Indexed Annuity Product Investment Management Lead (Hybrid)

Guardian Life Insurance • New York, NY

6d • $132,420 - $217,545 • Hybrid

About The Position

Guardian is seeking an Indexed Product Investment Management Lead to own the index and investment strategy agenda for its Fixed Indexed Annuity (FIA) and Registered Index-Linked Annuity (RILA) products, partnering closely with the Head of Indexed Annuities. The role combines investment due diligence, strategy development and management, rate-setting support, and collaboration with distribution partners to explain strategies clearly to advisors and clients.

The position evaluates index construction and provider proposals, option budgets, hedging costs, crediting mechanics, competitiveness, profitability, operations, and disclosure obligations. It leads research and development of indices and investment strategies, monitors performance, supports licensing and regulatory coordination, and serves as a market-facing subject matter expert. The role also conducts due diligence on variable annuity fund management and may provide investment thought leadership to other annuity product teams.

The primary location is Hudson Yards, New York. Candidates may alternatively work from offices in Holmdel, NJ; Bethlehem, PA; Pittsfield, MA; Stamford, CT; or Boston, MA, with commuting to an office at least three days per week. Travel of 10% may be required. The position reports to the Head of Indexed Annuities, who reports to the Head of Annuities. Salary range: $132,420–$217,545, with possible eligibility for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent related work experience; a bachelor's degree is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in investments, derivatives, hedging, annuity pricing, or index-linked product management.
• Working knowledge of index construction, options and option pricing, hedge budgets, and how crediting mechanics such as caps, participation rates, spreads, buffers, floors, and triggers are funded.
• Strong executive and technical communication skills, including the ability to explain complex investment concepts clearly and accurately to internal partners, advisors, and clients.
• Comfort and credibility in market-facing settings, including wholesaler enablement, firm due diligence, and advisor education.
• Strong analytical capability, financial acumen, and business judgment, with rigorous attention to accuracy in data, performance figures, and competitive comparisons.
• Excellent influencing, organizational, and facilitation skills, with the ability to gain consensus and cultivate strategic internal and external relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple dissimilar projects concurrently and prioritize in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Nice To Haves

• CFA, FRM, or actuarial credentials.
• Direct FIA and/or RILA experience.
• Familiarity with index-provider relationships, licensing agreements, and the disclosure and filing obligations associated with index use in annuity products.
• Experience leveraging AI tools to enhance and accelerate results.

Responsibilities

• Drive the index and crediting strategy agenda across Guardian's FIA and RILA portfolio, including the index menu, term lengths, and crediting methods; recommend additions, replacements, and retirements aligned with product strategy.
• Lead research and development on new indices and investment strategies, engaging index providers, investment banks, and asset management partners and assessing internal and operational implications.
• Evaluate proposed indices for construction, historical and expected behavior, volatility-control mechanics, option cost and hedgeability, illustration eligibility, and suitability for target advisor and client use cases.
• Partner with Annuity Pricing, Hedging, and ALM on option budgets, hedge feasibility, and the economics of custom versus benchmark indices.
• Support monthly new-business and renewal rate-setting with competitive and investment perspectives on cap, participation, spread, and trigger levels, as well as in-force renewal rate paths.
• Monitor and explain index and strategy performance across new business and the in-force block; collaborate with marketing on materials for advisors, wholesalers, and clients.
• Serve as a market-facing subject matter expert on investment and crediting strategies, supporting wholesaler training, firm and home-office conversations, due diligence requests, and advisor education.
• Negotiate and manage index licensing relationships with Legal, Compliance, and Sourcing, including fee structures, use rights, disclosure obligations, and notice and termination provisions.
• Coordinate operational and regulatory requirements following index decisions, including disclosures in contracts, prospectuses, illustrations, marketing materials, and state filings, as well as procedures for closed or terminated indices.
• Account for jurisdictional and regulatory constraints in strategy design, including state-specific product limitations and illustration rules affecting indices with limited history.
• Conduct due diligence on variable annuity fund management and provide investment thought leadership to other annuity product teams as needed.
• Bring competitive intelligence on carrier index menus, crediting innovation, and rate positioning into product design, rate-setting, and positioning decisions.

Benefits

• The role may be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.
• Guardian describes skill-building, leadership development, and philanthropic opportunities.
• Guardian describes contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources for full-time eligible employees; the job posting does not specify particular benefit types.

What This Job Offers

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