SVP, Work Design and Transformation

dentsu•Detroit, NY

About The Position

Role Summary The SVP, Work Design & Transformation, will lead Merkle's transformation practice. You'll help clients rethink how work gets done as AI tools become standard in business operations. This role focuses on building new operating models, redesigning workflows across the enterprise, and managing large-scale organizational change. This role reports to the Chief Strategy Officer, Merkle Americas and works directly with Growth Officers, the Client Relationship Group, and capability owners to redesign how we approach strategy, operations, and client delivery. We're moving from traditional workflows to more flexible systems that make better use of both people and technology. Strategic Leadership & Vision Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer and executive leadership to turn business and experience strategy into practical workflows blending human and artificial intelligence Build Merkle's Work Design practice into a real differentiator for us and our clients Define how AI tools, automation, and human expertise work together in modern operating models across different business functions Push teams to think about complete processes, not just individual tasks, so AI integration creates real business value Operating Model Design & Implementation Design and roll out new operating models that split work effectively between people and AI tools Lead workflow transformation projects that rebuild entire business processes from the ground up Create frameworks for deciding what work should be automated, what should be augmented, and what needs to stay human-led Build reusable templates and methods for work redesign that apply across industries and functions Change Management & Transformation Design company-wide change programs that help organizations shift to AI-augmented ways of working Build skills in human-AI collaboration, so teams understand their new roles and how to work with AI tools Address workforce concerns about AI displacement while creating real paths for reskilling and career evolution Partner with client-side leaders to design new performance models, job structures, and career paths for teams working with AI Client Growth & Advisory Advise C-suite executives on work transformation and help them move to agent-based operations Lead major engagements with clients to redesign their operating models and run AI-driven transformation programs Develop thought leadership on the future of work and position Merkle as the go-to partner for work transformation Create new revenue through Work Design advisory services, transformation programs, and ongoing optimization work Practice Development & Scale Build and manage a team of work design specialists, transformation consultants, and change management experts Develop proprietary methods including work ontologies, transformation approaches, and assessment frameworks Work with technology teams to embed work design principles in AI agent development and deployment Set up metrics and measurement frameworks to show ROI from work transformation projects Innovation & Future-Readiness Stay ahead of emerging technologies and what they mean for work design, including new AI capabilities, automation tools, and collaboration platforms Run experiments with new work models and test approaches to human-AI collaboration before wide rollout Build partnerships with technology providers, research institutions, and industry groups to influence the future of work agenda Develop scenarios for multiple futures so Merkle and our clients stay flexible and ready

Requirements

15+ years in management consulting, organizational design, business transformation, or operational excellence
Track record of leading major operating model transformations in complex, matrixed organizations
Deep knowledge in at least two of these areas: organizational design, process reengineering, change management, workforce planning, or AI implementation
Experience advising C-suite executives as a trusted partner on strategic transformation projects
Ability to translate technology capabilities into business value through operational transformation
Solid understanding of AI/ML capabilities and how they apply to business processes and workflows
Strong stakeholder management skills, with ability to influence across all organizational levels without formal authority
Experience building and growing new practices or service lines, with P&L management experience
Advanced degree preferred (MBA, MS in Organizational Development, or related field)
Expertise in one or more industries, with ability to apply insights across verticals

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer and executive leadership to turn business and experience strategy into practical workflows blending human and artificial intelligence
Build Merkle's Work Design practice into a real differentiator for us and our clients
Define how AI tools, automation, and human expertise work together in modern operating models across different business functions
Push teams to think about complete processes, not just individual tasks, so AI integration creates real business value
Design and roll out new operating models that split work effectively between people and AI tools
Lead workflow transformation projects that rebuild entire business processes from the ground up
Create frameworks for deciding what work should be automated, what should be augmented, and what needs to stay human-led
Build reusable templates and methods for work redesign that apply across industries and functions
Design company-wide change programs that help organizations shift to AI-augmented ways of working
Build skills in human-AI collaboration, so teams understand their new roles and how to work with AI tools
Address workforce concerns about AI displacement while creating real paths for reskilling and career evolution
Partner with client-side leaders to design new performance models, job structures, and career paths for teams working with AI
Advise C-suite executives on work transformation and help them move to agent-based operations
Lead major engagements with clients to redesign their operating models and run AI-driven transformation programs
Develop thought leadership on the future of work and position Merkle as the go-to partner for work transformation
Create new revenue through Work Design advisory services, transformation programs, and ongoing optimization work
Build and manage a team of work design specialists, transformation consultants, and change management experts
Develop proprietary methods including work ontologies, transformation approaches, and assessment frameworks
Work with technology teams to embed work design principles in AI agent development and deployment
Set up metrics and measurement frameworks to show ROI from work transformation projects
Stay ahead of emerging technologies and what they mean for work design, including new AI capabilities, automation tools, and collaboration platforms
Run experiments with new work models and test approaches to human-AI collaboration before wide rollout
Build partnerships with technology providers, research institutions, and industry groups to influence the future of work agenda
Develop scenarios for multiple futures so Merkle and our clients stay flexible and ready