Pacific Life

Sr. Project Manager I

Newport Beach CA-700 Full time

Job Description:

Providing for loved ones, planning rewarding retirements, saving enough for whatever lies ahead – our policyholders count on us to be there when it matters most. It’s a big ask, but it’s one that we have the power to deliver when we work together. We collaborate and innovate – pushing one another to transform not just Pacific Life, but the entire industry for the better. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do. Pacific Life is more than a job, it’s a career with purpose. It’s a career where you have the support, balance, and resources to make a positive impact on the future – including your own.


We’re seeking a Senior Project Manager I to lead and support strategic and operational initiatives across the organization. This role requires a strong communicator with a strategic mindset who can anticipate risks, understand business impacts, and coordinate effectively across teams to ensure seamless implementation of new initiatives.  This is a new role on a team of project portfolio management professionals within Pacific Life Investments (PLI) in Newport Beach, CA.


How you’ll help move us forward:

  • Lead end-to-end delivery of complex, cross-functional projects from planning through implementation.

  • Drive the operational onboarding of new third-party investment managers in collaboration with investments, operations, legal, finance, and technology teams.

  • Apply a strategic lens to project execution by anticipating risks, identifying upstream and downstream impacts, and proactively addressing dependencies.

  • Communicate clearly and professionally with stakeholders at all levels, ensuring alignment, transparency, and informed decision-making.

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners to support collaboration and successful outcomes.

  • Develop and maintain project plans, governance materials, and status reporting to keep initiatives on track.

  • Facilitate project meetings, resolve challenges, and escalate issues when appropriate to maintain momentum.

  • Support change management and organizational readiness as new capabilities are implemented.

  • Encourage thoughtful problem-solving and adoption of new technologies (e.g. AI) or methodologies that improve delivery.

The experience you bring:

  • 7+ years of project leadership experience managing complex, cross-functional initiatives.

  • Must possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, exhibit poise and exercise diplomacy in communication.

  • Mission-driven self-starter who is comfortable with ambiguity, and who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative culture.

  • Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence consensus and decision-making.

  • Strong business acumen and the ability to assess organizational impacts of new initiatives.

  • Demonstrated ability to anticipate risks, manage dependencies, and proactively solve problems.

  • Highly organized with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment.

  • Demonstrates advanced proficiency in Microsoft productivity solutions, including Copilot, OneNote, Teams, SharePoint, Project, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as additional project management tools such as Planview and Smartsheet.

  • Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field.

What makes you stand out:

  • Experience supporting investment manager onboarding or private asset operations.

  • Ability to operate effectively between strategy and execution, translating complex initiatives into actionable plans.

  • Strong relationship-building skills and comfort working across diverse stakeholder groups.

  • Experience identifying and implementing innovative or technology-enabled solutions (e.g., AI).

  • PMP certification or other relevant project management credential.

You can be who you are.

People come first here. We’re committed to an inclusive workforce. Learn more about how we create a welcoming work environment at www.pacificlife.com. What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife. 

#LI-AJ1

Base Pay Range:

The base pay range noted represents the company’s good faith minimum and maximum range for this role at the time of posting. The actual compensation offered to a candidate will be dependent upon several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications and geographic location. Also, most employees are eligible for additional incentive pay.

$137,610.00 - $168,190.00

Your Benefits Start Day 1  
 

Your wellbeing is important to Pacific Life, and we’re committed to providing you with flexible benefits that you can tailor to meet your needs. Whether you are focusing on your physical, financial, emotional, or social wellbeing, we’ve got you covered.

  • Prioritization of your health and well-being including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Wellbeing Reimbursement Account that can be used on yourself or your eligible dependents

  • Generous paid time off options including: Paid Time Off, Holiday Schedules, and Financial Planning Time Off

  • Paid Parental Leave as well as an Adoption Assistance Program

  • Competitive 401k savings plan with company match and an additional contribution regardless of participation

You Can Be Who You Are

We are committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion that embraces the authenticity of all employees, partners and communities. We support all employees to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

What’s life like at Pacific Life? Visit Instagram.com/lifeatpacificlife

EEO Statement:

Pacific Life Insurance Company is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/D/V. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Human Resources Representative at Pacific Life Insurance Company.