Senior Strategic Project Leader

The Senior Strategic Project Leader plays a critical role in overseeing and coordinating business-as-usual (BAU) projects within the Park Avenue Securities framework. In this position, you will collaborate closely with leaders across various functions such as customer service, operations, and business development, driving strategies into successful initiatives. You will manage the full project lifecycle—from initial concept and planning through to execution, launch, and post-implementation tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs). This role is vital in ensuring that ongoing enhancements and process improvements align with our firm's strategic goals, focusing on continuous improvement rather than large-scale transformation. You are: A proactive, detail-oriented leader in project management who thrives in a fast-paced, client-focused environment. You have a knack for juggling multiple priorities while ensuring quality and compliance. Your communication skills enable you to effectively engage stakeholders and foster collaboration among diverse teams. You are adept at managing both the technical and business sides of projects, ensuring they meet strategic objectives, and you tackle challenges with a commitment to adaptability and continuous improvement. You will: Lead comprehensive planning and execution of BAU projects, defining objectives and success criteria with business partners. Create and manage project plans, including timelines and budgets; monitor progress, identifying risks and dependencies to assure on-time and within-budget delivery. Ensure adherence to all regulatory requirements (FINRA, SEC) and maintain internal governance standards while upholding quality and risk controls. Facilitate effective collaboration between internal teams and external vendors to align initiatives with business goals and enhance client service. Deliver concise, executive-ready status updates and dashboards outlining progress, KPIs, and critical decisions. Assess post-launch performance metrics, gather lessons learned, and roll out continuous improvement strategies. Lead change management initiatives, including adoption plans, training, and communication strategies to ensure seamless implementation. You have: A Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, information systems, or a related field; an advanced degree (MBA or similar) is preferred. Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or similar certification; Agile or Lean certifications are advantageous. Over 7 years of project management experience in the financial services industry, particularly within wealth management or broker-dealer sectors, with a proven ability to deliver complex initiatives successfully. A strong understanding of broker-dealer operations, investment products, trading platforms, and regulatory standards. Outstanding organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with an acute attention to detail and the ability to manage simultaneous priorities. Superior communication and interpersonal skills, capable of leading cross-functional teams, influencing stakeholders, and presenting updates to senior leadership. An ability to excel in a fast-paced, client-centric atmosphere, adapting to changing business needs and market dynamics. Reporting Relationships: As our Senior Strategic Project Leader, you will report to the Head of Advisor Strategic Initiatives. Location: The primary locations for this position are Bethlehem PA, Holmdel NJ, and Hudson Yards NY. Salary Range: $103,450.00 - $169,960.00. The salary range above is an estimate for the primary location of this role. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, and overall qualifications. This position may also offer eligibility for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation. Our Promise: At Guardian, we empower you with the support and flexibility to achieve both your professional and personal aspirations. Our emphasis on skill-building, leadership development, and community engagement creates an environment conducive to career growth among diverse colleagues who uphold high ethical standards. Inspire Well-Being: Aligned with our mission to inspire well-being, Guardian offers innovative, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources. Explore our comprehensive benefits at (Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees; interns are not eligible for most company benefits.) Equal Employment Opportunity: Guardian is proud to be 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 ensuring access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. We also provide reasonable accommodations to qualified candidates to accommodate known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions when possible. For accommodation requests during the application or interview process, please contact . Note: this resource is solely for accommodation requests; for other inquiries related to your application, please refer to the Guardian Careers site. Visa Sponsorship: Guardian Life is not currently sponsoring employment visas. To be a successful applicant, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday. Each day, Guardian assists our 29 million customers in realizing their dreams through our extensive range of insurance and financial products and services. Guided by our purpose to inspire well-being, we strive to support our colleagues, clients, and communities. We recognize the importance of people and go the extra mile to prepare them for the future they envision, focusing on their overall well-being—mind, body, and wallet. As one of the largest mutual insurance companies, our commitment is to prioritize our customers. Learn more about Guardian at guardianlife.com.

Created: 2026-03-04