Assistant Director, Enterprise Transformation – Acceleration Office

Northwestern Mutual • Milwaukee, WI

7h • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• 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 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 This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees