Process Optimization and Improvement Lead

Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (GLIC) has established a Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Delivery (TRAID) organization focused on partnering with the business teams by orchestrating enterprise transformation, automation, transparency, and strategic execution to continuously improve delivery, reduce waste, increase productivity, and ultimately positively impact GLIC’s bottom line. This team (a part of Strategy and Corporate Development) will look to empower the many positive changes already happening in GLIC by providing a well-rounded integrated approach to business architecture, process optimization & improvement, our operating model, digitization, insights, portfolio management & reporting, and more. The Process Optimization and Improvement Lead is accountable for systematically analyzing and improving business processes to achieve maximum efficiency, effectiveness, and quality. This individual will report to the Business Transformation & Transparency Lead in the TRAID organization who is accountable for Business Architecture, Process Optimization & Improvement, Operating Model Solutions, and Organizational Insights. You Are: The ideal candidate for this newly created role, will have strong independent leadership competencies, deep business and technology acumen, and the ability to influence and drive change across a sophisticated successful organization. You Will: Identify and develop optimization changes to the organization’s business processes to improve operational efficiencies, quality, service, and profitability. Conduct research on best practices and industry trends for the business as a domain expert and as input for process improvement. Develop a more formal optimization community (including Six Sigma, Design Thinking, etc. as determined appropriate). Buildout a companywide pipeline, governance, and benefits tracking. Provide a framework for addressing Transformational AI use cases. Deliver Optimization business impact. You Have: 10 years of consulting, professional services, digital strategy development, PMO, advisory, or transformation programs. Bachelor's degree in an IT or Management or equivalent work experience, required. Advanced certifications / Master’s degree preferred. Provide direct and indirect leadership, leading strategic project(s) related to change & adoption, organizational design, operational excellence, operating model design, data and business analysis, and technology adoption. Extensive experience in operating model and process design (process flows, narratives, operating procedures, control frameworks) and documentation preparation using Visio (or similar application). Extensive Lean Sigma, Design Thinking or similar process design experience with proven success going from current state documentation and opportunity identification through change and return on investment evaluation. Ability to document and present conceptual views depicting critical business needs and decision points, and identify principles to guide decision making on conceptual business and technology approaches. Ability to use the current state assessments and architectural designs to participate in the development of transformation roadmaps. Ability to conduct assessments during business ideation, discovery, and solutioning to ensure alignment with business goals and strategies. Ability to align business strategy and action via models, and metrics to ensure that business units across the organization are working together to attain strategic visions and goals. Ability to systematically assess capability gaps and facilitate examination of LOE, benefits, dependencies, and proposed action plans and strategies. Demonstrated business focused technology innovation leadership aligned with business results. Ability to balance the long-term (“big picture”) and short-term implications of individual decisions. Strong execution focus with high level of demonstrated accountability. A change leader who can challenge norms and influence outcomes with a respect for preserving foundational culture. Be a trusted advisor / consultant to the business by building the vital relationships to prepare and influence the education, experiences, and exposures necessary to influence change. Architect and execute integrated management and leadership development programs and processes to drive professional growth and accountability across the enterprise. An innovative leader a natural curiosity for using leading edge technology across multiple disciplines. Ability to establish strong presence with executives at all levels. Good communication and stakeholder leadership skills. Influencing and consulting skills. Location & Travel: 2 Days a week at a Guardian location in New York, NY, Holmdel, NJ, Stamford CT. 3 days WFH Salary Range $126,970.00 - $208,600.00 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. Health Care Choice of [high deductible/copay] medical plans* with prescription drugs, including coverage for fertility and transgender inclusive benefits Dental plan Vision plan Health care accounts – flexible spending, health reimbursement, and health savings accounts Critical illness insurance Life and Disability Insurance Company-paid Life and Disability insurance plus voluntary supplemental coverage Accident insurance Retirement and Financial 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, plus an annual age/service-based Company contribution and an annual profit-sharing contribution, if applicable Complimentary 1:1 financial guidance with a licensed Fidelity representative Time Off and Remote Work Flexible work arrangements (part in-person/part remote) Unlimited paid time off for most roles plus time off for volunteering, jury duty, voting, and bereavement Personal holidays for colleagues to use in recognition of religious, cultural, or civic days Paid parental leave and paid family and medical leave policies Emotional Well-being and Work-Life Emotional well-being, mental health, and work/life resources powered by Spring Health Wellness programs, including fitness program and equipment reimbursement Child, adult, and elder back-up care support through Bright Horizons Adoption assistance College planning Tuition reimbursement Student loan assistance Commuter benefits in select metropolitan areas 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 applicant_accommodation@glic.com. Every day, Guardian helps our 29 million customers realize their dreams through a range of insurance and financial products and services. Our Purpose, to inspire well-being, guides our dedication to the colleagues, consumers, and communities we serve. We know that people count, and we go above and beyond to prepare them for the life they want to live, focusing on their overall well-being — mind, body, and wallet. As one of the largest mutual insurance companies, we put our customers first. Behind every bright future is a GuardianTM. Learn more about Guardian at guardianlife.com.