AI Innovation Lead (JH/GL)

AI Innovation Lead

We are seeking an AI Innovation Lead (Managing Lead Data Scientist) to spearhead our AI strategy and lead our Data Science Lab (DSL).

In this role, you will:

• Set the strategic direction of AI initiatives.
• Identify and implement cutting-edge AI/ML capabilities across the enterprise.
• Mentor and grow a high-performing team of data scientists.
• Drive real-world applications of AI to transform insurance and financial services — from underwriting and claims to customer service.
• Collaborate with senior executives on high-visibility projects that directly impact Guardian's financial performance and customer experience.

This is a high-impact leadership role at the intersection of innovation, business strategy, and AI/ML technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy
• Lead the Data Science Lab (DSL), setting vision, priorities, and aligning initiatives with Guardian's digital transformation goals.
• Manage, mentor, and scale a team of data scientists; foster a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Communicate insights, opportunities, and risks to senior leadership in clear, actionable terms.
• AI Innovation & Research
• Stay at the forefront of AI/ML advancements, especially Deep Learning, NLP, LLMs, and Generative AI.
• Build partnerships with academia and industry to test new AI methods.
• Introduce practical AI innovations that enhance Guardian's competitive edge.
• Create patentable methodologies and technologies.
• AI/ML Development & Applications
• Design and deploy ML solutions on unstructured data (insurance contracts, medical records, sales notes, service logs).
• Deliver AI capabilities to improve underwriting risk assessment, claims automation, and customer service.
• Leverage GPU, distributed computing, and parallel processing to scale solutions.
• Operational Excellence
• Establish scalable frameworks and governance for responsible AI deployment.
• Evaluate and implement cutting-edge platforms and tools to optimize workflows.
• Lead proofs-of-concept for new data, software, and technologies.
• Collaboration & Influence
• Partner with executives, product owners, engineers, and business leaders to solve core challenges with AI.
• Standardize data science practices across the enterprise.
• Represent Guardian as an AI thought leader at vendor meetings and industry events.

What We're Looking For

Must-Have Qualifications

Education:

• PhD + 6+ years experience, OR
• Master's + 8+ years, OR
• Bachelor's + 10+ years in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related.

Technical Expertise:

• 7+ years hands-on ML model development.
• Deep experience with Deep Learning, LLMs, NLP.
• Strong Python skills with PyTorch and/or TensorFlow.
• Solid knowledge of algorithms and diverse ML models.
• Experience with GPU computing, distributed systems, parallelism.

Leadership:

• Track record managing and scaling teams of 4+ data scientists.
• Proven technical leadership, mentoring, and performance management.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration with product, engineering, and business stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and business impact-driven.

Preferred Experience

• Insurance or financial services domain knowledge.
• Patent creation or applied research contributions.
• Experience bringing AI from prototype to market deployment.

Why Join us as AI Innovation Lead?

• Impact at scale: Your work directly shapes our AI strategy and enterprise-wide transformation.
• Leadership visibility: Collaborate with C-suite executives on strategic initiatives.
• Cutting-edge technology: Apply Deep Learning, LLMs, and Generative AI to real-world problems.
• Career growth: Build and lead a team that sets industry standards in responsible AI.
• Flexibility: Hybrid model with relocation support or remote with travel.
• Competitive compensation & benefits: Strong salary, comprehensive health benefits, 12% 401(k) match, 25% bonus.