Indexed Annuity Product Lead (Hybrid)

Guardian Life Insurance • New York, NY

6d • $132,420 - $217,545 • Hybrid

About The Position

Guardian is seeking an Indexed Product Development Lead to drive the development and management of its indexed annuity products in close partnership with the Head of Indexed Annuities. The role owns a portfolio of indexed annuity solutions, maintains near- and long-term product roadmaps, and builds a pipeline of concepts, enhancements, and in-force initiatives aligned with business strategy. The position translates market insights and customer needs into differentiated product designs and detailed specifications, while coordinating cross-functional partners through product development, implementation, and ongoing management.

The role serves as a subject matter expert on Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIA), Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILA), and their riders, advising internal and external partners on product mechanics and positioning. It also supports business cases, pricing and design decisions, contracts and filings, marketing and training materials, product governance, and management of both new product issues and the in-force business. The primary location is Hudson Yards, New York. Candidates may also work from Bethlehem, PA; Pittsfield, MA; Stamford, CT; or Boston, MA, provided they can commute to the office at least three days per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work experience.
• At least 5 years of annuity product development experience or closely related annuity experience.
• Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) and Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA) experience.
• Working knowledge of annuity product mechanics, pricing concepts, the regulatory and filing environment, and distribution dynamics.
• Strong executive and technical communication skills, including the ability to ensure clarity and accuracy in external and internal product-related materials.
• Excellent influencing, organizational, facilitation, and communication skills, with the ability to gain consensus and cultivate strategic internal relationships.
• Strong analytical capability, financial acumen, and sound business judgment.
• Ability to manage several dissimilar projects concurrently and prioritize appropriately in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship or support now or in the future.

Responsibilities

• Own the development, implementation, and management of a portfolio of indexed annuity solutions.
• Build and maintain the near-term and long-term indexed annuity product development roadmap and a pipeline of concepts, enhancements, and in-force initiatives aligned with strategy.
• Establish business cases for new products and enhancements, covering market opportunity, competitive positioning, financial rationale, and risk considerations.
• Coordinate research and development with Pricing/Actuarial, Competitive Intelligence, Distribution/Sales, and senior leadership to assess viability, competitiveness, and alignment with business objectives.
• Identify emerging market opportunities, consumer needs, and industry trends, and translate them into differentiated product solutions.
• Lead cross-functional working sessions to drive product design and pricing decisions from concept to launch.
• Partner with the implementation team to develop and maintain detailed product specifications and supporting documentation.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for currently and previously sold indexed annuity products and riders, supporting internal and external partners on product mechanics and positioning.
• Manage day-to-day new product and enhancement issues and the existing in-force indexed annuity business, including ad hoc product requests and sale exceptions.
• Participate in contract and form drafting and partner with Contracts, State Filings, and Compliance on filings and approvals.
• Support the development and review of marketing collateral, training, and field enablement during implementation.
• Contribute to product governance and risk processes by assessing impacts to product design, pricing, business mix, and portfolio performance.
• Communicate product updates clearly across all levels of the organization and establish credibility throughout the business.

Benefits

• Skill-building and leadership development opportunities.
• Philanthropic opportunities.
• Contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources for eligible full-time employees.
• May be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation in addition to base salary.

What This Job Offers

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