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 colleagues, customers, and communities. As a leader in group benefits and financial services, Guardian Life offers a collaborative, innovative environment where your career can thrive. Join our Holmdel, NJ team and contribute to cutting-edge distribution compensation systems that power group benefits sales. Enjoy hybrid work flexibility (3+ days in-office), professional growth opportunities, leadership development, and a supportive culture surrounded by diverse, ethical colleagues. Explore career growth in the insurance industry while making a real impact on well-being.

Role Description

The Senior Product Owner, Group Benefits Distribution Compensation Systems, plays a pivotal role in executing business priorities for the Group Distribution Compensation team at Guardian Life. Reporting to the Product Manager, you'll lead the feature vision, own the team backlog, and partner closely with the Tech Lead to translate product strategy into high-value delivery. Acting as the vital bridge between development teams and stakeholders, you'll manage dependencies, ensure product quality, and drive solutions that meet business goals and customer needs in the dynamic group benefits insurance sector.

This hybrid role in Holmdel, NJ (3+ days per week in-office, occasional travel) is ideal for seasoned product professionals passionate about sales commissions systems, data/AI integration, and agile delivery. If you excel in product backlog management, OKR frameworks, and cross-functional collaboration, this position offers a chance to shape the future of compensation technology at a Fortune 500 company.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Translate product vision and strategy into actionable team backlogs, including features, user stories with clear acceptance criteria, and tasks aligned with epics and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with the Product Manager to prioritize process improvements, track progress, and deliver timely stakeholder updates.
• Define, prioritize, and sequence product features and requirements in the team backlog to align with business objectives and enhance customer experience.
• Manage the product backlog and roadmap in tandem with the Tech Lead for seamless execution.
• Break down complex data requirements into the backlog, ensuring high-quality, timely delivery of functionality.
• Partner with data and AI subject matter experts (SMEs) to uphold data/AI standards across all applications.
• Lead go-to-market readiness, including release plan reviews with the Product Delivery Manager (PDM).
• Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and drive solution delivery for compensation system enhancements.
• Integrate customer research into roadmaps and facilitate business process improvements using product journey mapping.

Required Skills

• Objectives and Key Results (OKR) management
• Product Requirements Definition
• Product Backlog Management
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• Solution Delivery
• Agile methodologies and roadmap development
• Data and AI standards compliance
• Sales commissions systems expertise
• Cross-functional team collaboration
• Stakeholder communication and process improvement

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 5-7+ years in product management or related fields.
• 2-3 years preferred in building sales commissions systems.
• Proven track record in product roadmaps, customer research integration, and data/AI compliance.
• Strong expertise in product journey mapping, business process improvement, and OKR management.
• Experience with cross-functional teams, compensation systems, and group benefits insurance preferred.
• Excellent communication, multitasking, and deadline management skills.

Compensation Overview

The base salary range for this Senior Product Owner role in Holmdel, NJ, is $118,980 - $195,465 annually. Actual pay is determined by factors including education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Eligible for annual incentives, sales bonuses, or other compensation. Guardian Life values transparency and competitiveness in total rewards.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match and financial wellness programs.
• Flexible hybrid work arrangements and generous PTO.
• Professional development, tuition reimbursement, and leadership training.
• Philanthropic opportunities and employee resource groups.
• Wellness programs supporting physical, mental, and financial health.
• Inclusive culture with equal opportunity employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Guardian is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants considered without regard to protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations provided. Learn more at Guardian Benefits.