Head of claims service finance group benefits

In this role, you will report to the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, Group Benefits and be responsible for all financial aspects of the Claims & Service operations area within the $5B+ Group Benefits business. This role will support profitable growth of the business through innovative analytics, leading to incorporating third party solutions across multiple areas of the Claims delivery value chain, along with ensuring cost and growth models align with the strategic operating plan of the business.

Responsibilities will also include evolving workforce planning capabilities for claims and service operations to best align with the operating plan, as well as seeing opportunities for productivity improvements as part of expense management efforts. In addition to Claims & Service, this role will partner with Product, Distribution, Strategy, and Business Support teams to prioritize and balance organic and inorganic growth strategies across the entire Group business.

You will lead, mentor, and inspire staff and peers to achieve best practices and consistently demonstrate our Guardian Values of “We do the right thing,” “We believe people count,” “We courageously shape our future together” and “We go above and beyond for the people we serve.”

You will:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Claims & Service leadership, influencing strategic decisions through data-driven insights and financial stewardship.
• Lead Claims analytics efforts across Dental, Absence & Disability, Life, and Supplemental Health, driving actionable insights that align financial results to operating plan, improve customer outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Direct financial planning and expense management for the Claims and Service budget, including annual planning, forecasting, value capture, and monthly reviews aligned with business goals.
• Lead contact center analytics to optimize routing, staffing, and unit cost, to improve service delivery and customer experience.
• Partner cross-functionally with Claims, Service, Work Force Planning, Actuarial, and Clinical teams to analyze trends and inform staffing strategies.
• Support strategic investment decisions (including AI) through lean business case development and portfolio prioritization for Claims-related initiatives.
• Deliver high-impact insights on staffing, productivity, and profitability across STD & Statutory Leave, Dental, LTD, Supplemental Health, and Service operations.
• Modernize FP&A Business Intelligence capabilities by implementing Tableau and standardized data frameworks, enhancing transparency and agility in reporting KPIs.
• Monitor and evaluate risks & opportunities to manage resource allocations and maintain appropriate staffing levels.
• Mentor and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous improvement while reducing costs and boosting engagement.
• Influence enterprise strategy by aligning Claims & Service analytics with Product, Distribution, and Strategy teams to support both growth of the business.
  
  

You have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Finance, or a related field.
• FSA designation or equivalent relevant accreditation / advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of proven experience within the Group Benefits industry with actuarial/claims experience preferred.
• Experience collaborating with Claims and Operations, preferably group Disability and\or Dental.
• Demonstrated eye for business with ability to form relationships with senior executive leadership and across multiple matrix organizations.
• Robust leadership experience combined with the ability to manage a team of analytical and technical professionals.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Organizational savvy with ability to influence cross functionally.
• Strong analytical and technical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and translate into a compelling narrative.
• Solid working experience within the Microsoft office suite along with data visualization experience
  
  

Location:

Hybrid role - 3 days in a Guardian office located in Boston, MA; Bethlehem, PA; Holmdel, NJ; or Hudson Yards, NYC. 2 days WFH

Salary Range:

$151,950.00 - $249,630.00

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 Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law.

Accommodations

Guardian is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].

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