VP - Enterprise Compliance Technology Solutions

Northwestern Mutual

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Administrative Skills, Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Brokerage, Business Strategy, Consulting, Data Analysis, Data Processing, Data Quality, Data Science, Documentation, Emerging Technology, Establish Priorities, Insurance, Insurance Regulations, Investment Services, Leadership, Life Insurance, Machine Learning, Maintain Compliance, Metrics, Monitor Regulations, National Sales, Office Management, Operational Improvement, Operational Strategy, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Regulatory Requirements, Retail Sales, Risk, Risk Management, Sales, Securities, Series 7, Social Media, Strategic Analysis, Strategic Planning, Surveillance, System Test, Systems Administration/Management, Systems Analysis, Team Building, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Strategy, Test Plan/Schedule, Test Strategy, Wealth Management
LOCATION
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
POSTED
4 days ago

Summary:


The VP – Enterprise Compliance Technology Solutions leads the development and execution of a multi-year technology strategy for the Enterprise Compliance function, leveraging advancements in AI and machine learning to enhance efficiency and proactive risk management.

The individual in this role provides expertise on how emerging technologies can impact regulatory compliance and represents the department in industry groups focused on compliance and technology. This includes overseeing the Compliance Systems Management (CSM) division, which is responsible for the strategy and effectiveness of compliance surveillance systems, data analytics programs, and regulatory monitoring processes. Ensuring data governance and the strategic application of analytics to enhance decision-making and risk management are also key responsibilities. 

In addition, the role oversees the Technology Governance & Regulatory (TGR) team, which is responsible for providing expert consulting on compliant use of technology for all enterprise stakeholders in field and home office, maintaining the electronic communications and social media compliance programs, and has accountability for the governance, risk and compliance technology capabilities for the compliance programs. 
 

Job Responsibilities/Skills for the Role:

  • Develops and leads the Enterprise Compliance Department’s strategic technology strategy, aligning department initiatives and the technology portfolio with enterprise strategy, initiatives, and business goals. Maintains strong relationships with business, risk, technology, and data partners, leads assigned divisions and teams, and fosters a culture of compliance through strategy, operations, and enterprise partnership.

  • Drives the integration of advanced technologies—including AI, machine learning, and workflow automation—into compliance operations to improve efficiency, agility, and proactive risk management. Provides expert guidance on the regulatory impact of emerging technologies, represents Compliance in industry groups, and translates technology and regulatory trends into actionable guidance.

  • Owns the design, development, and effectiveness of the enterprise’s compliance surveillance systems and data analytics programs, and directs monitoring, surveillance, and analytics strategy to ensure subject matter experts retain technical/product knowledge, prioritize enhancements, and measure value. Collaborates with data scientists, engineers, and product teams to implement the technology portfolio strategy and determine regulatory monitoring requirements across the life insurance company and regulated subsidiaries.

  • Develops and owns the department’s data analytics and Data Governance strategies, ensuring data quality, documentation, lineage, and controls. Identifies analytics-driven insights to advance company strategy, proactively manage risk, and increase consistency and data quality across Compliance, while building the team’s analytics expertise and digital fluency.

  • Leads interdepartmental initiatives to address sales practices, monitoring needs and delivers monitoring processes to support home office supervision and field management. Develops the compliance testing strategy and operating plan for transaction surveillance systems, leads testing teams, operationalizes proof‑of‑concepts into ongoing testing, and applies outcomes to enhance architecture, rules, and data sourcing.

  • Leads the Technology Governance & Regulatory (TGR) team and the Compliance by Design (CbD) process to integrate compliance requirements into Authorization to Operate (ATO) protocols. Advises on technology investments and third‑party vendor reviews, oversees e‑communications, social media, and books & records compliance, and owns GRC technology capabilities while collaborating to mature enterprise GRC instances and integrations.


Qualifications:
 

  • A Bachelor’s degree (preferably with emphasis in broker dealer compliance) or equivalent experience and a minimum of 10 years of progressive compliance, supervision, technology or distribution leadership

  • Apply exceptional technical and analytical capabilities to use data and metrics for decision-making and builds multiyear technology roadmaps and successful partnerships with technology vendors.

  • Demonstrate strong organizational leadership and the ability to cultivate relationships and influence at all levels.

  • Experience in the investment, variable insurance, securities, or wealth management industry, including work with a national retail sales organization. (Preferred)

  • Possess thorough knowledge of federal and state securities and insurance regulations and regulatory expectations for broker dealers and advisory practices, and demonstrates strong strategic thinking, risk management, and decision-making skills. (Preferred)

  

  • Communicate complex compliance matters clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences, leads complex compliance programs and teams, and cultivates strong relationships across all levels of the organization.

  • Series 7 and 24 licenses (Preferred)

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$196,000.00

Pay Range - End:

$294,000.00

This role is eligible for additional short-term and long-term incentive compensation.


We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.


Grow your career with a best-in-class company that puts our clients' interests at the center of all we do. Get started now!


Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes talented individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.

About the Company

N

Northwestern Mutual

Who We Are

What we believe.

We believe relationships are built on trust. That our lives and our work matter. And that doing what’s right is good for everyone — our clients, our employees, our financial representatives and our communities.
These beliefs launched our company nearly 160 years ago. Today, they’re just a few of the reasons why people choose to build careers at Northwestern Mutual.

We’re known for our financial strength.

That means we’ll be here for the millions of people who are counting on us—our clients, our employees, our financial representatives and our communities.

We care.

We make a positive difference in our communities. Nationally, thousands have benefited from our support of research and programs to fight childhood cancer. Each year, our Foundation, employees and financial representatives donate time, talent and financial support to causes they’re passionate about.


Why Work Here

We’re strong and growing.

In a company with such a long and storied history, this may be the most exciting and important time to be a part of Northwestern Mutual. We’re strong, innovative and growing. And we want you to grow with us.

We invest in our people.

We provide opportunities for employees to grow themselves, their careers, and, in turn, our business. Movement around the company is encouraged and we help our people build meaningful, long-term careers.

Be part of building our future.

We’re expanding our campus in downtown Milwaukee overlooking Lake Michigan. The Northwestern Mutual Tower and Commons will include a state-of-the-art employee Learning Institute, and will feature a natural light-filled, 21st century work environment. This signature development reinforces our commitment to job growth, attracting top talent and drawing new business to Milwaukee.

Enjoy Milwaukee.

Located on beautiful Lake Michigan, Milwaukee offers a perfect balance of big city and small town living. Home to Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, Milwaukee has a thriving music scene, a celebrated annual film festival and vibrant performing arts community. Professional sports teams include the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks and other major teams. And outdoor family fun is easy here. An extensive urban bike path network links our lakefront parks, beaches and other recreational hotspots.


Our Culture

We are always evolving.

At Northwestern Mutual, our employees, and our business, are always evolving. We are agile and continuously learning and improving. We have a work environment that empowers problem solving and encourages innovation—you will make an impact here.

We do what’s right.

Our “do-what’s-right” value is pervasive. We ask ourselves: “Is this in the best interest of our clients? Our employees? Our financial representatives?” Acting on this value improves our clients’ experience, and makes Northwestern Mutual a better place to work.

We recognize and develop possibilities in our people.

Onsite training and leadership development programs help employees succeed and grow. We also sponsor learning opportunities outside the company to help employees stay current in their fields, network with peers and gain external perspective.

Diversity makes us better.

We believe diversity and inclusion cultivate creativity, innovation and a better experience for our clients. That’s why we recruit and grow people who bring unique perspectives, ideas, beliefs and cultural backgrounds.

COMPANY SIZE
5,000 to 9,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Financial Services
FOUNDED
1857
WEBSITE
https://www.northwesternmutual.com/