drive all decisions. You lead through influence cross-functional teams (underwriting, actuarial, sales, claims, compliance, marketing, technology) and engage closely with local agents and field sales leadership to ensure our strategy is actionable at the state level and execution is aligned with what's happening on the ground.

Job Responsibilities

• State P&L Ownership & Accountability - Own the premium growth, profitability (combined ratio, underwriting margin, retention), share and overall P&L for your assigned product lines in the state(s). You report results, drive corrective actions and ensure sustainable performance.
• Localized Product Strategy - Develop and execute a multi-year state-specific product strategy that reflects local market dynamics (consumer segments, competitive landscape, regulatory conditions, distribution partner behaviour) while aligning to the enterprise's strategic framework.
• Product Development & Launch Leadership - Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of new or enhanced products for your state: from market/agent research, visioning, pricing, underwriting rules & guidelines, forms, regulatory filings, systems implementation, agent training and rollout.
• Distribution & Agent Engagement - Act as the critical connection between product strategy and the field. Understand local agent and broker needs, feedback and behaviors; ensure product features, training, marketing support and systems are tuned to how distribution works in your state.
• Regulatory & Compliance Alignment - Ensure all product changes (rates, rules, forms, endorsements) are fully compliant with state regulatory requirements and aligned with licensing, market conduct and product-governance expectations.
• Performance Monitoring & Optimization - Track key KPIs (new business production, retention, loss ratio, expenses, profitability) at the state level; identify root causes of variance, propose and implement improvements.
• Market Insight & Competitive Differentiation - Conduct state-specific market and competitive research and use those insights to design differentiated products and distribution approaches.
• Operational Excellence & Systems/Process Leadership - Collaborate with IT, product operations, systems teams to ensure product rules/rating/administration platforms support efficient launch and servicing. Provide direction on process redesign, system enhancements, rule-changes and controls for your state.
• Agile & Cross-functional Delivery - Work in an agile environment to break down complex product initiatives into actionable deliverables, lead cross-functional teams, manage trade-offs between speed, quality and business value - ensuring product features deliver measurable business results.
• Stakeholder Leadership & Communication - Serve as the primary product owner for your state, influencing senior leadership, distribution/agency partners, underwriting/actuarial/claims stakeholders and external partners. Clearly articulate product vision, business case, trade-offs, and state-execution plans.
• Innovation & Growth Mindset - Identify and pursue new opportunities that align with the state's market environment and deliver incremental growth or competitive advantage.

Job Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Insurance Product Management or a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in business or any relevant field and/or commensurate experience. Master's degree in management or technical field is preferred.

Location

• Hybrid - defined as working three or more days per week in the office if the employee's residence is within 50 miles of Westfield Center, OH; OR Remote-if the employee resides more than 50 miles from Westfield Center, OH.

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Product Manager (CPM) (Preferred)
• Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) (Preferred)

Behavioral Competencies

• Collaborates
• Communicates Effectively
• Customer Focus
• Decision Quality
• Nimble Learning
• Builds Effective Teams
• Business Insight
• Develops Talent
• Directs Work
• Ensures Accountability
• Manages Complexity
• Drives Vision and Purpose
• Strategic Mindset

Technical Skills

• Insurance Product Management
• Product Roadmap
• Product Strategy
• Product Requirement Analysis
• Market Research
• Quality Assurance
• Agile Project Management
• Enterprise Application Software
• Technology Solutions
• Insurance Operations

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management.