Head of Technical Operations, Enterprise Technology

Do you have the desire to be part of this collaborative & innovative technology group? Is a culture where “People Count” and “We do the Right Thing” and “We Hold Ourselves to Very High Standards” important to you? If so, Guardian Life Insurance Company is actively seeking a strategic and dynamic Technology Operations Leader to oversee the operations, optimization, and transformation of our technology ecosystem.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing in-house IT operations, building scalable processes, and leading the transition of services from in-house operations to managed services. This role requires a balance of strategic vision and hands-on operational leadership, with a focus on efficiency, performance, and innovation. This includes working with a cross functional team in both the US and India and experience with both on-premises data center and Cloud technologies.

You Will

This role reports directly to the Head of Enterprise Infrastructure, Engineering and Operations and works collaboratively across the firm to support technology operations, system lifecycle management and infrastructure reliability to meet the needs and achieve desired business outcomes.

Operational Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day IT operations, ensuring high availability, reliability, and performance of systems, applications, and infrastructure.
• Establish and enforce robust IT operations processes, and best practices across the organization.
• Lead operations center, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity initiatives.

Transition to Managed Services

• Continue to evaluate opportunities with automation, leveraging 3rd parties and talent sourcing for scale and to drive efficiencies
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and performance metrics.
• Ensure seamless integration of managed services into existing operations while maintaining service continuity.

Team and Stakeholder Management

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing technology operations team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align IT initiatives with organizational priorities.
• Act as a liaison between internal stakeholders and external vendors to drive technology improvements and service delivery.

Strategic Initiatives

• Drive operational efficiency through automation, standardization, and process optimization.
• Monitor industry trends and emerging technologies to recommend and implement innovative solutions.
• Lead capacity planning, budgeting, and forecasting for IT operations.

You Have

• 10 years of experience as a leader of IT operations in a large enterprise environment
• Extensive hands-on experience with the Cloud technologies (AWS preferred), VMWare, infrastructure, automation, and lifecycle management
• Experience with Database technologies, middleware technologies, Windows, RHEL, and AIX
• Demonstrated ability to set the direction for an IT function and lead through change
• Demonstrated knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and business operations
• Practical knowledge of modern tech stack of cloud applications
• Analytical mind and great problem-solving skills
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal abilities and a history of success working with diverse stakeholders across an enterprise

Location & Travel

• Holmdel, NJ or Bethlehem PA
• 3 days in office - 2 days WFH

Salary Range:

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 applicant_accommodation@glic.com.

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

Salary : $174,760 - $287,103