Corporate Development Associate

Overview

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 Guardian. Learn more about Guardian at guardianlife.com.

Guardian has set out an ambitious growth strategy over the next 5 years, referred to as our Journey To ’30.  This strategy focuses on continuing the growth of businesses by diversifying our product portfolio, increasing our distribution footprint, growing our customer base, and leveraging technology, data and AI as a strategic enabler. This growth strategy requires ongoing transformation across the enterprise, including both the business lines and corporate functions.

Guardian is seeking a highly analytical, execution-oriented individual to serve as Corporate Development Associate. In this high-impact role, you will lead Guardian’s inorganic growth initiatives through mergers & acquisitions and strategic investments, shaping the future of our enterprise.

As Corporate Development Associate, you will operate within Guardian’s Enterprise Strategy & Corporate Development team, responsible for shaping enterprise strategy, driving inorganic growth, and leading M&A, venture investments, and strategic partnerships.

You will play a critical role in high-visibility initiatives across the following areas:

• M&A and Strategic Investments

  • Source and evaluate acquisitions/divestitures, investments and JV opportunities aligned with Guardian’s strategic priorities

  • Lead end-to-end transaction processes, including financial modeling, valuation, due diligence, and deal structuring

  • Develop investment cases and secure approvals through Guardian’s governance process

  • Negotiate term sheets and definitive agreements in collaboration with legal and finance teams

• Market Intelligence

  • Analyze industry trends and competitive dynamics to inform inorganic growth strategy

  • Build and maintain relationships with investment bankers, advisors, and industry executives to generate deal flow

  • Prepare executive-level presentations and recommendations for senior leadership and the Board

• Integration Support

  • Partner with business leaders and integration teams to ensure successful post-close execution and synergy realization

You have:

• Bachelor’s degree (Finance, Economics, Business or related field); MBA or CFA preferred

• 2+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, and/or corporate development

  • Sector expertise within Financial Services or Insurance required

  • Strong technical skills in financial modeling and valuation

• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and project management abilities

• Ability to thrive in a lean team environment and take ownership of complex projects

Location:

• This role is hybrid with 3 days a week in Guardian's Hudson Yards NY location

Salary Range:

$95,170.00 - $156,355.00

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