AI Workflow Optimization Lead at Horace Mann in Remote

Title: AI Workflow Optimization Lead Location: Remote Position Summary Leads the design and optimization of AI-enabled business workflows across key functions such as underwriting, claims, and servicing. This role drives process transformation by identifying AI opportunities, defining requirements, and ensuring measurable improvements in efficiency, cost, and performance. Requirements & Workflow Definition Translate business problems into detailed functional and non-functional requirements for AI-enabled solutions Define workflow components including inputs, outputs, decision logic, exception handling, escalation paths, and control mechanisms Establish human + AI interaction models including decision support vs. automation, confidence thresholds, review processes, and override rules Partner with Product, Engineering, and Data Science teams to ensure requirements are complete, testable, and aligned to implementation capabilities Data Definition & Readiness Define and document data requirements for AI-enabled workflows, including sourcing, structure, lineage, and usage Assess data availability, completeness, and fitness for purpose in partnership with data and technology teams Identify and prioritize data gaps, enrichment opportunities, and remediation actions required to support AI solutions Ensure alignment with data governance, privacy, and regulatory requirements Support definition of training, validation, and monitoring datasets in collaboration with Data Science Process Improvement & Value Realization Support development of business cases, including value drivers, ROI assumptions, and expected operational impact Identify risks, dependencies, and constraints impacting AI workflow implementation and performance AI Performance & Continuous Optimization Define and implement AI Control Plans including performance metrics, thresholds, monitoring requirements, and escalation protocols Aggregate and synthesize performance metrics across model, system, and operational layers (e.g., model accuracy, system reliability, workflow throughput, exception rates) Translate technical and operational performance into business insights and measurable impact Identify performance gaps and drive continuous optimization of AI-enabled workflows, including threshold tuning, workflow redesign, and human-in-the-loop adjustments Ensure data quality and data drift considerations are incorporated into ongoing performance evaluation Leadership & Collaboration Serve as a bridge between business, product, data, and technology teams to align on AI workflow design and execution Facilitate workshops and working sessions to drive alignment on process design, requirements, and AI use cases Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including senior and executive leadership Define and standardize AI discovery frameworks, workflow design approaches, and performance measurement practices across the organization Mentor and guide less experienced team members or project resources as needed Requirements 7+ years of experience in process improvement, operations, product, or transformation roles. Experience with AI, analytics, or automation initiatives. Strong understanding of business processes (insurance experience preferred). Knowledge of data structures, data quality, and workflow dependencies. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills. Lean/Six Sigma experience preferred. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Periodic travel may be required Ongoing education in AI, data, and process improvement methodologies required Salary Range: $105,200.00 - $147,950.00 Salary is commensurate to experience, location, etc. Horace Mann was founded in 1945 by two Springfield, Illinois, teachers who saw a need for quality, affordable auto insurance for teachers. Since then, we’ve broadened our mission to helping all educators protect what they have today and prepare for a successful tomorrow.  And with our broadened mission has come corporate growth:  We serve more than 4,100 school districts nationwide, we’re publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: HMN) and we have more than $12 billion in assets. We’re motivated by the fact that educators take care of our children’s future, and we believe they deserve someone to look after theirs.  We help educators identify their financial goals and develop plans to achieve them.  This includes insurance to protect what they have today and financial products to help them prepare for their future. Our tailored offerings include special rates and benefits for educators. EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status For applicants that are California residents, please review our California Consumer Privacy Notice All applicants should review our Horace Mann Privacy Policy