HR Executive, Group Benefits

Guardian Life

2mo ago

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
People, HR & Administration
Business, Operations & Strategy
New York
Quick Apply

AI generated summary

You need 15+ years in HR, strong business acumen, analytical skills, change management experience, and the ability to inspire teams. A degree in HR or related field is essential; insurance background preferred.
You will collaborate with leaders on talent strategies, enhance performance, drive engagement, mentor HR teams, and support organizational change initiatives while executing HR processes.

Requirements

15+ of human resources experience with solid business acumen and ability to create and implement human capital initiatives that enable the business strategy.
The ability to work effectively within the organization’s financial and operational context.
Demonstrated financial and analytical acumen to synthesize and prioritize ranging issues and activities, thus be highly effective in formulating coordinated action plans and activities.
An effective level of business literacy to be able to substantively contribute to the success of the business.
Experience leveraging data to influence decision making outcomes with ability to “tell the story” using data.
Demonstrated strong analytical and assessment skills.
The ability to develop and execute solutions to business challenges and to influence strategic business decisions.
Strategic Human Resource Thought Leadership – are able to execute HR strategies across the organization in an efficient manner.
Ability to build relationships and quickly earn the trust of leaders, partners, key stakeholders and collaborators, building credibility and becoming their trusted advisor.
Proven experience in driving change, negotiating and influencing leaders and key stakeholders across levels.
Demonstrated courage to make difficult decisions by establishing high trust and credibility with the business leaders.
Comfortable partnering within HR “COEs” to execute enterprise initiatives and engage with the business as needed.
Demonstrated expertise in business and talent strategy, culture change, workforce planning, data and analytics, organizational design, talent management, and transformational organizational changes.
The ability to identify, support and execute HR activities of strategic value to the organization and meet employees' needs across the employee life cycle.
The ability to inspire employees at all levels and drive the talent agenda forward.
The ability to respond to shifts in the business environment and to adapt and change course when necessary.
The ability to use excellent judgment while working with multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Intellectual curiosity; brings insights into the team and business with continual willingness to learn.
Proven ability to foster change, influence leadership and build relationships with all colleague levels and be regarded as a trusted partner.
BA/BS in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
Significant expertise in insurance and/ or financial services.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for multiple audiences including staff, management, and senior executives.
Proven leader of people to inspire, engage and develop a high performance HR team.
Project leader experience in a highly matrixed organization working across many business.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
High degree of self-motivation, demonstrating initiative and an ability to manage multiple priorities with a sense of urgency and results orientation.
Detail oriented mindset with a disciplined approach to process.
Experience in Workday (preferred).
10-15% travel as required to other Guardian locations.

Responsibilities

Partner with senior leaders and their teams to develop and execute a talent strategy that enables business growth, leadership development, succession planning, employee engagement, organizational design, change and equity and inclusion. To do this, you will:
Collaborate with leaders to identify areas to enhance business performance through strategy, structure, process, people and rewards.
Assist in design and implementation of retention strategies focusing on key leaders and individuals with core competencies or skills critical to the organization – now and for the future.
Support the development of effective leaders within the organization, focusing on leadership needs and key themes identified as part of the business strategy and organizational and talent review processes.
Play an active role in guiding leaders through ongoing talent review and succession planning activities.
Work with leaders to create strategies to close talent gaps, developing a highly effective leadership team and bench strength for succession.
Encourage building organizational and talent strength through diversity.
Partner with leaders on employee engagement using data to identify factors that drive performance, commitment and intent to stay; partner with leaders to develop plans in support of improving engagement.
Demonstrate consultative and influential leadership across the business to support in execution of key business priorities. To do this, you will:
Recommend solutions to improve processes, team dynamics, etc. to optimize organizational effectiveness.
Help execute and drive plans for organizational change initiatives including organizational design, communication plans, upskilling, training and problem solving.
Partner and coordinate with HR Centers of Excellence (COEs) resources to identify requirements and execute actions in support of building talent and capabilities across assigned functional areas.
Manage and mentor a team of HR professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
Provide strategic and day-to-day HR consultation to business leaders, coaching leaders on their personal efficacy and leadership impact.
Serve as contributing member of Guardian HR community, playing key role in driving key HR processes and initiatives within respective client groups.
Participate as a member of the Human Resources Leadership Team and deliver on enterprise-wide organizational HR initiatives.

FAQs

What is the primary location for the HR Executive, Group Benefits position?

The primary location for this position is flexible, with options including New York, NY; Bethlehem, PA; Stamford, CT; and Boston, MA, requiring in-office attendance for a minimum of three days a week.

What are the required qualifications for this role?

Candidates should have a BA/BS in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; significant expertise in insurance and/or financial services; excellent communication skills; project leadership experience in a highly matrixed organization; and the ability to handle sensitive information discreetly.

What is the salary range for the HR Executive position?

The salary range for this position is $260,000 - $310,000, with the final salary determined based on education, experience, knowledge, and abilities.

Is there a specific educational background preferred for this position?

Yes, a Master’s degree is preferred, in addition to the required BA/BS in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

What is the expected percentage of travel for this role?

The role may require 10-15% travel to other Guardian locations as needed.

What are the key responsibilities of the HR Executive for Group Benefits?

Key responsibilities include partnering with senior leaders to develop and execute talent strategies, guiding talent reviews, creating retention strategies, and managing a team of HR professionals to drive organizational effectiveness.

What qualities are required for effective relationship management in this role?

Candidates should be able to build trust with leaders and stakeholders, drive change, negotiate, influence decision-making, and demonstrate courage in making difficult decisions.

Are there any specific systems or tools that candidates should be familiar with?

Familiarity with Workday is preferred for this position.

What kind of benefits does Guardian offer to its employees?

Guardian offers a comprehensive benefits package including health care plans, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, unlimited paid time off, wellness programs, and more.

Does Guardian promote equity and inclusion within the workplace?

Yes, Guardian promotes equity and inclusion by encouraging involvement in employee-led affinity groups and fostering a culture where colleagues can bring their authentic selves to work.

Guardian Life

Finance

Industry

5001-10,000

Employees

1860

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Guardian Life has been a trusted resource for over 160 years, dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives during critical moments. Serving 29 million consumers, Guardian helps individuals and families prepare for the future, supports business owners in caring for their employees, and assists people in recovering from unexpected loss. As a modern mutual insurance company, Guardian focuses on creating value beyond dividends by investing in its employees, fostering an inclusive culture, and uplifting communities through impactful programs. Their core values—doing the right thing, valuing people, shaping the future together, and going above and beyond—guide their mission to protect what matters most.