Director, Process Improvement

Job Summary:

The AVP/VP, Process Improvement Strategy will assist Leadership to drive business transformation and continuous improvement for the Company that aligns with the strategy of the organization. This role will serve as a strategic change leader, internal consultant, mentor, facilitator by implementing successful application of process improvement and business efficiency methodologies and tools to create organizational change in the areas of capability, scalability, agility, and efficiencies to deliver on strategic goals. This includes scanning across industries to identify potential disruptive technology to evolve the business strategy and provide a competitive advantage and developing strategic partnerships to advance the technology innovation log agenda; including the ideation and management of a portfolio of technology innovations enabling the rapid adoption of emerging technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional teams, senior leadership & department heads to produce results with a focus on continuous process improvement, problem solving and change management to ensure a collaborative approach and efficient delivery.
• Engage with business stakeholders to identify challenges and objectives and lead cross-functional teams to simplify processes and remove complexity, understanding all parts of the organization and how their decisions impact the field and customers.
• Seamlessly balance responsibilities and adeptly move when necessary from strategic thinking to practical application while "rolling up our sleeves" to get things done.
• Drive research & alignment on automation opportunity estimates, complexity, and priority. Incorporate process improvement initiatives required to successfully automate.
• Engage with leadership and staff to ensure alignment in building strategy for future.
• Assist management to develop metrics to measure and monitor success, resource alignment and allocation, skill gaps/training identification, priority alignment and future staffing needs.
• Focus on continual knowledge acquisition of business process methodology and digital/automation tools that have the potential to create efficiencies in business processes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 7 or more years’ experience as a strong leader in financial services, insurance or management consulting.
• Experience in business process improvements and cost savings required.
• Prior insurance work experience preferred – life, annuity, and health.
• Working knowledge of the life insurance and annuity industry.
• Knowledge and continual learning of tools and methodologies utilized for process improvement and business process management.
• Understanding and experience in project management.
• Expertise in business process management and workflow.
• Experienced in organizational development and change management.
• Quantitative analysis skills; proficient in related software.
• Exceptional presentation, oral and written communication, interpersonal, problem solving, multitasking, and time management skills required.
• Motivates, empowers, and collaborates with others to develop innovative & creative solutions.
• Promotes a culture of diversity, respect & accountability and acts in accordance with company vision, mission & values
• Challenges others through productive discussion.
• Identifies & solves complex issues.
• Thinks “big picture” when assessing problems/opportunities.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or applicable field of study; Post-graduate degree preferred.

Americo: We are in this for Life!

The roots of the Americo family of companies date back more than 100 years. Americo is a Life Insurance, and Annuity company providing innovative products to our customers. At Americo, it's the people who make things work, so we hope you join us!

What you'll love about working at Americo:

Compensation: You’ll feel valued with our competitive pay and robust bonus program that’s offered to all associates.

Learning and development: We prepare you with a comprehensive, paid training program that will get you ready for success. Additionally, our Talent Development team creates a variety of development opportunities for associates at every stage of their careers.

Work-life balance: We place true value on work-life balance with our generous paid time off; you begin accruing hours right off the bat every month and it increases with tenure. All new hires earn over 4 weeks of paid time off annually, plus 11 paid company holidays! We also support new mothers with a generous new child leave program, along with paid STD and LTD.

Health and well-being: We commit to your health and well-being and are proud to offer comprehensive health and life insurance options including FSA or HSA accounts and subsidies to support your health and fitness goals through vendor partnerships at The Y, Orange Theory, WW, and more.

Future planning: Americo offers a 401(k) with a company match, and we provide child care and education tax credits or savings options.

Giving back: We support several local organizations like Ronald McDonald House, Hope Lodge, the American Red Cross, Harvesters, and many more. Our associates volunteer their time and donate money alongside the company to make a difference in our community.

The fun stuff: Americo participates in Kansas City Corporate Challenge, and it’s a great way to connect with coworkers. Additionally, we host events like a Royals Party at the K, a legendary Holiday Party, and in-office events with local vendors as a way for associates to step away from work and enjoy each other’s company.

Bustling environment: Our newly renovated offices are conveniently located in downtown Kansas City, within walking distance to your favorite restaurants and attractions. Plus, you’ll receive complimentary paid parking near our Americo offices – downtown parking is a premium, but we’ve got you covered.