Why Join Guardian Life?

Join Guardian Life, a premier mutual insurance company with a legacy of over 160 years, committed to protecting the financial security of millions of Americans. Our Law Department serves as trusted advocates and advisors, driving strategic solutions that advance our purpose, priorities, and values. As Assistant General Counsel, Legal Vendor Contracting, you'll be part of the innovative Corporate Initiatives & Transactions (CIT) team, tackling high-impact enterprise-wide projects in a collaborative, dynamic environment. Located in the heart of New York, enjoy a culture that values integrity, inclusion, and professional growth while contributing to strategic vendor contracting and corporate transactions that shape our future.

Role Description

The Guardian Law Department seeks a talented Assistant General Counsel, Legal Vendor Contracting, Corporate Transactions to report to the Assistant General Counsel, Corporate Initiatives & Transactions (CIT), and Head of Legal Vendor Contracting. This role focuses on negotiating, executing, and providing expert legal guidance on enterprise-wide strategic vendor contracting and sourcing initiatives. The CIT Team is a multidisciplinary legal practice group handling mergers/acquisitions/dispositions, vendor contracting and outsourcing, strategic investments, capital market transactions, reinsurance, corporate real estate, facilities, and investment-related transactions.

Operating with significant autonomy, you'll lead the Legal Vendor Contracting team within CIT, delivering legal advice on complex vendor and outsourcing matters that intersect with Guardian's key strategic priorities. If you're a seasoned transactional lawyer passionate about financial services, insurance, and cutting-edge AI-driven contract solutions, this New York-based role offers unparalleled opportunities for impact.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal counsel to senior-level internal business clients on significant vendor contracting transactions, including drafting and negotiating Master Services Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), SaaS, cloud and technology agreements, outsourcing and managed services agreements, and professional services, recruiting, and consulting contracts.
• Lead multidisciplinary transaction teams to deliver exceptional results on complex deals.
• Collaborate closely with Guardian’s sourcing and procurement function to negotiate and execute intricate vendor contracting transactions, outsourcing arrangements, and strategic third-party relationships, balancing risk, speed, and business objectives.
• Strategize and implement Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) AI solutions in partnership with the Head of Legal Vendor Contracting and Legal Operations function.
• Stay abreast of relevant industry trends, technology changes, and best practices to inform legal strategy and decision-making.
• Escalate judgment calls and risks appropriately while operating independently on day-to-day matters.
• Champion team leadership by setting performance expectations, providing feedback, coaching, recognition, and driving career development.
• Foster engagement through inclusion, cascading communications, and actioning feedback from surveys.

Required Skills

Thrive in a fast-paced environment with these essential skills:

• Excellent legal and business judgment with a track record of superior results.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Superior communication skills, both verbal and written, for executive interactions.
• Demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary teams and complex projects.
• Proactive strategic thinking, thought leadership, and initiative.
• High integrity in handling confidential information.
• Ability to prioritize, adapt, and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Interpersonal effectiveness to inspire, motivate, and influence stakeholders.

Education & Experience

• J.D. required with New York bar admission.
• 8-10+ years of progressively responsible transactional experience in a law firm or in-house legal department, focusing on commercial, technology, or outsourcing transactions.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating complex vendor and services agreements.
• Experience in financial services, insurance, or regulated industries preferred; knowledge of AI initiatives a plus.
• Proven confidence advising and presenting to executive management.

Compensation Overview

Competitive base salary range: $178,690 - $293,560, commensurate with experience. Total compensation includes performance-based incentives, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with low employee premiums.
• Generous 401(k) match and pension plan for retirement security.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and parental leave.
• Professional development programs, tuition reimbursement, and leadership training.
• Hybrid work flexibility in our modern New York office.
• Wellness programs, employee assistance, and inclusive DEI initiatives.
• Volunteer opportunities and community impact programs aligned with Guardian's values.

Guardian Life is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Apply today to advance your career in legal vendor contracting at a leading insurance firm!