Associate Director, Drug Development Excellence

Position Summary

Associate Director, Drug Development Excellence supports the advancement of Drug Development strategy and enables consistent, high‑quality execution across high‑priority cross‑functional initiatives. The role partners with business leaders and subject‑matter experts across Drug Development domains to translate strategic goals into practical frameworks, operating models, process improvements, and improved ways of working that drive measurable and sustainable outcomes across the portfolio. It reports to the Executive Director, Drug Development Excellence and operates within a highly matrixed, cross‑functional environment.

• Process & Ways of Working Analysis
  • Conduct deep, data‑driven analysis of end‑to‑end Drug Development processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, capability gaps, and improvement opportunities.
  • Translate insights into actionable recommendations, linking process health to KPIs and strategic performance outcomes.
  • Map, document, and maintain process maps and standard operating frameworks to drive efficient day‑to‑day execution.
  • Apply fit‑for‑purpose process re‑engineering methodologies to redesign workflows, eliminate waste, and improve quality, speed, capacity, and value.
• Performance Management & Continuous Improvement
  • Partner with cross‑functional leaders to establish, monitor, and report on KPIs and performance metrics that track critical health indicators against strategic targets.
  • Support the design and evolution of performance management frameworks in alignment with Portfolio Insights & Reporting and broader DD Excellence priorities.
  • Leverage data and analytics tools and root cause analyses to surface performance trends, risks, and opportunities, informing prioritization and improvement actions.
  • Project‑manage and drive strategic execution of initiatives end‑to‑end, with clearly defined scope, project plans, allocated resources, and value realization.
• Digital Enablement & AI‑Ready Operations
  • Identify and embed relevant technologies, workflow automation tools, and digital solutions that enhance process performance and move DD toward an AI‑enabled operating model.
  • Partner with AI Enablement and technology stakeholders to ensure digital tools are integrated as part of broader process and capability solutions.
  • Maintain knowledge of external best practices, frameworks, and emerging tools in process management, performance management, and digital operations.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Change Enablement
  • Collaborate with functional leads and process owners across Drug Development to drive strategic alignment and operational excellence from a people, process, technology perspective.
  • Shape and support change management activities to ensure adoption and sustainability of new operating models, capabilities, and new ways of working.
  • Contribute to communities of practice and capability‑building efforts that foster a culture of continuous improvement.

• BA/BS required; advanced degree in a related discipline preferred (e.g., Life Sciences, Business, MBA, MS, PhD, PharmD).
• 5–7 years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or strategy execution roles within the pharmaceutical industry; experience within Drug Development functions strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to conduct deep process and ways‑of‑working analysis, linking process health to KPIs and operational outcomes.
• Experience with process re‑engineering methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma); certification a plus but not required.
• Familiarity with project management and process modeling tools (ADONIS, One Plan, MS Project); exposure to workflow automation or digital enablement tools a plus.
• Experience with performance management frameworks, data analytics, and root cause analyses to drive insight‑led decision making.
• Demonstrated curiosity and working knowledge of AI and emerging technologies as applied to Drug Development operations.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills; ability to lead and motivate teams and influence stakeholders.
• High proficiency in critical thinking, problem‑solving, and structured decision making, with a…