Head of Workers Compensation Product

Location: Waltham, MA (hybrid), Remote

NEXT’s mission is to help entrepreneurs thrive. We’re doing that by building the only technology-led, full-stack provider of small business insurance in the industry, taking on the entire value chain and transforming the customer experience. 

Simply put, wherever you find small businesses, you’ll find NEXT.

Since 2016, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of small business customers across the United States get fast, customized and affordable coverage. We’re backed by industry leaders in insurance and tech, and we still have room to grow — that’s where you come in.

The Head of Workers Compensation (WC) Product will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our Workers Compensations offerings. This individual will be responsible for leading the end-to-end lifecycle of our WC product, from ideation and strategy to execution and optimization. You will work closely with distribution channel leaders, engineering leaders and other cross-functional teams to deliver WC growth and underwriting results while meeting the evolving needs of the insurance market.

What You’ll Do: 

• Product Strategy & Vision: Develop and execute a clear, forward-thinking Workers Compensation product strategy that delivers on business objectives and growth targets. Define and execute a roadmap for product enhancements and customer segment.
• Insurance Product Management: Lead the end-to-end WC insurance product management process, from market research through ideation, implementation and optimization.
  • Collaborate with claims leaders to inform WC growth strategy and underwriting appetite
  • Partner with engineering teams to design modular platform solutions and specify technical business requirements for agile, high quality insurance product delivery.
  • Work closely with underwriting and actuarial teams to build proprietary and innovative rating and class-fit underwriting systems for effective risk segmentation and profitability.
• Financial Performance: P&L accountability through ongoing management of WC insurance products, including all pricing and underwriting decisions, performance monitoring, and iteration based on data-driven insights. 
• Risk & Compliance Management: Ensure all WC products comply with regulatory requirements and industry standards, working closely with legal and compliance teams to navigate the complex insurance landscape.
• Leadership: Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team that drives excellence.

Key Attributes:

• Exceptional Collaboration Skills: Ability to engage with diverse teams and stakeholders, fostering trust and transparency while balancing competing interests.
• Emotional Intelligence: Strong interpersonal skills with a high degree of self-awareness, empathy, and tact in navigating difficult conversations and managing stakeholder dynamics.
• Conflict Management: Proven experience in diffusing tension and resolving conflicts productively, ensuring that all parties feel heard and valued.
• Strategic Influence: Skilled in influencing others through persuasion, understanding, and relationship-building.
• Accountability and Ownership: Takes decisive action to meet or exceed targets, continuously evaluating performance, and making adjustments when necessary to deliver impactful results.

What We Need: 

• Experience: 
  • 10+ years of experience in commercial insurance product management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role leading product functions for Workers Compensation lines, ideally in an InsurTech or insurance company. 
  • Experience in managing complex, multi-disciplinary teams and driving product development from ideation to execution.
• Deep Industry Knowledge: 
  • In-depth knowledge of the commercial lines WC insurance industry, including rating, underwriting, premium audit, claims, distribution channels, and regulatory environment. 
  • Familiarity with emerging trends in InsurTech and digital transformation within insurance is highly desirable.
•  Leadership:
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and navigate the complexities of working in a high-growth, fast-paced environment. 
  • Strong experience in setting strategic direction and delivering results.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze market trends, customer data, and product performance to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
• Customer-Centric Mindset: A passion for creating user-centered, innovative products that solve real-world problems and improve the customer experience in the insurance space.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively present to senior leadership, external partners, and cross-functional teams.

Unstoppable Qualities: 

• Experience working in a SaaS (Software as a Service) environment or building insurance products that leverage technology, AI/ML, and data.
• Understanding of actuarial models and pricing structures.