The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is an executive leader, entrusted with the comprehensive oversight and management of the organization’s shared service functions, which are foundational to enabling execution in our brands.

Leadership & Management:

• Oversees the daily operations of all shared services functions, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and alignment with our objectives. Shared service functions may include the following areas: Human Resources (we refer to as Grow People), Brand, Communications, Finance, Legal, Risk, Information Technology, Sustainability, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Government Relations.
• Provide strategic direction to leadership and other associates within the shared services functions.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive work environment that encourages the development of high-performing teams.
• Serve as a senior team member of Krause Group, representing our purpose, mission, vision, and values to positively contribute to company culture.

Strategic Decision-Making:

• Act as a key decision-maker in regard to shared service-related matters on behalf of the Founder and CEO, ensuring that all operational decisions align with our vision and long-term goals.
• Collaborate with the executive team to develop and implement strategies that drive organizational growth and sustainability.
• Evaluate and optimize brand processes, leveraging technology and best practices to enhance operational efficiency.

Operational Excellence:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the shared services function to achieve operational excellence and cost-effectiveness.
• Ensure that the shared services team delivers high-quality support to all brands, meeting service level agreements (SLAs).
• Manage the annual operating plan for the shared services function, ensuring financial responsibility and alignment with our overall financial goals.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as a liaison between the shared services function and other brands, fostering strong relationships and effective communication.
• Represent the organization in external meetings, conferences, and events.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including associates, partners, and community leaders, to promote our values and mission.
• Other duties as assigned

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a senior leadership role, preferably in a shared services or operational capacity.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple brands within a parent company structure, effectively driving growth and alignment across diverse brand portfolios.
• In-depth knowledge of shared services models, including experience in centralizing functions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large, cross-functional teams across multiple departments, ensuring cohesive and efficient operations.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing operational strategies that enable brand growth, optimize processes, and improve service delivery
• Strong background in financial management, including annual operating plans (AOP) and long-range plans (LRP)
• Ability to navigate complex organizational structures and dynamics.
• Excels in environments characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required:

• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation abilities.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and communication skills, capable of building consensus and fostering collaborative partnerships.
• Excels in environments characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.
• Experience in formulating recommendations and/or solutions to complex issues. Critical thinking to identify, assess and develop potential solutions from a complex fact pattern or situation.
• Fluency in Italian preferred.
• Ability to travel internationally up to 15% of the time.