Strategic Data Initiative Lead

Job Description

The Strategic Data Initiative Lead  is a critical role responsible for orchestrating and executing the company’s most pivotal, large-scale transformation initiatives. This individual will operate at the nexus of strategy and execution, responsible for not only the meticulous, hands-on delivery of complex programs but also for crafting and communicating critical program level narratives related to status, budget and progress to C-suite executives and senior leaders. 

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Reporting to the Head of Strategic Data Initiatives this individual will guide cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment to deliver transformational changes that reshape our business processes, technology platforms, and competitive positioning. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a proven history of managing ambiguous, high-impact data transformation programs from conception to completion within a large complex enterprise, preferably in an insurance context. 

You will

• ​​Lead the end-to-end execution of large-scale data transformation programs ensuring they are delivered on-scope, on-time, and on-budget

• Facilitate collaboration between disparate business, technology, and operational teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment. 

• Establish and manage robust program governance, including risk and dependency management, issue resolution, resource planning, and detailed project milestone tracking. 

• ​Directly manage program-level budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation to ensure efficient use of capital and headcount. 

• ​​Develop and articulate a compelling strategic narratives for approaches to transformation initiatives, translating complex program details into clear, concise, and persuasive stories for an executive audience. 

• ​Create high-impact presentation materials (decks) and communication artifacts to rally C-suite and senior leadership around the approach to delivery of a program's vision, as well as reporting on progress. 

• ​Serve as a partner to critical stakeholders, proactively managing expectations and ensuring continuous alignment through rigorous communications and transparency in delivery processes.
• Form relationships with critical business and technology stakeholders and establish a trusted working relationship.

​You Have

• ​​Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, or a related field. 

• ​6+ years of progressive experience in program management, with a demonstrated track record of successfully leading enterprise-wide business or digital transformation initiatives. 

• ​Proven experience leading large-scale programs in a complex and regulated industry (e.g., Financial Services, Banking, Healthcare). 

• ​Exceptional executive-level communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to distill complexity into clarity and influence senior decision-makers. 

• ​Mastery of leading through influence in a highly matrixed organization, with a demonstrated ability to build consensus and drive results without direct authority. 

Preferred: 

• ​Direct experience with Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Dental Insurance

• ​MBA or other advanced degree. 

Measures of Success:

• ​Performance in this role will be evaluated on a balanced set of outcomes, including: 

• ​Business Value Realization: Achievement of defined business outcomes and strategic goals (e.g., market launch of new products, realization of expense efficiencies, successful platform modernization). 

• ​Program Delivery Excellence: Consistent on-time and on-budget delivery of major program milestones and deliverables. 

• ​Stakeholder Satisfaction & Organizational Adoption: Positive feedback from executive sponsors and key stakeholders, coupled with the successful adoption and embedding of new processes, technologies, and ways of working across the organization. 

Salary Range:

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Our Promise

At Guardian, you’ll have the support and flexibility to achieve your professional and personal goals.  Through skill-building, leadership development and philanthropic opportunities, we provide opportunities to build communities and grow your career, surrounded by diverse colleagues with high ethical standards.

Inspire Well-Being

As part of Guardian’s Purpose – to inspire well-being – we are committed to offering contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources to our colleagues. Explore our company benefits at www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits. Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Accommodations

Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected]. Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site.

Visa Sponsorship

Guardian is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant. you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship.

Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.