Northern Trust

Head of Organizational Effectiveness

Northern Trust$137K — $240K *
Business Services
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 12-15+ years in Organizational Effectiveness, Organization Design, or similar fields
  • Experience advising senior executives on workforce challenges
  • Proven success in leading organizational design or change management initiatives
  • Experience in building organizational capability and consulting frameworks
  • Strong analytical and stakeholder management skills
  • Knowledge of workforce trends and AI's impact on work preferred

Responsibilities

  • Advise leaders on organizational structures and decision-making rights
  • Align organizational design with business strategy and performance goals
  • Identify opportunities to enhance organizational effectiveness
  • Lead skills-based workforce planning and modeling for the future
  • Assess impacts of AI and automation on workforce needs
  • Drive organizational change strategies during major transformations
  • Utilize diagnostic tools and analytics for decision-making

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, and vision
  • Retirement benefits including 401k and pension plans
  • Paid time off including parental and caregiver leave
  • Life and accident insurance coverage
  • Discretionary bonus program with potential equity component
  • Other voluntary and wellness benefits available
Full Job Description

The Head of Organizational Effectiveness leads the design and evolution of the organization's structure, workforce, and ways of working to support business strategy and performance. This role partners with senior business and HR leaders to translate strategic priorities into organizational solutions, including operating model design, workforce planning, organizational change, leadership effectiveness, and capability development.

The role is responsible for building and scaling the Organizational Effectiveness function, establishing common methodologies and standards, and providing strategic advisory support on organizational performance, transformation, and future workforce needs. The position will initially lead a small team, with scope and team size evolving over time based on business demand and organizational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Design & Operating Model

  • Advise leaders on organizational structures, operating models, governance, decision rights, and role design.

  • Align organizational design with business strategy, capabilities, and performance objectives.

  • Identify opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness, accountability, and execution.

Workforce Planning & Future of Work

  • Lead skills-based workforce planning and future workforce modeling.

  • Assess the impact of AI, automation, and changing business needs on workforce composition and role design.

  • Partner with business and HR leaders to identify future capability and talent requirements.

Change & Transformation

  • Lead organizational change strategies associated with business transformation, restructuring, and operating model changes.

  • Drive leader alignment, stakeholder engagement, and adoption of change initiatives.

  • Build organizational change capability across leaders and teams.

Leadership & Team Effectiveness

  • Improve leadership effectiveness, decision-making, accountability, and team performance.

  • Diagnose organizational challenges and facilitate solutions that strengthen collaboration and execution.

  • Support leadership teams in establishing effective ways of working.

Organizational Insights & Governance

  • Utilize organizational diagnostics, workforce analytics, and qualitative insights to inform decisions.

  • Establish OE methodologies, tools, governance processes, and standards.

  • Manage the OE portfolio, prioritization, and intake process.

Leadership Requirements

People Leadership

  • Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team.

  • Creates clarity, accountability, and strong execution.

  • Balances strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

Influencing & Enterprise Leadership

  • Strong executive presence and consulting skills.

  • Ability to influence senior leaders without direct authority.

  • Skilled at navigating ambiguity, building alignment, and driving decisions.

  • Enterprise mindset with the ability to balance business needs with broader organizational priorities.

  • Strong business acumen and change leadership capabilities.

Experience & Qualifications

  • 12-15+ years of experience in Organizational Effectiveness, Organization Design, Workforce Planning, Talent Strategy, HR Consulting, Management Consulting, or related disciplines.

  • Experience advising senior executives on organizational and workforce challenges.

  • Demonstrated success leading organization design, workforce transformation, change management, or operating model initiatives.

  • Experience building organizational capability, frameworks, and consulting approaches.

  • Strong analytical, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.

  • Knowledge of workforce trends, skills-based organizations, and AI's impact on work is strongly preferred.

Success Profile

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, trusted advisor, and pragmatic change leader who can help the organization align strategy, structure, workforce, and leadership practices to improve organizational performance and adaptability.

#LI-Hybrid

Salary Range:

$137,400 - 240,400 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.

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, and fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. They have evolved with the changing needs of their clients and their world.

Northern Trust Careers

Joining Northern Trust means becoming part of a global financial services institution that is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to its clients. At Northern Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation, which makes us a premier destination for career growth in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Northern Trust, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the financial sector. Our team is committed to excellence and equipped with a diverse range of skills that contribute to our dynamic environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that transform our services and drive significant value for our clients across the globe.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in the financial industry, Northern Trust offers a variety of job opportunities and internships that will help you achieve your professional goals. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our company is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel.

Innovative Work

Northern Trust is at the forefront of financial innovation. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. By joining our team, you will work on pioneering solutions that redefine the standards of financial services.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Northern Trust is more than just a group of employees – we are a community. We value collaboration, and our culture is built on mutual respect and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working with us, you will experience a supportive network that is passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

Northern Trust is dedicated to your professional development. We offer comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and numerous resources to help you grow your career. With our support, you can expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve professional certifications that will enhance your career trajectory.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the perfect role for you at Northern Trust by exploring our current job openings that match your skills and interests. We are looking for professionals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to our legacy of financial excellence.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and professional growth opportunities—all available through our careers blog. At Northern Trust, we ensure that our team members are always ahead in the industry.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. At Northern Trust, exciting and rewarding opportunities are always on the horizon, and we are eager to see where your talents can take us. Join Northern Trust today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here, every position is a chance to contribute to something bigger and to turn your job into a meaningful career.
Learn more about Northern Trust
Size
21,100 employees
Market Cap
$18.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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