Group Benefits Growth Leader — Central Region (Chicago, Hybrid)

Guardian Life; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 131,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian Life in Chicago, Illinois, is seeking a Group Benefits Market Leader for the Central Region to drive profitable growth through new sales, retention, and broker relationships across 2 to 2,000 lives. You will lead a high-performing team and collaborate with underwriting, product, finance, and marketing to deliver results.

The role requires 8+ years in Group Benefits, strong leadership, and proven ability to build broker networks.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Group Benefits industry experience and leadership in sales or distribution.
• Strong knowledge of Group Benefits distribution, underwriting, finance and pricing, product development and marketing, operations, risk management, and administration.
• Proven ability to develop and execute market sales and retention strategies for profitable growth.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing sales professionals with measurable results.
• Ability to build influential broker and distribution partner relationships.
• Comfort using data, analytics, and AI-enabled tools to prepare for broker/client interactions and support decisions.
• Excellent communication, judgment, and integrity in a fast-paced environment.
• Required industry licensing within 90 days of hire and ongoing CE.
• Must be based in the Chicago, IL area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an integrated market sales and retention plan aligned to corporate and local priorities.
• Lead and develop a high-performing sales team with hands-on deal support and accountability.
• Strengthen market presence by cultivating relationships with high-value brokers and partners.
• Collaborate across Underwriting, Client Management, Product, Finance, Marketing, and Operations to solve challenges using data and AI tools.
• Serve as a market expert, providing competitive intelligence and thought leadership.

Skills

Group Benefits sales leadership

Broker relationships

Data analytics and AI tools

People leadership

Strategic market planning

Education

Advanced degree (preferred)

Tools

CRM platforms

BI tools

Generative AI solutions

Job description

Guardian Life in Chicago, Illinois, is seeking a Group Benefits Market Leader for the Central Region to drive profitable growth through new sales, retention, and broker relationships across 2 to 2,000 lives. You will lead a high-performing team and collaborate with underwriting, product, finance, and marketing to deliver results.

The role requires 8+ years in Group Benefits, strong leadership, and proven ability to build broker networks.