Associate Director, Strategy & Operations, R&D Data & Quantitative Sciences; DQS

Job Description

Objective /

Purpose:

Support the strategic and operational effectiveness of Data and Quantitative Sciences (DQS) by helping leadership translate priorities into coordinated action and consistent execution across a complex, global R&D organization. The role strengthens organizational visibility, decision readiness, resource coordination, and operating effectiveness through cross‑functional partnership. The position also supports organizational change, compliance readiness, and sustainable improvements in how work is delivered.

Accountabilities:

• Lead the planning and execution of strategic and operational priorities across DQS and the broader R&D organization.
• Establish and maintain governance structures, operating cadences, communication processes, and escalation pathways that support alignment, accountability, and timely decision‑making.
• Provide strategic program, portfolio, and project management leadership for complex, cross‑functional priorities, translating organizational objectives into integrated plans, aligned milestones, decision points, dependencies, risks, and actions that enable successful delivery.
• Lead portfolio and resource‑planning activities that integrate demand, capacity, workforce, financial, and timing considerations to support prioritization and informed leadership decisions.
• Lead or coordinate organizational transition, integration, and operating‑model initiatives, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, communication, and implementation plans.
• Translate complex portfolio, operational, performance, resource, and risk information into executive‑level insights, recommendations, and decision materials that support prioritization and timely action.
• Establish and maintain operating‑management practices, including standards, templates, dashboards, trackers, and decision records, that strengthen accountability, transparency, traceability, and effective management of programs, portfolios, and projects.
• Lead continuous‑improvement and change‑management efforts that enhance program, portfolio, and project delivery, simplify ways of working, reduce rework, and support sustainable organizational effectiveness.
• Represent DQS Strategy & Operations in various forums, leadership meetings, and cross‑functional working groups; influence outcomes, build trusted partnerships, and support capability development across a global matrix organization.

Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral):

Desired education qualifications and equivalencies

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as pharma/biotech, life sciences, public health, healthcare, business, or a related field, with 8+ years of relevant professional experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline with 12+ years of relevant professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Desired minimum years industry experience

• 12+ years of progressive experience in strategy and operations, program or project management, portfolio management, business operations, organizational effectiveness, transformation, or a related discipline.
• Experience working in a complex, global, highly matrixed organization in pharma/biotech, preferably within research and development, life sciences, healthcare, or another regulated environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience leading cross‑functional programs, projects, or work streams and coordinating stakeholders across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Experience providing direction, mentoring, or capability development to colleagues is preferred.
• Formal people‑management experience is not required; demonstrated leadership and influence without direct authority are essential.

Desired technical skills

• Strategy and operations…