Location(s) Chicago, Illinois **Details** _Kemper is one of the nation’s leading specialized insurers. Our success is a direct reflection of the talented and diverse people who make a positive difference in the lives of our customers every day. We believe a high-performing culture, valuable opportunities for personal development and professional challenge, and a healthy work-life balance can be highly motivating and productive. Kemper’s products and services are making a real difference to our customers, who have unique and evolving needs. By joining our team, you are helping to provide an experience to our stakeholders that delivers on our promises._ **POSITION SUMMARY:** The Director, Strategic Initiatives will lead the planning and execution of high-impact initiatives that support the organization’s long-term goals.This individual will partner with senior leaders to translate priorities into actionable programs while driving governance, accountability, and continuous improvement.They also mentor project team members and ensure consistent delivery standards across the portfolio. **POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:** + Identify, design, and implement functional and strategic business opportunities including centralization, process improvement, organizational restructuring, and digital models + Focus on increasing revenues, decreasing cost, optimizing operations, and improving margins in service of driving growth + Lead the implementation of new capabilities, processes, and organizational structures + Future state definition, operating model design, and implementation + Process (re)design and implementation + Business direction for IT enablement + Establish MI / data analytics / data science support + Organizational design, including management structures, skill sets, and staffing models + Rollout of new organization, including staff realignments and coordination of hiring efforts + Communications and change management, including training design and rollout + Provide program management support to strategic initiatives + Establishment of long-term roadmaps and sequencing of individual projects + Support for day-to-day project team decision-making, including executive escalations + Identification and planning for necessary business resources + Coordination of rollouts + Collaborative partnership with external vendors + Combination of direct management and hands-on delivery; expected to implement and oversee the quality of deliverables + Additional duties as assigned **POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:** + Undergraduate degree; MBA preferred + 8+ years of experience in management consulting, preferably with focus in transformation, operations improvement, or business process reengineering + Track record of success in operationalizing business strategies, transforming value chain functions, and/or driving cost reduction and growth initiatives + Experience leading project teams in the development and implementation of strategic projects + Lean, process improvement, or related certifications a plus. + Experience developing and implementing a comprehensive Target Operating Model that incorporates process, organization, and technology improvements + Experience working with senior executives to develop, define and execute growth or cost reduction strategies at the LOB level + Experience conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses of large and complex sets of operational and financial data from multiple sources + Demonstration of critical, analytical, and creative thinking and problem solving + Ability to work independently or manage parts of larger projects + Strong collaboration and teaming skills + Effective communication in written and oral formats to various situations and audiences + Possess ability to influence others and lead team + Ability to work in an ambiguous environment + Experience in insurance industry preferred + Experience with analytics to evaluate and optimize business processes + Insurance industry knowledge preferred + Ability to travel up to 20%, as needed + Sponsorship is not accepted for this opportunity. + The range for this position is $125,000 to $208,000. When determining candidate offers, we consider experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location among other factors. This job is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and Kemper benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401k, etc.) + This position can be worked hybrid out of our Chicago, IL or Chesterfield, MO office. _Kemper is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We are committed to supporting diversity and equality across our organization and we work diligently to maintain a workplace free from discrimination. Kemper is focused on expanding our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts to align with our vision, mission, and guiding principles. Kemper does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Kemper and Kemper will not be obligated to pay a placement fee._ **_Kemper will never request personal information, such as your social security number or banking information, via text or email. Additionally, Kemper does not use external messaging applications like WireApp or Skype to communicate with candidates. If you receive such a message, delete it._** \#LI-JO1 **Kemper at a Glance** The Kemper family of companies is one of the nation’s leading specialized insurers. With approximately $13 billion in assets, Kemper is improving the world of insurance by providing affordable and easy-to-use personalized solutions to individuals, families and businesses through its Kemper Auto and Kemper Life brands. Kemper serves over 4.7 million policies, is represented by approximately 24,000 agents and brokers, and has approximately 7,500 associates dedicated to meeting the ever-changing needs of its customers. Learn more at Kemper.com . *Alliance United Insurance Company is not rated. _We value diversity and strive to be an employer of choice. An Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V_ **Our employees enjoy great benefits:** • Qualify for your choice of health and dental plans within your first month. • Save for your future with robust 401(k) match, Health Spending Accounts and various retirement plans. • Learn and Grow with our Tuition Assistance Program, paid certifications and continuing education programs. • Contribute to your community through United Way and volunteer programs. • Balance your life with generous paid time off and business casual dress. • Get employee discounts for shopping, dining and travel through Kemper Perks.