Head of Data Architecture at Guardian Life

Why Join Guardian Life?

At Guardian Life, we believe in a culture where “People Count,” “We Do the Right Thing,” and “We Hold Ourselves to Very High Standards.” As a leading insurance company, we're on a transformation journey to build a more contemporary organization powered by innovative data solutions. Join our collaborative Enterprise Data Technology team in Holmdel, United States, and lead the charge in crafting Guardian's data architecture vision. Be part of a forward-thinking environment that values problem-solvers who dive deep into data, architect flexible solutions, and drive enterprise-wide innovation. With a commitment to high-quality, consistent data access for all authorized users and applications, Guardian offers unparalleled opportunities for impact in the insurance industry.

Role Description

Guardian Life is seeking a visionary Head of Data Architecture to establish and maintain an adaptable data infrastructure. In this leadership role, you'll assist in designing, developing, and implementing enterprise-level data integrations using focused software development methodologies and cutting-edge technologies. Work closely with IT and business leaders to embed the Enterprise Data Strategy into transformational roadmaps, ensuring principles of Data Governance, Data Management, Data Analytics, and Architecture are realized. As a self-starter fueled by collaboration, you'll transform conceptual designs into reliable, scalable processes that exceed customer needs, upholding Guardian’s core values.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Lead the development of Guardian's data architecture vision and roadmap to drive innovation and modernization in our insurance transformation journey.
• Work with agile teams to deliver and evolve data platform services, including multi-platform architectures focused on standards, growth, performance, flexibility, reliability, scalability, and security.
• Collaborate with IT, business partners, and cross-functional teams to convert functional specifications into flexible, scalable solution designs.
• Perform data analysis including profiling, data dictionary creation, transformation rules, and integration requirements.
• Develop, document, and maintain logical and physical data models for supported applications.
• Coordinate data integration efforts across organizations and apply data standardization policies.
• Establish and maintain quality, supportability, and performance of all data processes.
• Participate in QA and UAT by reviewing test plans, attending meetings, and providing documentation.
• Design, build, and optimize data pipelines and architecture for large-scale data warehouses, data lakes, and data lakehouses.
• Champion real-time and Change Data Capture (CDC) data pipelines, ETL concepts using tools like Informatica, Syncsort, and Fivetran.
• Innovate with next-generation solutions for data challenges, bridging business and technology gaps.

Required Skills

Excel as a technical leader with expertise in modern data ecosystems. Key skills include deep knowledge of vendor SaaS integrations, RDBMS, NoSQL databases, and Databricks; cloud data services like Redshift, RDS, Snowflake; hands-on data pipeline design; ETL/ELT proficiency; data sourcing, profiling, mapping, and analysis; strong SQL/PL/SQL; and real-time/CDC implementations.

Education & Experience

• 15+ years of IT data engineering and architecture experience, with 10+ years leading data teams.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
• Proven track record in enterprise data strategy, governance, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Expertise in data modeling (conceptual, logical, physical) and transforming legacy data into modern architectures.
• Strong communicator bridging business and technical stakeholders.

Compensation Overview

The base salary range for this position is competitive and reflects market rates for senior data architecture leadership roles in Holmdel, NJ.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings with company match.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible work arrangements and wellness programs.
• Employee assistance programs and life insurance benefits.
• Performance-based bonuses and stock options.

Apply now to shape the future of data at Guardian Life! Guardian is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.