Operations Leader - Speciality Finance

Role Summary

The Operations Leader – Specialty Finance plays a critical role in supporting the operations platform of Nationwide’s Specialty Finance organization. Specialty Finance is a newer business for Nationwide, primarily providing credit protection for large institutional clients such as asset managers and banks. Operational processes span a wide range of activities, including policy data acquisition, premium collection, portfolio monitoring enablement, and claims support.

This role is responsible for designing, managing, and enhancing operational processes that support Specialty Finance products across a variety of asset classes.

• Lead operational processes from premium collection through claims, supporting Specialty Finance products across multiple asset classes while ensuring execution quality, data accuracy, and strong control frameworks.
• Oversee process design, workflow optimization, and product‑ and asset‑class‑specific reporting.
• Monitor operational service levels and performance against defined service expectations.
• Manage a team responsible for daily operations support, including workflow oversight and execution.
• Provide leadership across performance management, training, coaching, and associate development.
• Lead staffing decisions, workflow allocation, and team recognition efforts.
• Serve as a primary liaison with internal and external partners, including technology, Treasury, Investments, Controllership, policy data providers, and other third‑party providers.
• Partner across internal teams to ensure end‑to‑end operational processes run efficiently and align with organizational objectives.
• Oversee operational controls, including FRC controls, internal and external audits, and regulatory requests.
• Identify and assess operational risk and ensure risks are appropriately mitigated or assumed with proper visibility.
• Maintain a strong understanding of risk frameworks and apply them in day‑to‑day responsibilities.
• Collaborate with internal and external technology and business teams to improve and streamline complex operational processes.
• Lead or contribute to strategic initiatives and projects that enhance operational resilience and scalability.

This role reports to the Head of Specialty Finance and is expected to lead a team of operations support staff and/or investment professionals aligned to the business’s operational needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 8 to 12 years of experience in P&C operations, investment operations, fund accounting, or related financial services environments.

• Deep understanding of insurance operational processes.
• Strong understanding of financial concepts, investment products, workflows, and industry best practices.
• Ability to translate current business needs into scalable future‑state operating models.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving operational efficiency and innovation.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to build trust across teams and external partners.
• Broad understanding of investment technology platforms and how to leverage them effectively.

The hired associate must reside within 35 miles of the following location:
Columbus, OH – One Nationwide Plaza, 43215.

Work schedule:

2 days in office, 3 days remote.

This role does not qualify for employer sponsored work authorization. Nationwide does not participate in the STEM OPT extension program.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or an equivalent field. Advanced degree is a plus.

Experience: 8 to 12 years of experience in investment operations, fund accounting, or related financial services experience.

Regularly and consistently demonstrates Nationwide Values.

Overtime Eligibility: Not Eligible (Exempt)

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.

ADA:
The above statements cover what are generally believed to be principal and essential…