PEO and Aggregator Strategy & Operations Lead

Join Guardian Life as our PEO and Aggregator Strategy & Operations Lead in New York, United States, and drive transformative growth in one of our fastest-growing distribution segments. This high-impact role focuses on Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) and technology aggregators in the non-traditional group insurance space, delivering thought leadership, innovative tools, and operational excellence to maximize revenue potential.

Why Join Guardian Life?

At Guardian Life, we're more than an insurance company—we're a purpose-driven organization committed to inspiring well-being for our clients, partners, and colleagues. As a leader in group benefits and financial services, Guardian offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative, inclusive environment. Work with diverse teams, access cutting-edge resources, and contribute to sustainable, industry-leading profitable growth. Our hybrid work model, comprehensive benefits, and culture of ethical standards empower you to thrive both personally and professionally.

Role Description

Reporting directly to the Head of Distribution Strategy and Market Management within Group Benefits, you'll provide strategic thought leadership for PEOs and aggregators. Partner with functional stakeholders to deliver operational excellence, specialized solutions, and customer-centric innovations that anticipate evolving needs. Your work will drive market-leading differentiation, enhance partner experiences, and fuel Guardian's objective of sustainable revenue growth in the dynamic insurance distribution landscape.

Location, Work Arrangement, and Travel

• Preferred locations: New York, NY; Holmdel, NJ; Boston, MA; Bethlehem, PA
• Hybrid: 3 days/week in a local Guardian office; 2 days remote
• 10-15% travel

Detailed Responsibilities

You will lead initiatives that create differentiated customer experiences and operational enhancements. Key responsibilities include:

• Drive operational and system enhancements for PEOs and aggregators, one of our fastest-growing channels
• Partner with field teams to identify partner needs, align strategies, and manage capability investment portfolios
• Engage functional stakeholders to secure resources and ensure strategic alignment
• Support distribution execution with optimal tools, processes, and knowledge-building
• Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for operational processes and best practices for key market partners
• Act as business owner for launching new market opportunities
• Articulate channel needs to influence organizational initiatives and new capabilities
• Collaborate with client management to expand solutions driving employer and member benefits engagement
• Facilitate expanded technical and integration capabilities
• Lead high-profile partner initiatives as needed

Required Skills

Guardian Life seeks a strategic leader with proven expertise. Extracted key skills include:

• Strategic thought leadership and innovation
• Operational excellence and process optimization
• Distribution channel management (PEOs, aggregators)
• Customer experience design in digital ecosystems
• Stakeholder engagement and cross-functional partnership
• Business case development and execution
• Executive presence and C-suite presentations
• Public speaking at conferences and webinars
• Change management with quantifiable revenue impact
• Systems and integration expertise

Education & Experience

• Minimum 8+ years in distribution-facing operations for multi-faceted corporations (insurance preferred)
• Deep expertise in specialty/alternative distribution models
• Proven success designing innovative customer strategies
• Strong process/system orientation and change impact analysis
• General management experience in functional strategy
• Commercial insurance, financial services, or consulting background preferred
• Track record of revenue-driving impact

Compensation Overview

The base salary range for this position is $118,980.00 - $195,465.00 annually, reflecting a good faith estimate for the primary New York location. Final pay depends on education, experience, knowledge, and abilities. Eligible for annual, sales, or other incentives.

Benefits

Guardian's commitment to well-being includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements
• Professional development and leadership programs
• Philanthropic opportunities and community building
• Generous paid time off and wellness resources
• Inclusive, supportive culture with diverse colleagues
• Explore more at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits

Apply now to shape the future of insurance distribution at Guardian Life!