Strategic Group Benefits Leader, Central Region

The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 145,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian Life is seeking a Group Benefits Market Leader for the Central Region to drive profitable growth by leading a dynamic sales team and strengthening relationships with brokers and distribution partners across 2 to 2,000 lives.

You will collaborate across Underwriting, Client Management, Product, Finance, and Marketing, leveraging data and AI tools to surface insights, shape strategies, and deliver top- and bottom-line results in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of Group Benefits industry experience, including 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, market share and financial performance.
• Experience leading, coaching, and developing sales professionals, including setting expectations and accountability.
• Demonstrated ability to build influential relationships with brokers, distribution partners, clients, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Comfort using data, analytics, and AI-enabled tools to prepare for broker and client interactions, identify trends and opportunities, and improve productivity.
• Ability to use AI responsibly by protecting confidential information and applying human judgment.
• Persuasive communication and presentation skills, integrity, and ability to operate in a fast-paced environment.
• Must obtain industry licensing within 90 days of hire and maintain it through continuing education.
• Must be based in the Chicago, IL area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an integrated market sales and retention plan to maximize growth, retention, and market share.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing sales team with hands-on support and accountability for results.
• Strengthen Guardian’s market presence by cultivating relationships with high-value brokers and distribution partners.
• Partner across Underwriting, Client Management, Product, Finance, Marketing, and Operations to improve broker and client experience.
• Use data, analytics, and AI-enabled tools to surface insights, prioritize opportunities, monitor performance, and enhance team effectiveness.
• Serve as a market expert and guardian representative by providing competitive intelligence and identifying customer needs and trends.

Skills

Group Benefits knowledge

Sales leadership

Data analytics

AI tools usage

Communication skills

Education

Advanced degree

Tools

CRMs

Business intelligence

Generative AI

Job description

Guardian Life is seeking a Group Benefits Market Leader for the Central Region to drive profitable growth by leading a dynamic sales team and strengthening relationships with brokers and distribution partners across 2 to 2,000 lives.

You will collaborate across Underwriting, Client Management, Product, Finance, and Marketing, leveraging data and AI tools to surface insights, shape strategies, and deliver top- and bottom-line results in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.