Principal IAM Security Architect

Guardian Life is seeking a Principal IAM Security Architect to serve as a thought leader and subject-matter expert within the IAM domain. This role involves defining enterprise-wide IAM strategies, guiding the organization's adoption of best practices across cloud and on-premises technologies, and driving innovation to support business objectives. You will lead the execution of IAM strategy, design scalable solutions, establish architectural standards, champion cybersecurity controls, and drive API security implementations. The role also includes evaluating emerging technologies, mentoring senior architects and engineers, and collaborating with business leaders.

Must Have

• Lead the definition and execution of the organization’s IAM strategy.
• Serve as the top-tier authority on all IAM topics, integrating cloud and on-premises enterprise architectures.
• Design scalable, reusable, and forward-thinking IAM solutions.
• Establish IAM architectural standards, patterns, and guidelines.
• Champion the adoption of cutting-edge cybersecurity controls across IAM, AppSec, and DevSecOps domains.
• Drive organization-wide API security implementations, promoting modern open standards.
• Conduct in-depth evaluations of emerging IAM tools and technologies.
• Act as a mentor and advisor to senior architects and engineers.
• Collaborate closely with business leaders, solution architects, and engineering teams.
• Represent the organization in industry forums and maintain awareness of evolving regulatory compliance standards.
• Advocate for the strategic importance of IAM to executive leadership.
• Oversee technical delivery for critical IAM projects.

Good to Have

• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CCSP) are strongly preferred.

Perks & Benefits

• Support and flexibility to achieve professional and personal goals
• Skill-building opportunities
• Leadership development opportunities
• Philanthropic opportunities
• Opportunities to build communities
• Diverse colleagues with high ethical standards
• Contemporary, supportive, flexible, and inclusive benefits and resources

Overview

Guardian Life is seeking a Principal IAM Security Architect to serve as a thought leader and subject-matter expert within the IAM domain. This role will involve defining enterprise-wide IAM strategies, guiding the organization's adoption of best practices across cloud and on-premises technologies, and driving innovation to support the business's strategic objectives.

You Will:

• Lead the definition and execution of the organization’s IAM strategy, aligning with the overall enterprise security and technology roadmap.
• Serve as the top-tier authority on all IAM topics, with an emphasis on integrating cloud and on-premises enterprise architectures.
• Design scalable, reusable, and forward-thinking IAM solutions that meet current business needs while anticipating future requirements.
• Establish IAM architectural standards, patterns, and guidelines to ensure consistent implementation across the organization.
• Champion the adoption of cutting-edge cybersecurity controls across IAM, AppSec, and DevSecOps domains.
• Drive organization-wide API security implementations, promoting the use of modern open standards like OAuth, OIDC, and strong authentication protocols.
• Conduct in-depth evaluations of emerging IAM tools and technologies, shaping the organization's future investments.
• Act as a mentor and advisor to senior architects and engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering talent development.
• Collaborate closely with business leaders, solution architects, and engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of IAM capabilities into enterprise solutions.
• Represent the organization in industry forums and maintain awareness of evolving regulatory compliance standards related to data privacy and security.
• Advocate for the strategic importance of IAM to executive leadership, articulating risks and opportunities in business terms.
• Oversee technical delivery for critical IAM projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, quality benchmarks, and security policies.

You Have:

• 15+ years of experience in cybersecurity with a strong focus on Identity and Access Management.
• 10+ years of expertise in security architecture, including enterprise-level IAM solution design and implementation.
• Proven experience leading IAM initiatives across Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and hybrid environments.
• Extensive knowledge of IAM technologies and protocols, including SSO, MFA, Federation, PAM, OIDC, OAuth, SAML, and SCIM.
• Deep familiarity with identity proofing, fraud prevention, and verification technologies.
• Hands-on experience with leading IAM platforms, such as Ping Identity, Okta, and Microsoft EntraID, and Identity as a Service (IDaaS) solutions.
• Advanced understanding of regulatory compliance frameworks (e.g., NYDFS, CCPA, GDPR) and security standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001).
• Strong knowledge of API security, application security (OWASP Top 10), and encryption technologies.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams, mentoring technical staff, and influencing organizational strategy.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CCSP) are strongly preferred.

Key Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align IAM initiatives with business objectives.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaborative leader with a passion for developing teams and fostering innovation.

Location:

• Three days a week at a Guardian office in Holmdel, NJ, or Bethlehem, PA.

Salary Range:

$152,290.00 - $250,195.00

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 www.guardianlife.com/careers/corporate/benefits

. Benefits apply to full-time eligible employees. Interns are not eligible for most Company benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Guardian is 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 providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Guardian also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants (and employees) to accommodate the individual's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MyHR@glic.com. Please note: this resource is for accommodation requests only. For all other inquires related to your application and careers at Guardian, refer to the Guardian Careers site.

Visa Sponsorship

Guardian is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant. you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship.

Current Guardian Colleagues: Please apply through the internal Jobs Hub in Workday.

About Guardian

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 GuardianTM. Learn more about Guardian at guardianlife.com

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Visa Sponsorship:

Guardian Life is not currently or in the foreseeable future sponsoring employment visas. In order to be a successful applicant, you must be legally authorized to work in the United States, without the need for employer sponsorship.

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