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Director of Strategy ACE (Zeus Fire & Security)

Knoxville, TN

Access Holdings is a next-generation alternative asset manager providing investors with access to the lower-middle market. Founded in 2013, Access Holdings has approximately $2.3 billion in assets under management. The firm implements its systematic research and data-driven operating model - The Access Edge - to partner with lower-middle market businesses in industries essential to economic growth and resilience. For more information, please visit www.accessholdings.com.

Role Overview

As the Director of Strategy, you will serve as a key partner to senior leadership, driving the execution of strategic initiatives and ensuring organizational priorities are successfully translated into actionable outcomes. Partnering closely with the Zeus Executive Leadership Team, you will ensure that the company-wide strategy is translated into hub-level priorities and executed effectively across departments. This role bridges strategy and operations by bringing structure, accountability, and clarity to complex initiatives in a rapidly growing environment. The Director of Strategy will report directly to the Hub President with dotted line reporting to the Zeus President in the Access Creating Executives (“ACE”) Program sponsored by Access Holdings.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Translate enterprise strategy into clear, measurable objectives at the business-unit level, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities.
  • Provide forward-looking insights and recommendations to guide both short-term performance and long-term growth.
  • Partner with department leaders to set priorities, establish accountability, and drive execution across functions.
  • Support cultural alignment with company values by collaborating with HR on communications, engagement, and change initiatives.
  • Lead the implementation and oversight of key strategic initiatives, including program management, prioritization, and decision-making with external and internal stakeholders.
  • Facilitate cross-functional working groups and task forces to accelerate progress on projects.
  • Own timelines, milestones, and resource planning for special projects and integrations, ensuring delivery against commitments.
  • Standardize tools and frameworks for project tracking, reporting, and accountability across departments.
  • Oversee operational cadence, including OKRs, department reviews, and leadership performance dashboards.
  • Translate enterprise strategy into clear, actionable objectives for hub departments.
  • Liaise with hub department heads to ensure clarity, accountability, and timelines on initiatives.
  • Maintain strong feedback loops from hub departments back to the Hub President and enterprise leadership.
  • Prepare hub performance insights and operational updates for the Hub President and Zeus ELT.
  • Develop dashboards and reports that track hub progress toward strategic and operational goals.
  • Draft and distribute operational communications for hub employees (e.g., quarterly priorities, project updates, cultural initiatives).
  • Review and analyze monthly financial results and provide recommendations for improvement in performance.
  • Conduct rigorous integration and synergies planning and execution with guidance from the executive leadership.
  • Participate in Access Holdings ACE training and networking activities.

 

Qualifications

  • Strong analytical and corporate finance experience performing financial modeling.
  • Experience in driving and impending organizational change and change management.
  • Operates with credibility and presence; able to hold managers and directors accountable without direct authority.
  • Balances assertiveness with diplomacy, fostering collaboration across hub departments.
  • Functions as a “translator” between enterprise strategy and hub-level execution.
  • Exceptional track record of producing quantitative analysis and utilizing the results for measurement and planning within a dynamic environment.
  • Thrives in ambiguity by driving clarity and structure into complex challenges.
  • Maintains relentless focus on accountability, timelines, and outcomes.
  • Understands the bigger picture of corporate vision while grounding execution in hub-specific operational realities.
  • Curious and proactive in identifying how hub department efforts contribute to company goals.
  • Builds strong, trust-based relationships with leaders and employees across the hub.
  • Skilled facilitator in conversations requiring alignment, conflict resolution, or consensus building.
  • Resilient under pressure, maintaining professionalism in dynamic environments.
  • Inclusive and collaborative, valuing diverse perspectives in decision-making.
  • Growth-oriented and committed to continuous improvement, personally and organizationally.
  • Comfortable operating in a high-growth, rapidly changing environment.

 

Work Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field (MBA or advanced degree required).
  • 8+ years of progressive experience in business operations, program management, or strategy execution within a fast-paced, complex organization.
  • Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional initiatives with measurable impact.
  • Experience supporting senior leadership and translating strategic goals into operational plans.
  • Familiarity with performance management systems (OKRs, KPIs, dashboards) and enterprise tools for project tracking and communication.
  • Strong command of project management tools (e.g., Asana, Smartsheet, Jira, Monday.com).
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills across executive, managerial, and frontline audiences.
  • Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship now or in the future

 

EEOC Statement

Zeus provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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