Strategic Data Initiative Lead

Guardian Life Insurance • New York, NY

17d

About The Position

The Strategic Data Initiative Lead is a critical role responsible for orchestrating and executing the company’s most pivotal, large-scale transformation initiatives. This individual will operate at the nexus of strategy and execution, responsible for not only the meticulous, hands-on delivery of complex programs but also for crafting and communicating critical program level narratives related to status, budget and progress to C-suite executives and senior leaders. Reporting to the Head of Strategic Data Initiatives this individual will guide cross-functional teams in a matrixed environment to deliver transformational changes that reshape our business processes, technology platforms, and competitive positioning. The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with a proven history of managing ambiguous, high-impact data transformation programs from conception to completion within a large complex enterprise, preferably in an insurance context.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, or a related field.
• 6+ years of progressive experience in program management, with a demonstrated track record of successfully leading enterprise-wide business or digital transformation initiatives.
• Proven experience leading large-scale programs in a complex and regulated industry (e.g., Financial Services, Banking, Healthcare).
• Exceptional executive-level communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to distill complexity into clarity and influence senior decision-makers.
• Mastery of leading through influence in a highly matrixed organization, with a demonstrated ability to build consensus and drive results without direct authority.

Nice To Haves

• Direct experience with Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Dental Insurance
• MBA or other advanced degree.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end execution of large-scale data transformation programs ensuring they are delivered on-scope, on-time, and on-budget
• Facilitate collaboration between disparate business, technology, and operational teams to ensure seamless integration and alignment.
• Establish and manage robust program governance, including risk and dependency management, issue resolution, resource planning, and detailed project milestone tracking.
• Directly manage program-level budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation to ensure efficient use of capital and headcount.
• Develop and articulate a compelling strategic narratives for approaches to transformation initiatives, translating complex program details into clear, concise, and persuasive stories for an executive audience.
• Create high-impact presentation materials (decks) and communication artifacts to rally C-suite and senior leadership around the approach to delivery of a program's vision, as well as reporting on progress.
• Serve as a partner to critical stakeholders, proactively managing expectations and ensuring continuous alignment through rigorous communications and transparency in delivery processes.
• Form relationships with critical business and technology stakeholders and establish a trusted working relationship.

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: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees