Director, Strategic Initiatives

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG); Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Career development opportunities

Collaborative culture

Global reach with local impact

Job summary

Gallagher is seeking a Director, Strategic Initiatives to partner with the VP, Strategic Planning & Initiatives and drive high-priority efforts across GB North America.

The role focuses on strengthening operating models, improving customer and claimant experiences, and accelerating value creation through cross-functional leadership and disciplined planning.

Qualifications

• Requires a university degree or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in strategic initiatives or related roles.
• MBA or business-related advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish trust and credibility with operational leaders and stakeholders.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans with timelines and deliverables.
• Track progress, manage scope and interdependencies, and drive corrective actions.
• Mentor junior team members and contribute to leadership development.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Influence without authority

Education

University degree or equivalent

MBA preferred

Job description

Introduction

At Gallagher Bassett, we're there when it matters most because helping people through challenging moments is more than just our job, it’s our purpose.

Every day, we help clients navigate complexity, support recovery, and deliver outcomes that make a real difference in people’s lives. It takes empathy, precision, and a strong sense of partnership—and that’s exactly what you’ll find here.

We’re a team of fast-paced fixers, empathetic experts, and outcomes drivers — people who care deeply about doing the right thing and doing it well. Whether you're managing claims, supporting clients, or improving processes, you’ll play a vital role in helping businesses and individuals move forward with confidence.

Here, you’ll be supported by a culture that values teamwork, encourages curiosity, and celebrates the impact of your work. Because when you’re here, you’re part of something bigger. You’re part of a team that shows up, stands together, and leads with purpose.

Overview

We are seeking a Director, Strategic Initiatives to support the VP, Strategic Planning & Initiatives in driving GB North America’s highest‑priority efforts. This leader will partner closely with senior operational and functional executives to scope, design, and execute initiatives that strengthen our operating model, elevate customer and claimant experiences, enhance efficiency, and accelerate value creation.

This role strengthens GB’s Strategic Initiatives team by leading work that solves real operational problems and accelerates business outcomes.

Example Areas of Focus

Projects may span the full GB North America footprint, including:

• Improving claimant and customer engagement and experience


• Advancing operational excellence across the claim lifecycle


• Finding process improvements across teams that improve efficiency and reduce operating costs


• Supporting targeted cross‑sell and growth initiatives


• Establishing operating controls to reduce waste and revenue leakage


• Clarifying roles, responsibilities, and service expectations across functions

How you'll make an impact

In partnership with the VP, Strategic Planning & Initiatives, you will:

Strategic Alignment & Leadership

• Establish trust and credibility with operational leaders and other key stakeholders


• Ensure clarity and alignment on initiative's purpose, goals, and expected outcomes


• Support the development of GB North America’s strategic roadmap, annual planning, and budgeting

Initiative Planning & Execution

• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans with clear timelines, milestones, and deliverables


• Manage initiative scope, resources, interdependencies, and stakeholder expectations


• Track progress, surface issues, and drive corrective actions in collaboration with operational leaders


• Maintain flexibility and adjust plans based on emerging feedback and business needs

Risk, Change & Value Delivery

• Proactively identify risks to success and develop mitigation strategies


• Anticipate potential resistance points and partner with leaders to address them


• Ensure initiatives deliver measurable value aligned with both the initiative’s objectives and GB’s broader enterprise goals


• Support Finance and executive leaders in shaping budget and forecast assumptions tied to key initiatives

Team Development

• Model structured problem‑solving, data‑driven decision‑making, and crisp communication


• Mentor junior team members and contribute to building a high‑caliber “leadership lab” pipeline for the business

About You

Required

• Requires a University Degree or equivalent experience


• Minimum 8 years prior relevant experience.

Preferred

• Degree in Business, Economics, or related field; MBA preferred


• Demonstrated experience leading complex initiatives with cross-functional stakeholders


• Strong analytical, problem solving, and communication skills


• Ability to influence without authority in a matrixed environment


• P&C insurance and/or claims experience strongly preferred


• Experience in consulting strongly preferred


• Proven ability to structure ambiguous problems and deliver results quickly


• Willingness to travel up to 15%

Behaviors

• Results‑oriented with a strong sense of ownership and urgency


• Pragmatic problem solver focused on value and speed to impact


• Data‑driven decision‑maker who knows when to move from analysis to action


• Confident communicator able to influence, collaborate, and build trusted partnerships


• Operates with integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to GB’s mission and clients

#LI-TJ1

Compensation and benefits

At Gallagher, we believe supporting our colleagues goes far beyond the role itself. For more information, visit our Benefits page.

• Competitive compensation


• Comprehensive benefits programs designed to support your well‑being


• Career development opportunities and ongoing learning


• A collaborative, people‑first culture with accessible leadership


• The opportunity to do meaningful work with global reach and local impact

At Gallagher, we are dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace. If your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to join our Talent Community to stay connected to additional career opportunities. At times, we will consider transferable skills from previous roles.

Gallagher is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer (Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled)