VP, Strategic Planning & Initiatives

Gallagher•Rolling Meadows, IL

About The Position

Gallagher Bassett is the premier provider of global claims services, dedicated to exceptional customer service and demonstrably superior outcomes. GB helps people, teams and businesses overcome adversity and loss through the guiding expertise of over 5,000 claims professionals, all committed to going beyond expectations in the continuous pursuit of a better way. As the market leader in Claims and Risk Management services, Gallagher Bassett (“GB”) is committed to providing tailored solutions that help clients achieve demonstrably superior outcomes. Consistent with this mission, we are seeking an experienced leader to assist in the prioritization, analysis, execution and value capture associated with the highest priority business needs for Gallagher Bassett North America both short and long-term in nature. In this role, the successful candidate will also be helping to build and grow our Strategic Initiatives team. This team is comprised of dynamic problem solvers who partner with GB’s business leaders in scoping, designing and implementing lasting change to build a more dynamic and consistently excellent organization. This role will work closely with leaders across the Executive Leadership Team. Projects will encompass all areas of GB’s North America business, however examples include: Efforts to ensure exceptional claimant and customer engagement and experience Delivery of end-to-end operational excellence throughout the claim lifecycle Pursuit and delivery of efficiencies across functions to reduce GB’s total cost to serve Development and leadership of targeted cross-sell opportunities to increase GB’s value-add to our customers Establishment of operating controls/processes to minimize waste and reduce unintended revenue leakage Definition and clarification of operating model, with particular emphasis on roles/responsibilities/SLAs between functions to enhance speed and effectiveness of service delivery to the marketplace In tackling such opportunities, the VP Strategic Planning & Initiatives will focus on pragmatic solutions where value to the business is delivered rapidly. The successful candidate must have an exceptional nose for value and be able to drive to insights, actions and results.

Requirements

Requires a University Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum 8 years prior relevant experience.
Results oriented. Individual must thrive on delivering value and in seeing opportunity where others see challenges.
Exceptional problem solver. Individual must be passionate about understanding and solving complex business problems and enjoy working with others to identify and execute solutions.
Business acumen/analytics. Must be able to quickly size opportunity and drive to insights through data. However, does not become enamored with analysis when solutions/value add is evident.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Can translate own ideas into structured and compelling communications easily understood and embraced by customers, channels, team and internal constituencies.
Confident leader, able to both collaborate and influence others, but also form and defend own perspective.
Consistently operates with integrity, drive and passion for doing what is in the best interest of Gallagher Bassett and our clients.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, or a related field; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred
10+ years of experience in strategy, corporate development, or business transformation
3+ years at a top-tier consultancy (McKinsey, Bain, BCG, Strategy&, Kearney) highly preferred
Proven success leading strategic initiatives
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and financial modeling skills with a data-driven mindset
Confident communicator and influencer, capable of navigating complex stakeholder environments
Experience in a global, matrixed organization with the ability to lead without formal authority
Willingness to travel up to 15%.

Responsibilities

Partner with the CEO in setting the strategic roadmap for GB North America
Establish dominant strategic initiatives and projections for GB NA’s 5-year and annual planning cycle
Assist in the definition of Dominant Priorities, inclusive of responsibilities, timelines and expected value
Establish governance of Dominant Priorities to ensure timely execution and value delivery
Prioritization of potential initiatives/projects
Understand GB North America’s strategy and Dominant Priorities to help define and evaluate potential projects
Maintain roster of potential projects and evaluate relative effort/value to the organization
Manage and nimbly re-prioritize own and team’s efforts based on emergent business needs
Lead scoping, success definition and approach
Assist team members in defining project scope to clearly understand business needs, areas for analysis / investigation and expected value of efforts
Assist team members in defining approach / workplans and ensure resource commitments from the business to ensure initiative success and execution
Value delivery
Identify and establish pragmatic solutions to obstacles encountered throughout business
Support CEO and Finance leaders to shape budget and forecast expectations related to key initiatives
Team Development
Attract and develop exceptional problem solvers to serve as “leadership lab” for the business
Partner with the business in establishing development plans and transitions into dedicated staff/line roles

Benefits

Medical/dental/vision plans, which start from day one!
Life and accident insurance
401(K) and Roth options
Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA)
Educational expense reimbursement
Paid parental leave
Digital mental health services (Talkspace)
Flexible work hours (availability varies by office and job function)
Training programs
Gallagher Thrive program – elevating your health through challenges, workshops and digital fitness programs for your overall wellbeing
Charitable matching gift program