- Location
- Des Moines; New York, New York, United States; Wayne · Illinois Remote
- Workplace
- Remote
- Department
- Insurance
- Seniority
- Senior
- Experience
- 10+ years
- Education
- Master
Description
COMPANY OVERVIEW
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries.
TEAM OVERVIEW
The Individual Markets business is Global Atlantic's largest and fastest-growing segment, providing annuity, life, and pre-need products through a broad network of banks, broker-dealers, independent marketing organizations, and financial professionals. The team is led by Co-Heads of Individual Markets and is executing an ambitious multi-year strategy across product, distribution, operations, and technology. The Chief of Staff sits at the center of that agenda, partnering across the leadership team to drive priority initiatives to completion.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director, Chief of Staff will serve as a strategic partner and force multiplier to the Co-Heads of Individual Markets, driving execution of the business's most important strategic priorities. This role combines strategy, program management, business operations, and executive communications — translating leadership intent into structured plans, unblocking issues across functions, and ensuring initiatives land on time and on-value. The successful candidate will operate with senior-level judgment in ambiguity, build strong relationships across Distribution, Product, Operations, Finance, Risk, Legal, HC, and Technology, and act as a trusted extension of the Co-Heads.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the primary execution partner to the Co-Heads of Individual Markets, owning the operating cadence (business reviews, staff meetings, offsites, town halls) and ensuring follow-through on key decisions and commitments.
- Drive execution of the Individual Markets strategic agenda: scope priority initiatives, build plans and milestones, track progress, and proactively remove obstacles across cross-functional teams.
- Lead preparation of executive materials — board and KKR updates, quarterly business reviews, ELT presentations, and internal / external talking points — synthesizing complex information into clear, decision-ready narratives.
- Partner with Finance and Strategy on annual planning, budget, and long-range plan processes for Individual Markets, aligning priorities with resource allocation and measurable KPIs.
- Act as a connective layer across Distribution, Product, Operations, Technology, Risk, and HC — surfacing risks, aligning stakeholders, and driving decisions to closure on behalf of the Co-Heads.
- Lead or co-lead select strategic initiatives end-to-end (e.g. new capability launches, operating-model changes, integration or transformation workstreams) where dedicated senior ownership is required.
- Establish the performance management rhythm for the business: KPIs, dashboards, and reporting that give the Co-Heads and their leadership team a clear, current view of execution health.
- Represent the Co-Heads in select internal forums and working groups, and act as a thought partner on organizational design, talent, and culture initiatives within Individual Markets.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of experience across strategy, management consulting, business operations, program management, or a chief-of-staff role, with meaningful exposure to insurance, asset management, or financial services.
- Bachelor's degree required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives from strategy through execution in a matrixed environment.
- Strong executive presence and communication skills — able to write and present at the C-suite / board level and to influence without direct authority.
- Sharp analytical and structured problem-solving skills; comfortable moving between strategic framing and operational detail.
- Working knowledge of annuity, life, and/or retirement products and the individual insurance distribution landscape is strongly preferred.
- High EQ, discretion, and judgment; able to handle sensitive information and complex stakeholder dynamics with maturity.
- Experience identifying and driving AI-enabled process improvements across cross-functional teams, balancing efficiency gains with appropriate governance and risk considerations
- Proficiency with executive-level PowerPoint, Excel, and modern collaboration tools.
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS
- Strategic Execution — translates leadership vision into concrete plans, milestones, and outcomes, and drives them to completion.
- Executive Communication — synthesizes complex information into clear, persuasive materials and messaging for senior audiences.
- Cross-Functional Influence — builds trust and alignment across functions without direct authority; drives decisions to closure.
- Business Acumen — commands the economics, KPIs, and competitive dynamics of the Individual Markets business.
- Judgment & Discretion — exercises sound judgment on sensitive matters and represents the Co-Heads with integrity.
- Bias for Action — operates with urgency, ownership, and a high bar for quality in a fast-moving environment.
- Organizational Agility — navigates a complex, matrixed organization and understands how work actually gets done.
- Talent & Culture Orientation — champions a high-performance, collaborative culture within Individual Markets.
This is the expected annual base salary range for this Pennsylvania-based position. Actual salaries may vary based on factors, such as skill, experience, and qualification for the role. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus, based on factors such as individual and team performance.
This is the expected annual base salary range for this Iowa-based position. Actual salaries may vary based on factors, such as skill, experience, and qualification for the role. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus, based on factors such as individual and team performance.
KKR is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by applicable law.
KKR will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email [email protected]. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access https://www.kkr.com/careers because of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by sending an email to [email protected]. Only emails left for this purpose will be returned.
Massachusetts Applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. This notice applies only to applicants and employees who work or will work in Massachusetts, in accordance with applicable state law.