As the National Absence Practice Leader, you will shape and advance Guardian's Absence Management value proposition across the Advisory Market. You will bring deep expertise in the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), short- and long-term disability, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Paid Family and Medical Leave programs, and other leave types to help brokers, clients, and internal partners navigate a complex and evolving market. Working across Sales, Client Management, Product, Underwriting, Marketing, and Operations, you will strengthen broker and vendor relationships, identify growth opportunities, and improve the planholder experience from proposal through implementation. This role is ideal for a consultative leader who combines market insight, relationship-building, and disciplined execution to accelerate impact and lead change.
You are:- A trusted absence and disability subject matter expert who translates complex regulations, market trends, and service capabilities into clear, compelling guidance for brokers, clients, and internal stakeholders.
- A proactive relationship builder who earns trust through consistent engagement, informed consultation, and the open exchange of ideas and market intelligence.
- A strategic, customer-focused leader who works independently, influences across functions, and moves complex initiatives from opportunity identification through execution.
- A confident presenter, trainer, and advisor who can represent Guardian in finalist meetings, broker forums, industry events, and internal leadership discussions.
- A continuous-improvement champion who identifies service gaps, operational inefficiencies, and emerging needs and then mobilizes the right partners to address them.
You have:Required Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and extensive relevant experience.
- Demonstrated success in an absence, disability, benefits, or related advisory role that includes consultative guidance to internal and external stakeholders.
- Deep knowledge of group life, absence, and disability products, including FMLA, state leave programs, ADA accommodations, Paid Family and Medical Leave, short-term disability, and long-term disability.
- End-to-end understanding of absence and disability claims processes and the major business processes that affect Absence Management service delivery.
- Proven ability to build and sustain broker, vendor, client, and cross-functional relationships and to influence without direct authority.
- Experience leading complex or specialized projects, change efforts, and process improvements with significant autonomy.
- Strong executive communication, presentation, training, collaboration, business acumen, strategic thinking, customer focus, and results orientation.
Preferred qualifications:- Knowledge of Guardian's Absence Management systems, capabilities, service model, and value proposition.
- Experience supporting Advisory Market distribution strategies, finalist presentations, requests for proposal (RFPs), and new-business implementations.
- Active participation in relevant professional organizations or industry events, such as the Disability Management Employer Coalition (DMEC) or the Integrated Benefits Institute/industry associations applicable to the role.
- Experience producing or contributing to industry presentations, thought leadership, training materials, or written content.
You will:- Advance Guardian's Absence Management value proposition by partnering with Sales, Client Management, Product, Underwriting, Marketing, Thought Leadership, and operations to identify opportunities, support profitable growth, and improve service outcomes.
- Build and maintain Advisory Market broker and vendor relationships, develop segment-specific growth strategies with Distribution partners, and deliver consultative materials, training, and presentations aligned with partner needs.
- Serve as the Absence Management subject matter expert for finalist and broker presentations, RFP responses, competitive intelligence, internal training, and client or planholder discussions, both virtually and onsite.
- Monitor legislative, regulatory, competitive, and industry developments; identify service gaps and emerging opportunities; and recommend practical product, process, marketing, or service improvements.
- Lead complex projects and new-business implementation support with limited oversight, mentor and advise colleagues across levels, represent Guardian at industry events, and provide backup support to the Head of Absence and Disability Practices.
Reporting Relationships:- As the Advisory Absence Practice Leader you will report directly to the Head of Absence and Disability Practices, Group Benefits.
Location:- This is a remote position with work-from-home flexibility.
- The successful hire must be based in the Eastern U.S.
- Preferred locations include Atlanta, GA; Bethlehem, PA; Boston, MA; Holmdel, NJ; and New York, NY.
Travel:- Up to 50-60% travel within the United States is required for this position.
Salary Range:$121,350.00 - $199,365.00
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.
