Position Summary

As a member of the Network Strategy and Enablement team, the Operational Excellence Lead will be responsible for transforming our organization by developing, designing, and reimaging processes across the Network Team. This leader will ensure our teams deliver consistent best-in-class customer experience and execute large strategic initiatives flawlessly. The leader will provide overall operational program management and thought leadership to optimize our organization implementing solutions across several key dimensions including operational performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

In this role, you will establish a framework and approach to enable the Network Development organization to meet the high standards set for the teams that interface with and support Guardian’s 135,000+ provider dental network, and drive strategy for utilizing new tools and tech to enable our teams.

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in process optimization, a passion for leveraging AI tools, and a proven track record of delivering tangible results.

You Will:

• Develop and implement innovative process redesign initiatives to streamline workflows and eliminate bottlenecks, with a focus on using data analytics and AI tools.

• Transform network processes including discovery, current state/future state mapping, business case development and delivery.

• Apply advanced knowledge of operational excellence best practices including Lean Six Sigma to develop and implement our organizational strategy.

• Understand developments in technology with a focus on application to our specific business challenges; deploy automation and artificial intelligence to streamline our business and improve efficiency.

• Identify opportunities to better service internal and external stakeholders using an operational excellence mindset; Align with partners to provide guidance and resolve questions utilizing a continuous improvement mindset.

• Drive organizational engagement and execution of key strategic initiatives working autonomously to make decisions while consulting with senior leadership on complex situations.

• Implement a strategy to ensure standards/processes are aligned and followed to support our business objectives.

• Develop sustainable processes which Network Operations teams can execute with a focus on process optimization.

You Have:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

• Recent experience developing and deploying operational excellence strategies specifically in the insurance industry.

• Demonstrated proficiency with Lean methodology, tools, and process improvement; Black Belt preferred.

• Ability to manage programs and projects; strong facilitation and negotiation skills.

• Excellent verbal/written communication, collaboration, analytical and presentation skills to lead an environment driven by customer service and teamwork; must be able to set goals and participate in strategic initiatives for a team.

Location and Work Arrangement:

• Work arrangement will be hybrid (2+ days per week based out of a local Guardian Office).

• Preferred locations include Guardian's Boston, MA and Bethlehem, PA Offices.

Salary Range

$99,190.00 - $162,955.00

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.

Health Care

• Choice of [high deductible/copay] medical plans* with prescription drugs, including coverage for fertility and transgender inclusive benefits

• Dental plan

• Vision plan

• Health care accounts – flexible spending, health reimbursement, and health savings accounts

• Critical illness insurance

Life and Disability Insurance

• Company-paid Life and Disability insurance plus voluntary supplemental coverage

• Accident insurance

Retirement and Financial

• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match, plus an annual age/service-based Company contribution and an annual profit-sharing contribution, if applicable

• Complimentary 1:1 financial guidance with a licensed Fidelity representative

Time Off and Remote Work

• Flexible work arrangements (part in-person/part remote)

• Unlimited paid time off for most roles plus time off for volunteering, jury duty, voting, and bereavement

• Personal holidays for colleagues to use in recognition of religious, cultural, or civic days

• Paid parental leave and paid family and medical leave policies

Emotional Well-being and Work-Life

• Emotional well-being, mental health, and work/life resources powered by Spring Health

• Wellness programs, including fitness program and equipment reimbursement

• Child, adult, and elder back-up care support through Bright Horizons

• Adoption assistance

• College planning

• Tuition reimbursement

• Student loan assistance

• Commuter benefits in select metropolitan areas

Equity & Inclusion

Opportunities to build inclusive and meaningful connections through involvement in colleague-led affinity groups:

• Employee Resource Groups:

• Colleague Connection Committees

• Community Involvement Committees

A culture that encourages colleagues to bring their authentic selves to work

• Voluntary self-ID

• Pronunciation and phonetic spelling of names

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 applicant_accommodation@glic.com .

Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.

Every day, Guardian helps our 29 million customers realize their dreams through a range of insurance and financial products and services. Our Purpose, to inspire well-being, guides our dedication to the colleagues, consumers, and communities we serve. We know that people count, and we go above and beyond to prepare them for the life they want to live, focusing on their overall well-being — mind, body, and wallet. As one of the largest mutual insurance companies, we put our customers first. Behind every bright future is a GuardianTM. Learn more about Guardian at guardianlife.com .