Director of Technology Research and Development - Hybrid

At TruStage, we’re on a mission to make a brighter financial future accessible to everyone.  We put people first, and work hand in hand with employees and customers to create a diverse and inclusive environment. Passionate about building insurance and financial services solutions, we push the boundaries of what’s possible. We need you to help us shape what’s next. You’ll be encouraged to share your experiences, ideas and skills to help others take control of their financial future.

Join a team that has received numerous awards for being a top place to work: TruStage awards and recognition

Job Summary:

The Director of Research & Development (R&D) is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing the enterprise R&D strategy to accelerate the discovery, validation, and application of emerging technologies that advance organizational strategy and deliver measurable business outcomes. Reporting to the Vice President of Technology Innovation, this role translates strategic priorities into a research agenda that fuels innovation pipelines, de-risks technology investments, and enables competitive advantage.

Working closely with business leaders, technology teams, and innovation partners, including Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and Innovation Enablement, the Director leads the design and execution of R&D programs, from early-stage exploration to proof-of-concept and pilot deployments. This leader ensures the organization maintains a future-focused perspective, evaluating both near-term opportunities and long-horizon bets.

The Director oversees a multidisciplinary team of researchers, data scientists, engineers, and analysts, fostering a culture of curiosity, rigorous experimentation, and responsible innovation. The ideal candidate combines deep technical fluency with strategic insight, strong stakeholder engagement skills, and the leadership presence to champion R&D literacy, knowledge-sharing, and adoption across the enterprise.

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Define and maintain the enterprise R&D strategy in alignment with business priorities and enterprise innovation objectives.
• Proactively identify and assess emerging technologies, scientific advancements, and market trends with potential to create transformative business value.
• Build a balanced R&D portfolio spanning horizon-one incremental improvements to horizon-three breakthrough innovations.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to align research agendas with strategic goals, regulatory considerations, and customer needs.

Portfolio Management

• Oversee the design, execution, and evaluation of R&D projects, ensuring rigor, scalability, and relevance to business challenges.
• Partner with AI, Automation, Innovation Enablement, and core technology functions to ensure integration and commercialization of R&D outputs.
• Maintain a robust R&D pipeline, tracking progress from exploration to pilot to production.
• Define, track, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) for R&D initiatives.

Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Lead stakeholder engagement efforts to ensure buy-in and alignment on research priorities and outcomes.
• Serve as a visible advocate for R&D, inspiring curiosity and experimentation across the organization.
• Communicate findings and insights in a clear, actionable way for both technical and non-technical audiences.

The above statement of duties is not intended to be all inclusive and other duties will be assigned from time to time.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, design, or related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and/or related professional work experience; advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years leading R&D, product innovation, or emerging technology initiatives in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Proven success in delivering research outcomes that translate into tangible business value.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to partner effectively across business, technology, and governance functions.
• Experience defining and managing R&D portfolios, roadmaps, and KPIs.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex research into business-relevant insights.
• Preferred:
  • Experience in regulated industries such as insurance or financial services.
  • Experience leading research partnerships with universities, startups, or industry consortia.
  • Familiarity with intellectual property management and technology transfer processes.
  • Demonstrated thought leadership in emerging technologies and their business applications.

#LI-SW

If you’re ready to help make a difference, apply today.  A resume is required to apply. TruStage may process applicant information using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool.  This tool automatically generates a screening score based on how well applicant information matches the requirements and qualifications for the position. TruStage recruiters use the screening score as a guide to further evaluate candidates; the score is one component of an application review and does not automatically determine whether a candidate moves forward.  Candidates may choose to opt out of this process.

Compensation may vary based on the job level, your geographic work location, position incentive plan and exemption status.

Base Salary Range:

At TruStage, we believe a sound, inclusive benefits program is of vital importance, along with a flexible workplace that allows for work-life balance, career growth and retirement assistance. In addition to your base pay, your position may be eligible for an annual incentive (bonus) plan.  Additional benefits available to eligible employees include medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, life insurance, disability plans, parental leave, paid time off, 401k, and tuition reimbursement, just to name a few. Beyond pay and benefits, we also recognize that flexibility, including working in a place you prefer, is essential to caring for our employees.  We will continue to strive to offer flexibility and invest in technology and other tools that will make hybrid working normal rather than an exception, so that when “life happens,” you can focus on what’s most important.

Accommodation request

TruStage is a place where everyone can bring their best self and thrive. If you need application or interview process accommodations, please contact the accessibility department.