Sr Manager, IT Operations

As a Sr. Manager, IT Operations , you will lead enterprise ITSM, DevOps tooling, and service reliability initiatives, overseeing operational platforms and practices across infrastructure and application teams. You will drive modernization and automation efforts, improve reliability at scale, and help build the foundation for a future SRE model.

What you will do

• Lead and develop teams across ITSM operations and DevOps tooling capabilities

• Set operational priorities, service standards, and drive continuous improvement

• Foster cross-functional collaboration across infrastructure, cloud, engineering, and security teams

• Oversee ITSM processes (Incident, Problem, Change, Release, CMDB) and ensure governance and audit readiness

• Modernize ITSM through automation, workflow optimization, and platform enhancements

• Lead DevOps tooling strategy, including CI/CD, automation frameworks, and platform standardization

• Partner with engineering teams to improve deployment automation and operational efficiency

• Establish reliability practices (monitoring, observability, alerting, incident response)

• Drive reduction of operational toil through automation and process improvement

• Define and track service reliability metrics and operational targets

• Mentor and grow team members while promoting a culture of accountability and excellence

• Support and implement a roadmap toward SRE and modern reliability engineering practices, All newly hired people leaders with direct reports are required to complete a comprehensive leadership development program within their first year. This program includes both virtual and in-person training. The in-person sessions will take place at Symetra's corporate headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. Symetra covers all travel and accommodation expenses.

• Reasonable Accommodations Symetra is committed to providing equitable access to all job-related responsibilities, including required travel. If reasonable accommodation is needed for travel, Symetra's HR department will work to provide appropriate solutions in alignment with individual needs and company policies., Employer work visa sponsorship and support are not provided for this role. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at hire and must maintain authorization to work in the United States throughout their employment with our company. Please review Symetra's Remote Network Minimum Requirements: As a remote-first organization committed to providing a positive experience for both employees and customers, Symetra has the following standards for employees' internet connection:

• Minimum Internet Speed:100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload, in alignment with the FCC's definition of "broadband."

• Internet Type:Fiber, Cable (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum), or DSL.

• Not Permissible:Satellite (e.g., Starlink), cellular broadband (hotspot or otherwise), any other wireless technology, or wired dial-up.

When applying to jobs at Symetra you'll be asked to test your internet speed and confirm that your internet connection meets or exceeds Symetra's standard as outlined above. Identity Verification Symetra is committed to fair and secure hiring practices. For all roles, candidates will be required (after the initial phone screen) to be on video for all interviews. Symetra will take affirmative steps at key points in the process to verify that a candidate is not seeking employment fraudulently, e.g. through use of a false identity. Failure to comply with verification procedures may result in:

• Disqualification from the recruitment process
• Withdrawal of a job offer
• Termination of employment and other criminal and/or civil remedies, if fraud is discovered

Do you have experience in Workflow management (operations management method)?, Do you have a High school diploma or GED?, * High School Diploma is required, plus a Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

• 9-12+ years of relevant experience in IT operations, ITSM, DevOps, or related fields
• Proven leader with experience managing IT operations, ITSM, or DevOps teams
• Strong understanding of ITSM frameworks (e.g., Incident, Change, Problem Management)
• Hands-on knowledge of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and operational tooling
• Experience driving automation and improving operational efficiency at scale
• Familiarity with cloud platforms, infrastructure, and modern application environments
• Deep understanding of service reliability, observability, and incident management practices
• Strategic problem solver with the ability to modernize operations and implement guidelines
• Skilled at building cross-functional partnerships and influencing partners
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities in complex environments
• Effective communicator with the ability to translate technical concepts for diverse audiences
• Passion for continuous improvement and building a culture of accountability and excellence
• Some minimal annual travel may be required (for people manager roles only)

Pulled from the full job description

• Paid holidays, We don't take a "one-size-fits-all" approach when it comes to our employees. Our programs are designed to make your life better both at work and at home.
• Flexible full-time or hybrid telecommuting arrangements
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) plan and take advantage of immediate vesting and company matching up to 6%
• Paid time away including vacation and sick time, flex days and ten paid holidays
• Give back to your community and double your impact through our company matching
• Want more details? Check out our Symetra Benefits Overview, Salary Range: $141,600 - $236,000 base plus eligibility for the company annual bonus program.

Why Work at Symetra Here's what some of our employees have to say about why they work at Symetra: "We're big enough to make an impact on the country, but small enough to care and know who you are and what you're contributing to the organization. All new ideas are welcome!" - Stephanie F., VP Customer Service & Operations "From day one, I felt welcomed and encouraged to bring my full self to work. Symetra truly lives up to its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-it's more than just words here; it's part of the culture." - Whitney T., Talent Development, At Symetra, we aspire to be the most inclusive insurance company in the country. We're building a place where every employee feels valued, respected, and has opportunities to contribute. Inclusion is about recognizing our assumptions, considering multiple perspective, and removing barriers. We accept and celebrate diverse experiences, identities, and perspectives, because lifting each other up fuels thought and builds a stronger, more innovative company. We invite you to learn more about our efforts here. Creating a world where more people have access to financial freedom Symetra is a national financial services company dedicated to helping people achieve their financial goals and feel confident about the future. In our daily work, we're guided by the principles of Value, Transparency and Sustainability. This means we provide products and services people need at a competitive price, we communicate clearly and openly so people understand what they're buying, and we design products-and operate our company-to stand the test of time. We're committed to showing up for our communities, lifting up our employees, and standing up for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Join our team and help us create a world where more people have access to financial freedom.