Indexed Annuity Product Lead (Hybrid)

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America; New York (NY); On-site; USD 132,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian Life is seeking an Indexed Product Development Lead to drive development and management of indexed annuity products in close partnership with the Head of Indexed Annuities. You translate market insight into differentiated product designs and guide cross-functional teams from concept to launch with SME ownership of product mechanics and riders.

The role requires 5+ years in annuity product development with FIA/RILA experience, strong executive communication, pricing and regulatory

Qualifications

• 5+ years of annuity product development experience; indexed annuity (FIA/RILA) experience required.
• Strong knowledge of annuity mechanics, pricing concepts, regulatory and filing environment, and distribution dynamics.
• Excellent executive and technical communication; ability to produce clear product materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical capability, financial acumen, and sound business judgment.
• Ability to manage several dissimilar projects concurrently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Responsibilities

• Own the development, implementation and management of a portfolio of indexed annuity products and riders.
• Drive the near-term and long-term product development roadmap with cross-functional teams.
• Lead design and pricing decisions from concept to launch; translate strategy into detailed product specs.
• Coordinate with pricing/actuarial, legal, compliance, and marketing for filings, approvals and go-to-market.

Skills

Annuity product development

Indexed annuities knowledge

Executive communication

Analytical capability

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Summary

Do you want to help shape the future of Guardian’s indexed annuity portfolio? Are you a hands‑on product builder who thrives on turning market insight into differentiated solutions, translating design into detailed specifications, and coordinating the many partners to build and manage differentiated solutions? Do you bring practical expertise in Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIA) and Registered Index‑Linked Annuities (RILA) and a passion for customer‑centric design? At Guardian, 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. If these values resonate with you, Guardian is seeking an Indexed Product Development Lead to drive the development and management of our indexed annuity products in close partnership with the Head of Indexed Annuities.

You are A results‑oriented product development professional with deep, practical knowledge of indexed annuities. You excel at translating insights and strategy into detailed product design, communicating the business and customer value of the solutions you recommend, considering operational and administrative product dynamics, and driving execution through cross-functional teams. You are equally comfortable serving as the day-to-day subject matter expert on product mechanics and coordinating with key partners such as pricing, legal, compliance, marketing, distribution, and technology to deliver and maintain a successful product. You will Own the development, implementation and management of a portfolio of indexed annuity solutions; building and maintaining the indexed annuity near-term and long-term product development roadmap, keeping a healthy pipeline of concepts, enhancements, and in-force initiatives aligned to strategy. Establish business cases for new products and enhancements, including market opportunity, competitive positioning, financial rationale, and risk considerations. Coordinate R&D across Pricing/Actuarial, Competitive Intelligence, Distribution/Sales, and senior leadership to assess viability, competitiveness, and alignment with business objectives. Identify emerging market opportunities, consumer needs, and industry trends, and translate them into differentiated product solutions. Lead cross-functional working sessions that drive design and pricing decisions from concept to launch. Partner with implementation team to develop and maintain detailed product specifications and supporting documentation. Serve as the subject matter expert for indexed annuity products and riders currently and previously sold, supporting internal and external partners on product mechanics and positioning. Manage day-to-day new product and enhancement issues and the existing block of in-force indexed annuity business, including ad-hoc product requests and sale exceptions. Participate in the contract and form drafting process and partner with Contracts, State Filings, and Compliance on filings and approvals. Support the development and review of marketing collateral, training, and field enablement during implementation. Contribute to product governance and risk processes by assessing impacts to product design, pricing, business mix, and portfolio performance. Establish credibility across the business to communicate product updates clearly to all levels of the organization.

Required Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent related work experience. 5+ years of annuity product development experience or closely related annuity experience; indexed annuity (FIA/RILA) experience required. Working knowledge of annuity product mechanics, pricing concepts, the regulatory and filing environment, and distribution dynamics. Strong executive and technical communication skills with the ability to ensure clarity and accuracy in external and internal product related materials. Excellent influencing, organizational, facilitation, and communication skills; able to gain consensus and cultivate strategic internal relationships. Strong analytical capability, financial acumen, and sound business judgment. Ability to manage several dissimilar projects concurrently and prioritize appropriately in a fast‑paced, matrixed environment.

Reporting Relationship

This role will report to the Head of Indexed Annuities.

Location

The primary location for this position is Hudson Yards, New York, but we are also open to candidates who can commute into our Bethlehem, PA, Pittsfield, MA, Stamford, CT, or Boston, MA offices at least 3-days per week.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $132,420.00 - $217,545.00. 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 [e-mail]. Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site.

Visa Sponsorship

Guardian Life is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment‑based visas (e.g., such as an H-1B). In order to be a successful applicant, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship/support now or at any time in the future.

Notice Regarding Guardian’s Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

As part of Guardian’s job application process, Guardian may use artificial intelligence tools (“AI Tools"