Job Information
Guardian Life Head of Strategy, Operations, and Professional Practices - Internal Audit in Stamford, Connecticut
Reporting directly to the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) of a Fortune 250 insurance company, the Chief of Staff & Head of Strategy, Operations, and Professional Practices, will collaborate closely with the CAE and Internal Audit Leadership Team to establish and complete strategic goals and standards of excellence for delivering internal audit services within the Company.
This position plays a crucial role in crafting the strategic priorities and transformation initiatives of the Internal Audit Department (IAD), driving continuous process improvements, implementing industry best practices, and overseeing the Internal Audit Operations and Professional Practices team.
You will
Support in developing and implementing the Department’s strategic initiatives and long-term transformational roadmap.
Facilitate the Department’s Internal Audit Life Cycle, including risk assessment, development, and execution of the audit plan, as well as assessment of the Company’s internal control maturity.
Coordinate operations, including audit plan management, budgeting and forecasting, resource allocation and utilization, and monitoring Department metrics and reporting.
Prepare reports and deliverables for the Audit & Risk Committee and subsidiary boards.
Maintain and update the Department’s audit methodology and professional standards.
Administer and provide support for the Department’s software.
Deliver support services to the Department.
You are
A proactive leader driven by self-motivation and a keen sense of responsibility, adept at making critical decisions.
A strategic problem solver with the ability to connect various priorities across the Department, translating conceptual ideas into actionable strategies while collaborating closely with audit teams and business/functional area management.
An effective collaborator who champions collaboration and converts innovative ideas into practical solutions, building strong and dependable relationships with partners both within the Department, across the Company, and with industry peers.
Results oriented, capable of delivering with a sense of urgency while maintaining quality standards.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, influential, and proficient in articulating ideas professionally and clearly.
High emotional intelligence, diplomatic, and maintains strict confidentiality.
Skilled in project and time management, thrives in a fast-paced environment, handles multiple projects simultaneously with a focus on meeting deadlines, and takes ownership of commitments.
You have
10 plus years of expertise in transformation, business planning, business process improvement, value chain creation, organizational design, change management and audit innovation.
Consistent record in developing and implementing business strategies and operational initiatives, including implementing departmental projects, technologies and tools, and training programs.
Experienced in leading and implementing innovative approaches to improve the customer experience.
Skilled in program and project management, team leadership, executive reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
Capable of coordinating multiple partner functions in a matrixed environment.
Familiarity with developing risk-based audit methodologies; conducting risk assessments and annual audit planning, risk and control evaluations, audit quality assurance practices, and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing.
Professional certifications related to project management, auditing, or risk management are advantageous.
Experience in the financial services industry, particularly insurance, is beneficial.
Desirable experience with TeamMate+ audit software.
Bachelor’s degree preferred, .but not required if experience is aligned
Location
Hybrid: 2 days in office, 3 days WFH. Preferred location – Hudson Yards, New York City; Holmdel, NJ; Stamford CT; or Bethlehem, PA.
#hybrid
Salary Range
$126,970.00 - $208,600.00
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
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 .
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 .