Team Leader, Absence Claims Management

Job Overview The Team Leader, Absence Claims Management leads a team of Absence Management Case Managers, driving performance, quality, and continuous improvement across the organization. Responsibilities Partner with leadership to develop and communicate objectives and performance goals for the team. Manage direct reports’ performance by coordinating with HR to implement coaching plans and performance improvement plans. Develop employee goals to promote career growth and enhance knowledge for future opportunities. Collaborate with internal business partners such as Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Service, Sales, Account Management, Group Quality Management, and others. Create regular action plans based on results from employee engagement surveys. Review and analyze daily, weekly, and monthly team productivity reports to identify trends, training opportunities, and improvement actions. Review processes and reports for process improvement opportunities. Own client relationships, participate in meetings and calls, and close the loop on service issues. Prioritize the customer/client experience in day‑to‑day interactions and processes. Identify continuous improvement opportunities, eliminate unnecessary steps, and empower staff to submit process improvement ideas. Support claims initiatives, provide relevant feedback, and lead change during project rollouts. Schedule and facilitate team meetings and individual touchpoints. Mentor, coach, supervise, and develop talent; coordinate training resources and plans. Review claim staff QA/CMA assessments for learning opportunities. Use data and analytics to improve business processes and team outcomes. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience; integrated absence management preferred. 5+ years of disability claims experience. 3+ years of demonstrated leadership experience. Extensive knowledge of disability products, business rules, and procedures. Familiarity with mandated state and federal regulations. Professional oral, written, and presentation skills. Proven organizational and time‑management skills. Excellent mathematical aptitude and analytical skills. Strong PC skills, including Microsoft Office applications. Leadership Behaviors Team Leadership: Hire, develop, and retain top talent; recognize and reward team members; model servant‑leader behavior. Problem Solving: Be creative, take calculated risks, and learn quickly from mistakes. Customer/Client Focused: Act with urgency and ownership to resolve issues and prioritize the customer experience. Results Focused: Drive the team to achieve results, focusing on desired outcomes and actionable plans. Compensation Salary Range: $58,602.00 – $108,860.00 (Good faith estimate of base pay; final base pay determined by education, experience, knowledge, and abilities.) Potential eligibility for annual, sales, or other incentive compensation. Benefits Health: Choice of high‑deductible or copay medical plans with prescription drugs, coverage for fertility and transgender inclusive benefits. Dental & Vision plans. Health care accounts – flexible spending, health reimbursement, and health savings accounts. Critical illness, life, and disability insurance; company‑paid life and disability insurance plus voluntary supplemental coverage. Accident insurance. Retirement: 401(k) plan with company match, annual age/service‑based contributions, and potential profit‑sharing. Financial guidance: Complimentary 1:1 financial guidance with a licensed Fidelity representative. Paid time off: Unlimited PTO for most roles plus time for volunteering, jury duty, voting, bereavement, and paid parental leave. Well‑being resources: Mental health, fitness program, and equipment reimbursement. Child, elder, and backup care support through Bright Horizons. Adoption assistance, tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, commuter benefits, and equity & inclusion programs. Work Environment This is a flexible remote position with minimal travel to one of our office locations for leadership meetings or training. Equal Opportunity & Accommodations Guardian is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, nationality, marital status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Guardian provides reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees, including for individuals with disabilities and for pregnancy or related medical conditions. Visa Sponsorship Guardian Life will not sponsor employment‑based visas for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America