Head of Financial Planning Strategy & Execution

PURPOSE As a member of the Client Solutions leadership team, this role sets and executes Guardian’s enterprise financial planning strategy across channels and client segments. The leader builds a protection-first, holistic planning model that integrates insurance, retirement, investments, and wealth management; converts advanced-market expertise into actionable solutions; and scales consistent delivery for advisors and clients. Key Accountabilities Enterprise Planning Strategy & Operating Model ·       Partner with the Head of Client Solutions to align strategy and then design, evolve, and execute a comprehensive protection first, holistic financial planning strategy and framework. ·       Define the planning function’s governance, workflows, technology platforms, service standards, decision rights, and process improvements to enable efficient, consistent, and scalable execution. ·       Clarify how each planning discipline is reflected within the enterprise framework and how solutions align to distinct client and advisor segments. ·       Monitor competitive dynamics, industry trends, regulatory developments, and evolving client needs to keep the offering differentiated and relevant.  Planning Solutions, Experience & Digital Scale ·       Design scalable planning models and deliverables for clients and advisors, with tailored approaches for complex HNW and UHNW needs. ·       Lead the evolution and adoption of digital planning capabilities that improve planning quality, advisor productivity, client engagement, and scale. ·       Translate complex financial concepts and technical thought leadership into practical tools, frameworks, case designs, and client-friendly recommendations. ·       Evaluate and integrate third-party capabilities where they strengthen the planning proposition and client experience. Advanced Markets & Complex Planning ·       Lead the GWAM strategy and team across thought leadership, case consultation, case design, business development, and sales campaigns, in alignment with Client Solutions and Wealth Management objectives. ·       Advance sophisticated solutions for HNW and UHNW clients, including estate planning, tax-efficient structures, insurance strategies, and legacy planning. ·       Partner with advisors, product teams, and internal and external specialists to address complex client needs and integrate advanced planning into broader engagement models. ·       Identify opportunities to strengthen Guardian’s HNW and UHNW value proposition through innovative, competitive planning solutions. Advisor, Field & Client Activation ·       Establish planning best practices, advisor enablement programs, training, and coaching strategies in partnership with distribution, regional and field leaders, product teams, and CSWM leadership. ·       Foster a planning-first culture centered on client needs, protection, implementation, and long-term relationship building. ·       Collaborate with Park Avenue Wealth Management and field partners to drive consistent execution while addressing segment-specific and complex planning needs. ·       Partner with marketing and communications to ensure the protection-first, holistic planning approach is reflected clearly and consistently in internal and external content. Enterprise Alignment, Performance & Risk ·       Influence product development, distribution strategy, and executive decision-making through data-driven insights, client outcomes, market intelligence, and planning trends. ·       Lead cross-functional initiatives by aligning stakeholders, managing dependencies, and accelerating enterprise priorities across product, operations, technology, marketing, legal, compliance, and distribution. ·       In partnership with the appropriate analytics and business teams, define metrics and reporting for plan utilization, advisor