The Implementation Specialist is accountable for the end-to-end delivery of assigned New York Life Group Benefit Solutions (GBS) product implementations for new and existing clients. This role leads implementations from point of sale through transition to ongoing account management, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality execution. Owns the full lifecycle of assigned implementations, including enrollment readiness, data exchange setup, contract delivery, configuration, premium administration actions, and transition to service. Leads implementations independently — not in a support capacity — with direct accountability for timeliness, accuracy, and execution quality. Establishes and manages milestone timelines, proactively identifying risks and driving resolution to ensure successful go-live. Coordinates and aligns internal stakeholders including Data Exchange, Premium Administration, Enrollment, Contracts, Configuration, Claims, Sales, and Account Management. Ensures deliverables are completed in accordance with defined implementation standards, processes, and service expectations. Maintains comprehensive and accurate documentation throughout the implementation process. Serves as the primary implementation lead and point of contact for clients, brokers, and internal partners during the implementation phase. Provides structured guidance and education to clients regarding plan design requirements, enrollment processes, data exchange specifications, and administrative workflows. Interprets client needs and translates them into clear operational requirements for internal teams. Advises clients on process requirements, timelines, risks, and best practices to support informed decision-making. Manages expectations through clear, proactive communication and professional issue resolution. Applies working knowledge of Group Benefit products (e.g., VB, LAD, Absence) to ensure accurate setup and client readiness. Operates with manager-level oversight, exercising independent judgment within established policies and implementation guidelines. Makes day-to-day decisions regarding scope clarification, milestone management, issue resolution, and stakeholder coordination. Escalates complex, non-standard, or high-risk issues appropriately to leadership. Balances multiple concurrent implementations, prioritizing effectively to meet service and quality expectations. Identifies routine process improvement opportunities and participates in continuous improvement initiatives.