Managing Director, Investment Strategy

The Managing Director, Investment Strategy plays a critical leadership role within the Office of the CIO at Guardian Life. This role works closely with the Head of ALM & Investment Strategy to design, implement, and oversee the execution of Guardian Life’s investment strategy, maintaining appropriate alignment between assets and liabilities within company defined risk parameters and strategic objectives. This role leads cross-functional initiatives in collaboration with internal teams and external asset managers.  Additionally, this individual will influence the continued evolution of the General Account by identifying areas of opportunity beyond current capabilities, including exploring areas of potential strategic partnership and/or other unique structures to maximize value.  This is a high impact, visible leadership role requiring thought leadership, development and oversight of complex investment strategies, and the ability to shape and drive Guardian Life’s investment strategy and growth agenda.

The Managing Director, Investment Strategy’s key responsibilities will include:

• Partner with the Head of ALM & Investment Strategy in the development, implementation, and oversight of investment strategy
• Develop asset strategies for both new and existing insurance products
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders—including Actuarial, Finance, Risk, and Operations—to support enterprise-wide initiatives including ALM, capital planning, and product development
• Develop market insights and portfolio analysis and produce investment recommendations to optimize overall portfolio construction
• Work with other members of the investment team to maximize relative value opportunities and implement tactical asset allocation strategies 
• Oversee development of annual investment plan
• Represent the investment function to external stakeholders such as third-party asset managers and potential business partners, clearly communicating investment objectives and providing guidance to ensure alignment with Guardian’s overall portfolio strategy
• Support preparation and delivery of periodic reports to senior management as required
• Contribute to maintaining a high-performing investment team by providing mentorship to colleagues, and by advancing best ideas

You are:

• Intellectually curious and creative, with a clear focus on delivering superior investment results
• A strong leader, able to successfully lead and execute investment initiates and cross-functional strategic projects with enterprise-wide impact
• Approachable, communicate effectively and confidently, and work well with others across the firm.  Ability to represent the firm in presentations to the senior management, the Board, and key external partners
• Innovative, proactive, and willing to propose new ideas.  Welcome being challenged and to challenge others to promote best practices
• A change agent who thrives in dynamic, growth-oriented environments
• Champion diversity of thought and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation

You have:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, or a related field; CFA charter holder preferred
• 7-12+ years of relevant experience in investment management, preferably within an insurance or reinsurance environment; prior experience at a US life and annuity insurance company strongly preferred
• Comprehensive knowledge across public and private fixed income and alternative asset classes and the ability to analyze and evaluate market and industry trends, and investment exposures to market risks
• Deep understanding of liability-driven investing and ALM for an insurance company.  Broad understanding of insurance general account liabilities
• Familiarity with regulatory, capital, and accounting frameworks, specifically in a US context (NAIC, RBC, STAT, etc.).  Knowledge of Bermuda is also a plus
• Ability to manage relationships with external stakeholders, and to evaluate and influence asset manager performance to meet company objectives
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to present complex concepts and ideas to senior leaders and build effective working relationships across both internal teams and external partners
• Strategic thinker with strong quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills

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

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