Strategy Director

Location: Chicago Suburbs - Evanston Area |
Hybrid (Tue–Thu on site), limited travel

A large, publicly traded Chicago-proud company is expanding its centralized strategy organization and hiring a Director, Strategy to lead high‑impact initiatives—including growth strategy, portfolio optimization, and front‑end M&A. This role partners directly with senior leadership and offers true enterprise‑level strategic ownership (not FP&A).

• Lead end‑to‑end strategy engagements: hypothesis development, framing, analyses, and executive‑ready recommendations.
• Partner closely with senior leaders to define strategic priorities and support CEO/CFO‑level decision making.
• Drive front‑end M&A activities including market and competitive assessments, commercial diligence, synergy/value‑creation modeling, and early integration planning.
• Shape go‑to‑market and growth strategies in collaboration with commercial and operational teams.
• Track industry dynamics and competitor moves to inform investment and portfolio decisions.
• Coordinate cross‑functional work streams across strategy, finance, marketing, and operations.
• Coach and influence junior team members (no direct reports initially).

• 8+ years of consulting‑caliber strategy experience (management consulting strongly preferred) or corporate strategy within a large public company.
• Proven ability to own and deliver high‑stakes, ambiguous projects with measurable outcomes.
• Experience in go‑to‑market and growth strategy; exposure to front‑end M&A (commercial diligence, synergy modeling, integration planning).
• Executive presence and the ability to constructively challenge and influence senior leaders.

• MBA.
• Experience in matrixed, multi‑business organizations.

• Direct exposure to enterprise‑level strategy and senior leadership.
• Ownership of high‑impact strategic and M&A initiatives.
• Opportunity to shape growth during a period of meaningful transformation.
• Competitive compensation, equity, and long‑term career upside.

• Annual Bonus: ~25% target.
• Equity: ~ $50,000 in annual RSUs (potential sign‑on equity available).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company contribution
• Flexible time off, including summer half‑days where applicable
• Inclusive parental, fertility, and adoption benefits
• Employee resource groups and a culture that values diverse perspectives
• Employee discounts on select products/services

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