MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a global provider of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management with operations in nearly 50 countries and leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.  With 2015 total Operating Revenues of ~$70 billion, MetLife is ranked #39 on the Fortune 500 list and #50 on the Forbes Global 2000 list of the world’s largest public companies.  Globally, the company has ~69,000 employees serving approximately 100 million customers, individuals and businesses, including 90 of the FORTUNE 100®.  MetLife is also one of the largest institutional investors in the U.S. with a $508.2 billion general account portfolio at December 31, 2015.  In 2015, FORTUNE Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Company survey named MetLife #1 in the Life and Health Insurance industry.   

In January 2016, MetLife announced a plan to pursue the separation of a substantial portion of its U.S. Retail segment. The new company, Brighthouse Financial, will be a major U.S. life insurance and annuity company, with $240 billion of total assets and approximately 2.6 million insurance policies and annuity contracts in-force as of June 30, 2016. Brighthouse Financial will serve customers the way they want, need and deserve. It will focus on eliminating the complexity, confusion and cost that can get in the way of many Americans who are seeking financial security. We will bring products to the market that add value to our customers’ lives, and will be guided by a common set of values that focus on the customer and drive accountability.

Brighthouse Financial is seeking high-performing team members who are passionate about the company’s mission.  We are laser-focused on adding value to our customers and minimizing complexity in every decision and action.  We are building high performing teams who set the bar high and hold each other accountable.

   Products, Funds & Investments

The Company is seeking an experienced and motivated individual to join its legal department as an Assistant General Counsel to serve as the lead attorney for the Company’s Investments Unit, which is responsible for overseeing the management of the Company’s $90 billion investment portfolio.

Key Relationships:

Reports to: VP & Associate General Counsel, Products, Funds & Investments

Direct Reports: (1) direct report

Other Key Stakeholders: Head of Global Portfolio Mgmt

Convent Station, NJ

Key Responsibilities:

• The lead attorney’s principal responsibility will be to provide value-added legal counsel to the Company’s Chief Investment Officer and his Investments team.  This will include:
• Reviewing and negotiating investment services and management agreements with third party service providers, and monitoring these providers’ continuing compliance with their contractual obligations to the Company; 
• Ensuring the proper management and continued performance of existing portfolio investments by securing appropriate legal protections for Company assets;
• Determining that the Company’s investment activities are at all times consistent with legal and regulatory requirements as well as with the general and specific authorizations set for the Company by its Board of Directors;
• Advising the Investment teams of the appropriateness of and risks associated with investment opportunities provided by third-party advisers;
• Remaining abreast of all relevant market and regulatory developments impacting the Company’s investments;
• Managing the work of at least one junior attorney; and supervising the use of outside expertise efficiently, judiciously and economically.

Business Knowledge/Technical Skills:

• Juris doctorate from an accredited law school; admitted to practice before a state bar association, preferably New Jersey or New York
• Minimum of 10 years of investments law experience, either with a law firm or in-house Familiarity with financial derivatives products, strategies and documentation
• Excellent independent judgment to balance multiple priorities, including assessing business importance and allocating appropriate resources to achieve desired results; ability to negotiate with seasoned investment professionals by having a thorough understanding of market terms and relevant deal experience
• Strong analytical skills to vet new investment structures and develop practical solutions to complex issues
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to perform independently at a high level with minimal supervision; and the ability to lead work teams and direct projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with insurance company investment transactions, including investments in fixed-maturity securities, such as publicly-traded corporate bonds, private placements, syndicated bank loans, ABS, CMBS and RMBS, as well as commercial mortgage loans and private equity and other alternative investments. 
• Knowledge of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and familiarity with investment management organizations. 
• Familiarity with insurance regulations related to investments. 
• Familiarity with the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.  

Leadership Competencies:

• Creates Partnerships - Authentically builds trusted relationships and collaborates across global, diverse and multi-functional teams to successfully drive business objectives.
   
• Drives Results - Sets aggressive goals and is accountable for continuously driving improved performance, leading change and ensuring high standards.

• Focuses on Customers – Promotes customer centricity and ensures focus on creating great customer experiences to achieve competitive advantage.

MetLife is a proud equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to attracting, retaining, and maximizing the performance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is MetLife's policy to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.

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