Assistant Director, Enterprise Transformation - Acceleration Office

About the role
Northwestern Mutual (NM) is in the early stages of a bold, enterprise-wide transformation, rewiring how we operate, anchored in our multi-year vision. We are looking for an Assistant Director to join the newly formed Acceleration Office, at the center of this work.
The Acceleration Office is a dedicated team within the Enterprise Enablement and Technology function, with a mandate to drive transformation across NM. As an Assistant Director, you will be a hands‑on transformation leader and problem solver who helps drive priority work from strategy through execution, partnering closely with a Senior Director and cross‑functional leaders across business and technology. Your work will directly support:

• Active frontrunners already operating in the new model

• Defining and operationalizing the future‑state blueprint for scale

• Launching new teams/solutions aligned to the model

• Connectivity across transformation workstreams

This is a high‑visibility, fast‑paced role suited for someone who thrives in ambiguity, moves quickly with quality, and brings structure and rigor to complex work.
What you'll do:

• Drive execution: Own discrete transformation workstreams or workstream components from problem definition through delivery, translating strategic direction into milestones, plans, and clear accountability.

• Support active frontrunners: Help support teams already operating in the new model by coordinating across partners, identifying friction, and driving follow-through on priorities that improve delivery and adoption.

• Operationalize the blueprint for scale: Contribute to defining and operationalizing the future-state blueprint by translating concepts into practical deliverables, actions, and decision points that enable scale.

• Launch new teams and solutions: Support readiness and coordination activities required to launch new teams or solutions aligned to the model, including sequencing, dependency management, and cross-functional alignment.

• Establish execution rigor: Build and maintain workplans, status reporting, RAID and decision logs, and dependency tracking to create transparency, reduce execution risk, and increase throughput.

• Monitor OKRs and KPIs: Support the measurement and reporting of outcomes using OKRs/KPIs, enabling leaders to see progress, surface tradeoffs, and course-correct quickly.

• Orchestrate decision forums: Help run meeting cadences and decision forums that enable high-quality decisions, clear ownership, and fast follow-through across business and technology partners.

• Shape executive communications: Draft and synthesize executive-level updates, progress reports, and decision-ready materials that translate complexity into clarity.

• Be a systemic problem solver: Identify bottlenecks and organizational friction that slow teams down, then drive practical solutions in partnership with stakeholders across the enterprise.

What you'll bring

• 5+ years in management consulting (MBB or Big 4) with experience with operating model transformation efforts strongly preferred

• Blended strategy and execution skill set: Demonstrated ability to move from structured problem solving to hands-on delivery, including program and initiative execution in complex environments.

• Bias toward action: A pragmatic, "make progress" mindset with the ability to move quickly while maintaining quality and integrity.

• Cross-functional stakeholder management: Experience working across business and technology partners, facilitating alignment and driving outcomes through influence.

• Comfort with ambiguity: Ability to operate in an environment where the playbook is evolving, bringing structure, momentum, and sound judgment.

• Strong communication and storytelling: Clear, concise communicator who can build crisp executive-ready materials and synthesize complex ideas.

• Data-driven execution discipline: Experience using dashboards, scorecards, OKRs/KPIs, and related execution tools to monitor progress and enable transparency.

• Transformation exposure (preferred): Experience supporting operating model change, enterprise transformation, or related work that blends strategy, operating rhythms, and adoption.

#LI-Hybrid
Compensation Range:
Pay Range - Start:
$108,160.00
Pay Range - End:
$162,240.00
Geographic Specific Pay Structure:
Structure 110:
$118,960.00 USD - $178,440.00 USD
Structure 115:
$124,400.00 USD - $186,600.00 USD
We believe in fairness and transparency. It's why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you're living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click here to learn more.
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Northwestern Mutual is an equal opportunity employer who welcomes and encourages diversity in the workforce. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which each employee can contribute creative ideas, seek challenges, assume leadership and continue to focus on meeting and exceeding business and personal objectives.
Skills
Analytical Thinking (NM) - Advanced, Risk Management (NM) - Advanced, Customer Centricity (NM) - Advanced, Emotional Intelligence (NM) - Advanced, Change Adaptability (NM) - Advanced, Program Management (NM) - Expert, Prioritization (NM) - Advanced, Program Governance (NM) - Expert, Adaptive Communication (NM) - Advanced, Consulting (NM) - Advanced, Business Acumen (NM) - Advanced, Stakeholder Relationship (NM) - Advanced, KPIs & Metrics (NM) - Intermediate, Process Mindset (NM) - Advanced
FIND YOUR FUTURE
We're excited about the potential people bring to Northwestern Mutual. You can grow your career here while enjoying first-class perks, benefits, and our commitment to a culture of belonging.

• Flexible work schedules
• Concierge service
• Comprehensive benefits
• Employee resource groups