Guardian Life Insurance

Head of Institutional Annuities Product & Strategy

Guardian Life Insurance$155K — $255K *
Finance & Insurance
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Deep expertise in annuities and retirement solutions, particularly in defined contribution markets.
  • Proven experience in managing product strategy, lifecycle, and financial performance.
  • Strong leadership abilities in a matrixed organizational structure.
  • Strategic and execution-oriented mindset capable of simplifying complexity and delivering results.

Responsibilities

  • Define and evolve the product vision and multi-year roadmap.
  • Own P&L, growth, and long-term value creation for the product.
  • Drive adoption, profitability, and capital efficiency across the product portfolio.
  • Lead end-to-end product development from concept through launch and optimization.
  • Partner with relevant teams to deliver scalable, market-ready solutions.
  • Define the end-to-end customer experience across education and servicing.
  • Enable expansion through partnerships and go-to-market strategies.

Benefits

  • Support for professional and personal goals through skill-building and leadership development.
  • Philanthropic opportunities to build communities.
  • Flexible and inclusive benefits and resources to promote well-being.
Full Job Description
Guardian is seeking a senior Product Leader to define and scale our Institutional business as a key pillar of our retirement strategy. This role is accountable for end-to-end product strategy, performance, and experience, translating enterprise priorities into a clear product roadmap and delivering results through a highly matrixed model. You will partner across Product, Distribution, Finance, Technology, and Risk to bring differentiated retirement income solutions to market and drive sustained growth.

Key Accountabilities

Own: Product Strategy & Performance
  • Define and evolve the product vision and multi-year roadmap
  • Own P&L, growth, and long-term value creation
  • Drive adoption, profitability, and capital efficiency across the portfolio
Lead: Product Development & Lifecycle
  • Lead end-to-end product development and management, from concept through launch and ongoing optimization
  • Partner with actuarial, legal, and pricing teams to deliver market-ready, scalable solutions
  • Continuously improve offerings to enhance customer value and competitiveness
Own: Participant & Client Experience
  • Define the end-to-end experience across education, purchase, and in-force servicing
  • Drive simplicity, transparency, and engagement to support broader adoption of in-plan guarantees
Lead: Distribution Enablement & Growth
  • Enable expansion through platform placement and institutional partnerships
  • Partner with Distribution on go-to-market strategy, RFP activity, and key relationships
Partner: Technology & Operations
  • Set product requirements and priorities; partner to deliver modern, scalable capabilities
  • Ensure execution against roadmap commitments and continuous improvement of the operating model
Own: Governance, Risk & Sustainability
  • Ensure alignment with legal, regulatory, and risk requirements
  • Balance innovation with disciplined oversight to support long-term product sustainability
Lead: Enterprise Alignment & Talent
  • Align cross-functional stakeholders around a shared product strategy and priorities
  • Build and lead a high-performing team, strengthening product and strategy capabilities


What You Bring
  • Deep expertise in annuities and retirement solutions, particularly within defined contribution markets
  • Proven experience owning product strategy, lifecycle, and financial performance
  • Strong ability to lead through influence in a matrixed organization
  • Strategic, execution-oriented leader who can simplify complexity and drive outcomes


Why This Role Matters

This role is central to advancing Guardian's ambition to expand access to retirement income solutions within the workplace-shaping how products are designed, delivered, and adopted to improve long-term customer outcomes.

Salary Range:

$155,370.00 - $255,255.00

The salary range reflected above is a good faith estimate of base pay for the primary location of the position. The salary for this position ultimately will be determined based on the education, experience, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate. In addition to salary, this role may also be eligible for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation.

Our Promise

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.

Inspire Well-Being

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. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.

About Guardian Life Insurance

Guardian Life Insurance Careers

Join the Guardian Life Insurance team today and be part of a company that values growth, leadership, and innovation. As a leading provider in the insurance industry, Guardian Life Insurance offers a wealth of job opportunities that empower you to shape your future and strengthen your professional skills. Work You’ll Do At Guardian Life Insurance, you’ll collaborate with a diverse team of experts dedicated to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients. Our culture thrives on inclusivity and the shared ambition of our team members to drive positive change in the insurance sector. Explore a variety of career paths in areas ranging from customer service to financial advisement, each offering the potential to engage with transformative projects that impact lives. Our commitment to professional growth is evident in our robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, designed to enhance your skills and advance your career. Innovative Work Guardian Life Insurance is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and personalized service. Join us and contribute to initiatives that redefine industry standards and lead to more predictive and personalized customer experiences. Be Part of a Great Team Our team at Guardian Life Insurance is our strongest asset. We foster an environment where creativity and effectiveness are encouraged, making it a perfect place for those who seek to innovate and excel in their careers. With a focus on nurturing talent, we offer comprehensive benefits, competitive salaries, and a supportive atmosphere that advocates work-life balance. Future-Proof Your Career With Guardian Life Insurance, your career is future-proof. Dive into a range of employment opportunities that not only align with your current skills but also challenge you to grow and expand your capabilities. Whether you’re looking for a full-time position, an internship, or even leadership roles, Guardian Life Insurance is committed to helping you find the right path. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the job opportunities waiting for you at Guardian Life Insurance. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and ready to contribute to our mission. Search open positions that match your skills and interests, and take the first step towards a rewarding career with us. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and company news—all from the professionals who make Guardian Life Insurance a leader in the insurance industry. Our careers blog provides valuable information to help you prepare for your next interview, polish your resume, and enhance your networking abilities. Job Alert Emails Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Guardian Life Insurance, and see how you can contribute to our legacy of excellence and innovation. Join Guardian Life Insurance today and be part of a company that’s dedicated to your career growth and professional development.
Learn more about Guardian Life Insurance
Size
9,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1860

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