Head of Product

Guardian Life Insurance Company • Boston, NY

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Head of Product for Group Benefits is a transformative leadership role responsible for crafting and executing the product vision, strategy, and roadmap for the Group Benefits business. This individual will report to the Head of Group Benefits and champion customer-centric innovation, drive differentiated value, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring our Group Benefits offerings deliver meaningful financial security and well-being to our clients and their employees. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Vision: Establish a clear, bold product vision and strategy that aligns with Guardian’s purpose and long-term business priorities. Inspire cross-functional teams to pursue innovation, excellence, and growth. Customer-Focused Product Development: Lead the creation and enhancement of products that address diverse employer and member needs. Leverage VoC feedback, behavioral insights, and market analytics in shaping product direction. Portfolio Stewardship: Oversee the management and evolution of a comprehensive suite of Group Benefits products - dental, disability & leave, life, and supplemental health offerings - balancing growth, risk, and operational efficiency. Market & Competitive Analysis: Track market trends, regulatory shifts, and competitive dynamics. Use data-driven insights to identify new opportunities and threats and direct product innovation accordingly. Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong partnerships across Sales, Marketing, Underwriting, Operations, and Technology. Foster collaboration to ensure successful product launches, ongoing support, and delivery of integrated customer experiences. Financial Performance Management: Set robust product line goals for growth, profit, and market share. Monitor results and adjust strategies to achieve and surpass targets. Regulatory & Compliance Leadership: Ensure all offerings adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and Guardian’s internal standards, maintaining our reputation for trust and integrity. Talent & Culture Development: Attract, nurture, and mentor high-performing talent. Cultivate a culture that values inclusion, accountability, and innovation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field required; advanced degree (MBA, etc.) preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in product management, ideally within Group Benefits or insurance, with a proven track record in market management and distribution strategy in complex organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to translate insights, data, and feedback into actionable product strategies that drive growth and innovation.
• Deep knowledge of group benefits products, industry trends, and regulatory landscape, with strong operational and financial acumen.
• Skilled at building and managing strategic partnerships and digital ecosystems to expand product reach and value.
• Exceptional leadership, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills; excels in cross-functional collaboration and transparent communication.
• Committed to developing talent and fostering organizational alignment and a collaborative culture.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Guardian or a similar values-driven organization is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Establish a clear, bold product vision and strategy that aligns with Guardian’s purpose and long-term business priorities.
• Inspire cross-functional teams to pursue innovation, excellence, and growth.
• Lead the creation and enhancement of products that address diverse employer and member needs.
• Leverage VoC feedback, behavioral insights, and market analytics in shaping product direction.
• Oversee the management and evolution of a comprehensive suite of Group Benefits products - dental, disability & leave, life, and supplemental health offerings - balancing growth, risk, and operational efficiency.
• Track market trends, regulatory shifts, and competitive dynamics.
• Use data-driven insights to identify new opportunities and threats and direct product innovation accordingly.
• Build strong partnerships across Sales, Marketing, Underwriting, Operations, and Technology.
• Foster collaboration to ensure successful product launches, ongoing support, and delivery of integrated customer experiences.
• Set robust product line goals for growth, profit, and market share.
• Monitor results and adjust strategies to achieve and surpass targets.
• Ensure all offerings adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and Guardian’s internal standards, maintaining our reputation for trust and integrity.
• Attract, nurture, and mentor high-performing talent.
• Cultivate a culture that values inclusion, accountability, and innovation.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees