Head of Business Transformation

Location: New York, United States

Reporting to the Head of Client Solutions & Wealth Management (CSWM), the Head of Business Transformation is a strategic executive leader at Guardian Life responsible for delivering transformative initiatives and serving as a senior advisor on the CSWM leadership team. As the key knowledge carrier for large-scale transformational programs, you will provide a robust transformation framework to boost executional performance, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. This role demands a passion for driving decisions forward and maintaining momentum across complex, multi-dimensional programs in the dynamic financial services landscape.

Guardian Life is at the forefront of innovation in life insurance and wealth management, facing exciting challenges like implementing a cutting-edge producer platform and executing new operating model solutions critical to CSWM business growth. Far beyond program administration, this role positions you as an agent of change, innovator, and forward-thinking strategist shaping the future of our organization.

Why Join Guardian Life?

At Guardian Life, we inspire well-being through our purpose-driven culture, fostering professional growth, diversity, and community impact. Join a company with 160+ years of stability, high ethical standards, and a commitment to employee success. As Head of Business Transformation, you'll lead high-impact initiatives in a collaborative environment, supported by flexible work options, comprehensive skill-building programs, leadership development, and philanthropic opportunities. Be part of a diverse team driving innovation in life insurance, wealth management, and financial services—where your expertise will create lasting customer value and career advancement.

Role Description

The Head of Business Transformation oversees strategic transformation at Guardian Life's CSWM division, championing large-scale initiatives like platform migrations, AI portfolios, and operating model redesigns. You'll ensure seamless execution, adoption, and measurable outcomes while navigating regulated environments. This executive role blends strategic vision with hands-on program delivery, influencing senior stakeholders and building high-performing teams to propel business growth.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Oversee large-scale transformation initiatives, including platform migrations, process redesign, and strategic portfolio management in financial services.
• Lead and launch high-priority strategic initiatives, such as the CSWM AI portfolio, collaborating with senior executives and stakeholders.
• Monitor execution to ensure adoption, minimize disruption, and deliver measurable business outcomes like revenue growth and efficiency gains.
• Provide strategic input into business planning, ensuring project teams are optimally resourced for success.
• Lead the Business Transformation Operating Model (BTOM) for CSWM, partnering with Digital & Technology (D&T) to realize benefits and clarify roles.
• Execute planning, prioritization, and delivery of the CSWM portfolio, managing scope, interdependencies, risks, and issues.
• Operate effective program structures with planning and execution controls to mitigate risks and manage issues.
• Efficiently allocate financial and human resources within programs.
• Drive organizational readiness and change management to foster adoption across Field and Home Office teams.

Required Skills

You are a strategic thinker connecting operations to customer value, a change agent inspiring innovation, and an agile leader experienced in financial services transformations. Key skills include:

• Strategic transformation leadership
• Large-scale program and project management
• Change management and organizational readiness
• Stakeholder influence in matrixed organizations
• Data-driven decision-making with KPIs and dashboards
• AI and digital platform expertise
• Risk mitigation and compliance knowledge
• Team building and culture development

Education & Experience

• 15+ years in large, complex transformational programs or enterprise system delivery, preferably in life insurance or financial services.
• Proven track record leading transformations in regulated environments.
• Strong understanding of digital platforms, compliance, fraud risk, and regulatory requirements.
• History of building cross-functional teams and developing leaders.
• Comfort navigating matrixed organizations and influencing executives.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, etc.) preferred.

Compensation Overview

Competitive base salary reflective of experience, plus performance incentives, bonus potential, and equity opportunities.

Benefits

Guardian Life offers exceptional benefits to support your well-being:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Flexible work arrangements and hybrid options
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement
• Paid parental leave and family support programs
• Wellness programs, gym reimbursements, and mental health resources
• Volunteer time off and community involvement opportunities
• Generous PTO and holiday schedule

Join Guardian Life as Head of Business Transformation and lead the future of wealth management innovation. Apply today to inspire well-being and drive transformative impact!