Derivative Lead Analyst / Analyst II - Portfolio Management

The work we do has an impact on millions of lives, and you can be a part of it.We help protect our customers against life’s uncertainties. Regardless of where you work within the company, you’ll be helping provide protection and peace of mind when our customers need it most.The Derivative Analyst II or Lead Analyst plays a key role on the Derivatives team, supporting portfolio management and risk management for insurance liabilities. This position is ideal for a quantitatively minded professional with strong capital markets and technical skills who is interested in building, maintaining, and improving derivative hedging models and systems. The role offers exposure to senior leadership, hands-on analytical responsibility, and the opportunity to grow into direct portfolio ownership over time.Key ResponsibilitiesSupport derivative hedging programs across variable annuity (VA), fixed indexed annuity (FIA), and other insurance productsDevelop expertise in derivatives capital markets, including the design and execution of hedging strategiesBuild, modify, and maintain models and systems used for portfolio management and risk managementCollaborate with Derivatives, IT, Risk, and Middle Office teams to ensure effective system design and operationPerform ad hoc research and analysis in support of hedging and portfolio decisionsProvide data, analysis, and reporting to internal stakeholders as neededInterpret internal and external issues and recommend solutions or best practicesCommunicate analysis and results to senior staff and leadershipParticipate in training, professional development, and ongoing learning related to derivatives, capital markets, and technologyContribute to project-based work supporting enhancements to models, systems, and processesCore Competencies Derivatives & Capital Markets AnalysisFoundational understanding of derivatives, capital markets, and hedging strategies Ability to support the design, execution, and monitoring of derivative hedging programsUnderstanding of the interaction between market risk, insurance liabilities, and portfolio outcomesFinancial Modeling & Quantitative Analytics Experience working with financial, quantitative, or actuarial modelsAbility to run, interpret, and troubleshoot models supporting portfolio and risk managementExperience performing scenario, sensitivity, and ad hoc analysis to support decision-makingPortfolio & Hedging Program Support Support ongoing hedging programs across multiple products, including VA and FIAAbility to provide timely data, analysis, and reporting to Risk, Middle Office, and other partnersComfort supporting day-to-day portfolio management activities and special projectsTechnology, Tools & SystemsExperience working within a modeling or analytics technology stackCoding experience with Python and SQL preferred; exposure to C++, C#, R, or similar languages a plusAbility to maintain and enhance systems used for portfolio management and hedging operationsCommunication & CollaborationClear written and verbal communication skillsAbility to communicate complex analytical results to senior leaders and key stakeholdersComfortable collaborating across teams including Derivatives, IT, Risk, and Middle OfficeProfessional EffectivenessStrong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and sound judgmentAbility to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced, team-oriented environmentIntellectual curiosity, willingness to learn, and proactive approach to problem solvingMinimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative or technical discipline such as finance, mathematics, engineering, actuarial science, computer science, or a related field. Experience with analytics or modeling, preferably in a financial, derivatives, quantitative, or actuarial context. Demonstrated interest in capital markets and risk management. Strong communication skills and a collaborative working style. Ability to work in an in-office environment. Preferred QualificationsAdvanced degree (MS, MBA, etc). Experience with asset management, capital markets, or derivatives modeling. Actuarial science background or actuarial designation. Understanding of fixed income securities, derivatives, insurance liabilities, and risk management. Coding experience, preferably in Python and SQL; experience with C++, C#, R, or similar languages is highly preferred. Experience working with or supporting senior leadership. Interest in progressing toward portfolio ownership and broader investment responsibility over time. The internal job title for this role is Associate II OR Lead Associate Portfolio Management & Trading. Leveling is determined by the hiring manager based on competency, education, and relevant experience.Employee Benefits:We aim to protect the wellbeing of our employees and their families with a broad benefits offering. In addition to offering comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance, we support emotional wellbeing through mental health benefits and an employee assistance program. Work/life balance is important and Protective offers a variety of paid time away benefits (e.g., paid time off, paid parental leave, short-term disability, and a cultural observance day). The financial health of our employees is just as important as physical and emotional health. Some of the financial wellbeing benefits include contributions to healthcare accounts, a pension plan, and a 401(k) plan with Company matching. All employees are encouraged to protect their overall wellbeing by engaging in ProHealth Rewards, Protective’s platform to improve wellbeing while earning cash rewards.Eligibility for certain benefits may vary by position in accordance with the terms of the Company’s benefit plans.Accommodations for Applicants with a Disability:If you require an accommodation to complete the application and recruitment process due to a disability, please email eric.hess@protective.com. This information will be held in confidence and used only to determine an appropriate accommodation for the application and recruitment process.Please note that the above email is solely for individuals with disabilities requesting an accommodation. General employment questions should not be sent through this process.We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to being inclusive and attracting, retaining, and growing an inclusive workforce.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.Protective’s targeted salary range for this position is $79,500-$120,000. Actual salaries may vary depending on factors, including but not limited to, job location, skills, and experience. The range listed is just one component of Protective’s total compensation package for employees. At the Lead Analyst (P34) level, this position also offers additional incentive opportunities through an annual incentive based on individual and Company performance.