Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc. (SGA) is searching for a Market Research Associate for a full-time opportunity with a top-tier global investment and insurance platform. This role can be based in Hartford, CT; Des Moines, IA; or Wayne, PA.
This position sits within the Individual Markets business and is a high-visibility role at the intersection of product, distribution, and strategy. It's an ideal fit for someone who understands annuity products and can translate market intelligence into clear, actionable insights that drive business decisions.This is not a back-office research role. This person will serve as a go-to resource across the organization for competitive intelligence, product positioning, and market trends, partnering closely with product, sales, and strategy teams to influence how products are positioned and brought to market.
What you'll be doing
• Own competitive intelligence across the annuity and retirement product landscape
• Monitor competitor filings, product updates, and go-to-market strategies
• Translate complex market data into clear, usable insights for sales, product, and leadership teams
• Build and deliver presentations used across the business (including national-level audiences)
• Partner cross-functionally with product, distribution, and marketing teams
• Identify emerging trends and shifts in the insurance and retirement markets
• Act as a subject matter resource on competitor positioning and sales strategy
What we're looking for
• Strong knowledge of annuity and/or retirement products (this is a must-have)
• Experience in competitive intelligence, market research, product strategy, or similar within financial services
• Ability to synthesize data and communicate it clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail with a natural curiosity about market dynamics
• Comfortable presenting to broader teams and senior stakeholders
Nice to have (but not required)
• Industry licenses (Series 6, 7, 63; Life/Health) or willingness to obtain
• Exposure to product development, distribution strategy, or sales enablement
• Background in insurance carriers, asset managers, or retirement platforms
Experience
• Typically 5–10 years in financial services with a focus on market research, competitive intelligence, or product strategy