AVP, IT Operations

AVP, IT Operations

We are searching for an experienced AVP, IT Operations at our Connecticut office.

AVP, IT Operations
Full-Time
Norwalk, CT

About the Company:
Wilton Re is an industry leader in the life (re)insurance space, specializing in the acquisition of in force life insurance and annuities. We are experienced industry specialists focused on the risk, capital, and operational needs of our clients’ businesses. We provide our clients with the services they need from in force transactions and product development to underwriting and new business strategies.

Wilton Re has the resources and expertise to pursue and successfully manage the largest life and annuity transactions in the company.

Position Summary:
The Assistant Vice President (AVP), IT Operations is a leadership role responsible for overseeing enterprise IT operational excellence, financial management (FinOps), vendor and partner ecosystems, and strategic delivery initiatives. This role ensures the efficient and compliant execution of IT services while driving innovation, cost optimization, and alignment with business objectives.
The AVP will act as a key interface across IT, Finance, Procurement, Security, and business stakeholders, managing end-to-end operational governance including budgeting, vendor performance, project execution, and emerging capabilities, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture and governance frameworks, including ASRB standards.

Role Responsibilities: 
IT Operations & Service Delivery
Provide leadership across IT operations to ensure stable, secure, and scalable service delivery.
Establish and maintain operational KPIs, SLAs, and performance metrics.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across service management processes.
Participate in planning/priority sessions, facilitated through a DevOps methodology and associated ceremonies.
Vendor Management & Procurement
Lead end-to-end vendor lifecycle management including sourcing, onboarding, performance management, and offboarding.
Partner with Legal to negotiate contracts, manage renewals, and optimize commercial terms.
Establish vendor governance frameworks including scorecards, QBRs, and risk management practices.
Ensure third-party compliance with regulatory, security, and internal policy requirements.
Financial Operations (FinOps) & Budget Management
Own IT financial planning processes including annual budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
Drive cloud FinOps practices including cost optimization, usage transparency, and accountability across teams.
Ensure accurate financial reporting and alignment with organizational targets.
Oversee invoice coding/allocation, cost allocation, and chargeback/showback models.
RFI / RFP Management
Lead and coordinate RFI/RFP processes for technology solutions and managed services.
Define evaluation criteria, support vendor selection, and present recommendations to executive stakeholders.
Ensure alignment of vendor capabilities with long-term IT strategy and operational needs.
Partner Management
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key technology partners (e.g., cloud providers, MSPs, SaaS vendors).
Drive co-innovation opportunities and maximize value from existing partnerships.
Act as an escalation point for partner-related issues and performance concerns.
Project & Portfolio Management
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.
Implement governance practices for project prioritization, tracking, and reporting.
Ensure all solutions and initiatives comply with Architecture and Security Review Board (ASRB) standards.
Partner with architecture and security teams to enforce governance frameworks.
Promote standardization, reuse, and alignment with enterprise architecture.

Basic Qualifications: 
Minimum 8 years of experience in IT operations, service delivery, or IT leadership roles.
Demonstrated experience in vendor management, procurement, and partner oversight.
Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and FinOps practices.
Proven track record managing complex projects and cross-functional initiatives.
Experience in financial services, insurance, or highly regulated industries.
Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., Azure) and cost management practices.
Exposure to AI/ML initiatives or governance frameworks.
Exposure to alignment with audit, compliance, and regulatory requirements/support.
Strategic thinking with strong execution capability.
Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
Strong analytical and financial modeling capabilities.
Ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
Understanding of IT governance, risk, and compliance frameworks.
Required Education / Certifications 
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline

Pay/Location:
Norwalk, CT 
Hybrid Structure
Minimal to no travel required

Base salary/hourly rate range for this position in Connecticut is between $140,000 and $ 175,000 Please note that specific compensation decisions are based upon a variety of job-related factors as permitted by law, including geographic location, credentials, skills, education, training, and experience.
Base salary is just one component of Wilton Re’s total compensation package for employees. Additional compensation includes annual performance-based bonus, 401K with employer contribution, and profit-sharing program. Employee may also be eligible for long-term incentives. All incentives and benefits are subject to the applicable plan terms.

What We Offer:
Competitive vacation and sick time, including company-paid holidays, floating holidays and early closing days
401(k) plan with employer contribution - US Employees Only
Profit Sharing Program
Competitive parental leave
Health, vision, dental, and life insurance, including access to health and wellness programs
Actuarial Development Program (ADP) for Actuarial employees taking exams
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Current hybrid working environment
Employee Engagement Events and various committees on site to join

Wilton Re strives to attract, develop, and retain a diverse workforce. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible work environment where all associates feel valued, respected, and supported. Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the safeguards, policies, and commitments we have in place to remove barriers and provide equal opportunities to prospective and current associates, without discrimination. A Human Resources representative is available to consult with applicants who require accommodation in the application or recruitment process. Any information shared by the applicant about an accommodation will be treated as confidential.

To All Recruitment Agencies: Please do not send any resumes or solicitations regarding open positions to Wilton Re employees unless you have been requested to work on this position or other positions with Wilton Re; please reach out to your main point of contact. Wilton Re is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Salary : $140,000 - $175,000