Technology Workforce Optimization Lead

Northern Trust; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 96,000 - 162,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k and pension

Health and welfare benefits

Discretionary bonus program

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking a Workforce Optimization Lead within Global Technology Services to advance labor optimization across Technology, HR, Procurement, and Finance. The role focuses on aligning labor initiatives with corporate objectives, reducing contractor reliance, and driving process improvements that enhance efficiency and compliance.

The ideal candidate has strong program and vendor management experience, excellent communication skills, and a track record of delivering strategic

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Technology is required
• Graduate degree is a plus
• Experience in consulting or strategy is preferred
• Experience in financial services or tech organizations is a plus

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency in Technology
• Refine organizational designs based on evolving business conditions
• Define and monitor team execution plans
• Identify inefficiencies and propose data-driven improvements
• Present to senior executives and influence stakeholders
• Collaborate with Technology, HR, Procurement, and Finance
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, timely outcomes

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Agile practices

Executive communication

Project management

Facilitation

Strategic thinking

Vendor management

Data-driven decision making

Influence

Integrity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or Technology

Graduate degree (a plus)

Job description

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.

With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Background

Strategic Spending and Productivity is a practice in Global Technology Services driving the development and execution of initiatives to drive productivity and improve efficiency of Northern Trust’s Technology function. The Strategic Spending and Productivity team operates as a collaborative function, consulting with senior corporate and IT leaders to identify opportunities, quantify expected returns, and empower teams to deliver outcomes.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly qualified Workforce Optimization Lead to help advance the optimization of our employee (partner) workforce. This position, situated within the Technology organization, collaborates closely with Technology teams, Human Resources, Procurement, and Finance to align labor initiatives with organizational objectives, minimize reliance on contractors, and implement process enhancements that strengthen efficiency and compliance. In addition, the role may help work on other project across our team to help optimize our Technology investments. The selected candidate will be responsible for facilitating regular reviews with Technology leaders, monitoring shifts in the workforce composition and progress against implementing organizational designs completed by teams.

The role requires an experienced strategic thinker with demonstrated expertise in program management, vendor management, and superior oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives driving productivity, improving quality, and efficiency across Technology with particular focus including (but not limited to): Workforce Strategy, IT Automation, Process Improvement, Financial Strategy, Data and Analytics Strategy
• Refining organizational designs based on evolving business conditions
• Defining and monitoring team execution plans
• Identify inefficiencies and propose improvements with appropriate monitoring and data
• Diverse problem-solving experience and ability to analyze problems using data-driven approaches across technology areas
• A self-starter with exceptional communication skills (both oral and written), story-telling, visual design, and PowerPoint skills
• Builds relationships and improves transparency among stakeholders
• Produces high quality deliverables and effectively manages expectations and deadlines to ensure exceptional outcomes

Knowledge / Skills Required

• Ability to navigate and work across multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced, high performing environment
• Ability to structure work independently to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Conversant in Agile development practices
• Strong organization and facilitation skills
• Project management fundamentals
• Comfortable presenting to senior executives
• Understanding of the software development lifecycle and broad technology concepts
• Thoughtful listener
• Ability to influence
• Deep sense of personal integrity
• Strong desire to drive projects to completion. Identifies issues and recommends solutions

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or Technology. Graduate degree a plus
• 8+ years of work experience
• Prior experience working in a consulting and/or strategy strongly preferred
• Experience with financial services or technology organizations preferred but not required

Salary Range

$95,600 - 162,400 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [e-mail], or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.