Head of HR Optimization

Is the opportunity to join a culture where “We Do the Right Thing,” and “We Courageously Shape Our Future Together” important to you? If so, we are seeking a highly motivated leader for the position of Head of HR Optimization. In conjunction with, and direct partnership with the HR leadership team, HR Product Development Manager and the HR Technology team, this role will play a significant part in developing operational efficiencies, quality, and service delivery for the function.

You are an authority in the design, optimization, and execution of end-to-end programs and project processes. You will combine your knowledge and process/ project expertise to optimize HR service delivery to create an exceptional colleague experience. You have a deep knowledge and understanding of program and project delivery methodologies. You continuously strive to provide superior service and exceptional customer experience. You know both Agile and traditional project management approaches and know how and when to apply a particular method. You are a solutions-oriented leader that collaborates with a wide range of people to identify and define customer needs, understand the Solution Context, and develop the Program Vision, Roadmap, and Features required to meet these needs. You demonstrate self-awareness and embrace feedback. You are open, transparent, and honest in demeanor and communication.

You will:

• Design product delivery, program, and project management processes, as well as the ongoing service delivery optimization of a suite of HR-related services for Guardian.

• Function as an authority on the prioritization and sequencing delivery of HR Projects, Process Improvement Solutions, and the Change Management execution.

• Work closely with the Agile Product Owner (PO), who is aligned with Guardian’s Corporate Technology team, the Head of HR Optimization is accountable for the delivery and execution of all HR projects and products.

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a small team of Project Managers

• Combine expert-level proficiency in the ability to communicate clearly and collaborate with key partners to define a roadmap aligning to business priorities.

• Collaborate with CoEs, IT, and Operational partners, to create end-to-end business processes that optimize operational processes to support the business strategy and create superior employee experience.

• Lead HR projects and working directly with HR Leadership, IT, and project teams to identify improvements to existing systems, processes, and associated procedures.

• Work within and across the organization to ensure optimization of HR processes.

• Build and maintain partnerships across all aspects of HR, IT, and the overall Guardian organization.

• Define clear requirements while identifying and engaging all necessary stakeholders and impacted functions/business areas.

• Identify process/change management needs and support the building of desirable, feasible, viable, and sustainable processes.

You have:

• Experience in Business Analysis, Project Management (Agile and Traditional)

• 10 years of progressively responsible and related work experience. Experience supporting HR functions a plus.

• Ability to direct and manage the development and implementation of projects and processes for high impact programs and communications, by collaborating with multiple teams (Business CoE teams, Technology, and other stakeholders).

• Ability to provide leadership, influence others and mediate/resolve complex problems and issues.

• Ability to foster effective working relationships and build consensus.

Responsibility in key areas:

Business Acumen

• Demonstrated financial and analytical acumen to synthesize and prioritize ranging issues and activities, thus be highly effective in formulating coordinated action plans and activities.

• An effective level of business literacy to be able to substantively contribute to the success of the business.

Data Judgment

• Experience leveraging data to influence decision making outcomes with ability to “tell the story” Using data.

• Demonstrated strong analytical and assessment skills.

Strategic Thinking

• The ability to develop and execute solutions to business challenges and to influence strategic business decisions.

• Strategic Human Resource Thought Leadership – are able to execute HR strategies across the organization in an efficient manner.

Relationship Management/ Collaboration

• Proven leadership experience in communicating, influencing, and negotiating decisions while motivating partners, peers, and staff.

• Provides positive leadership and direction to the team with the ability to thrive in a team environment.

• Ability to build relationships and quickly earn the trust of leaders, partners, key stakeholders, and collaborators, building credibility and becoming their trusted advisor.

• Proven experience in driving change, negotiating, and influencing leaders and key stakeholders across levels.

Agility

• The ability to respond to shifts in the business environment and to adapt and change course when necessary.

• The ability to work effectively in an ever-changing environment and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Intellectual curiosity; brings insights into the team and business with continual willingness to learn.

• Proven record of fostering change, influence leadership and build relationships with all colleague levels and be regarded as a trusted partner.

Reporting Relationships:

As our Head of HR Optimization, you will report to the Head of HR Digital, Data and Optimization who reports to Guardian’s Chief Human Resources Officer and manages a small team of Project Managers.

Location:

Hybrid role - 3 days in the office, 2 days WFH - Preferred locations- Guardian home offices located in Bethlehem, PA, New York NY, Stamford CT, or Boston, MA

Travel to Guardian offices as determined by the People Leader.

Salary Range:

$107,920.00 - $177,295.00

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.