Partner Operations Manager

Do you want to be part of a collaborative Strategic Partnership team? Are you an innovator who is excited by the changing insurance landscape? Is a culture where “People Count,” “We Do the Right Thing,” and “We Hold Ourselves to Very High Standards” important to you? If so, Guardian is seeking a Partner Operations Manager to help grow and streamline our Strategic Partnerships, bringing innovative and differentiated value to our customers.

You Are:

A leader who possesses a high level of energy and enthusiasm, is comfortable with ambiguity, agile process, and theoretical concepts of modern business models enabled by technology and value-added partnerships. This position will deliver results by leveraging creativity, innovation, and operational excellence. Develop staff through effective coaching and build new skills to support capabilities that complement the changing dynamics of our business. Lead transformation and change by inspiring commitment and momentum through effective change management. Inspirational leadership through motivation, influence and coaching to higher levels of performance is primary to this position.

You Will:

• Accountable for leading a team of Partner Operations Leads and the Data Exchange Team
• Maintain a diverse, high performing team capable of doing the work by setting expectations, recruiting the best talent for open positions, addressing any performance issues early, holding staff accountable for performance and developing team members by providing ongoing feedback and appropriate development opportunities
• Foster an environment of innovation and creativity and build business partnerships with Distribution and Underwriting by establishing best practices for a scalable and sustainable model of partner management
• Determine the effectiveness of partnerships by measuring key metrics and value to Guardian and its customers
• Initiate monthly planning of capacity/volume received to ensure the right resources are in place at the right time to meet demand of each partnership.
• Build strong partnerships and develop relationships throughout the organization to deliver on key strategies
• Drive innovation and optimization by developing strategic plans and leading projects to transform the business
• Ensure that an effective system of internal controls is maintained, including management reporting and oversight, compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and documented procedures that incorporate appropriate preventive and defect controls
• Create and reach cross functional alignment on partnership objectives, business strategy and expected outcomes
• Drive road map of enhancements promoting digital solutions to increase efficiency and improved customer experience

You Have:

• Bachelor’s Degree Required; MBA and/or relevant industry designations a plus
• 5 years insurance experience in: Operations, account management, vendor management; or data exchange
• Experience/expertise working with third party benefits technology companies
• Experience/expertise working with third party distribution relationships such as Group General Agencies, National Brokers, Third Party Administrators, Medical Carriers, and/or PEOs
• Demonstrated success in leadership, business development, influence, negotiation, and consultation
• PMP, preferred

Functional Skills:

• Communication:  Possess excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to convey complex and difficult content and messages.   Leads by example by communicating constructively, honestly and candidly.
• Collaborating with others:  Fosters a high level of team work and collaboration between employees, teams, departments and profit centers.
• Coach and Develops:  Develop an employee's skills and knowledge so they can perform to standards of their role.  Support career pathing as opportunities are presented.
• Adapting to Change:  Leads and promotes commitment to change initiatives.  Translates ambiguity into actionable plan for others.
• Impact and influence:  Ability to motivate and inspire others in fast paced/high demand positions and situations.
• Personal Accountability:  Actively seeks and takes on additional challenges to grow and develop professionally.  Take full responsibility for the results of own actions and holds self and others accountable for achieving required results.
• Applies Business and Industry Knowledge:  Understand Guardian’s end to end processes and utilizes knowledge and resources to assist internal and external contacts.   Utilize internal and external sources to better understand industry trends, clients and competitors.
• Strong knowledge of client implementation process and enrollment of individual members.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills; able to work well with clients, customers, peers, and management at all levels (officer, director, manager, supervisor).
• Ability to motivate people and maintain a high energy level.
• Ability to use excellent judgment while working with multiple priorities and deadlines.
• In-depth knowledge and working experience supporting Operational areas, Group Sales, Brokers and Planholders.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Access, and PowerPoint required.

Reporting Relationships:

This position reports to the Head of Implementation who, in turn, reports to the Head of Group Benefit Operations. 

Location/Work Arrangement/Travel:

• The work arrangement is "Mobile" and may be located anywhere in the U.S.
• There is a 10-15% travel component associated with the position.

Salary Range:

$96,960.00 - $159,300.00

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.

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.