Head of Benefit Technology and Retail Partnerships

Guardian Life Insurance • Boston, MA

3d • $152,290 - $250,195

About The Position

Guardian is seeking a Head of Benefits Technology & Retail Partnerships to lead the strategy, growth, and execution of its benefits technology, broker technology, and retail partnership channels. The role is responsible for sustainable channel growth through strategic partners, building executive-level relationships that accelerate business outcomes, and leading partnership professionals focused on channel expansion and relationship management. The position works across Distribution, Marketing, Product, Technology, Product Delivery, and Operations to develop growth strategies that strengthen Guardian’s market position and create value for partners and customers.

The role leads the Group Benefits’ Strategic Channel Managers and Retail Partnerships team, setting performance expectations, development plans, and accountability measures. It establishes partner growth plans and measures of success, maintains governance and business-review practices, negotiates commercial arrangements, and monitors market trends and emerging technologies. The position is based primarily in Boston, MA or New York, NY, and requires 50% travel.

The salary range is $152,290 to $250,195. The final base salary depends on the successful candidate’s education, experience, knowledge, and abilities. The role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation. Guardian describes support for professional and personal goals through skill-building, leadership development, and philanthropic opportunities, along with benefits and resources for eligible full-time employees. Guardian does not currently or prospectively sponsor employment-based visas for this position.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in partnership management, strategic alliances, business development, distribution, or channel leadership.
• Deep knowledge of the employee benefits, benefits technology, broker technology, and direct-to-consumer partnership ecosystem.
• Demonstrated success building executive relationships with strategic partners and influencing senior decision makers.
• Experience leading high-performing partnership, sales, or business development teams.
• Proven track record of delivering revenue growth through strategic partnerships and distribution channels.
• Experience negotiating commercial agreements and improving partnership economics and financial outcomes.
• 50% travel is required.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or at any time in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Existing executive relationships across leading benefits technology providers and influential brokerage organizations, including leadership within strategically important broker centers of excellence.
• Experience developing and executing go-to-market strategies in the benefits, insurance, or financial services industries.
• Strong understanding of benefits administration platforms, digital distribution models, and embedded insurance opportunities.
• Experience leading large-scale strategic initiatives involving cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategy for benefits technology, broker technology, and retail partnership channels to drive revenue growth, customer acquisition, and market expansion.
• Lead and develop the Group Benefits’ Strategic Channel Managers and Retail Partnerships team, establishing performance expectations, development plans, and accountability measures.
• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with strategic partners, brokers, and industry influencers to identify growth opportunities and accelerate business outcomes.
• Establish partner-specific growth plans, measures of success, and performance indicators, and hold partners accountable for agreed commitments.
• Implement partnership engagement standards, including regular stewardship, executive governance, business reviews, and ongoing strategic planning.
• Partner with Distribution, Marketing, Product Delivery, and Operations teams on strategic changes and go-to-market strategies to increase channel adoption, engagement, and revenue.
• Develop partner-level strategies to achieve jointly established growth goals and create mutual value for Guardian and its partners.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial terms, contractual structures, and commercial arrangements to maximize value and support partner delivery.
• Monitor market trends, competitive developments, and emerging technologies to strengthen Guardian’s position in benefits technology, broker technology, and retail channels.
• Travel to partner executive meetings, broker leadership events, industry conferences, and internal strategy sessions.

Benefits

• Skill-building, leadership development, and philanthropic opportunities.
• Benefits and resources for eligible full-time employees; details are provided on Guardian’s careers benefits page.
• May be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive