Director, Business Operations

ROLE SUMMARY

The Business Operations leader is a strategic partner to the Data & Intelligence (D&I) leadership team and will play a critical role in establishing the newly formed D&I organization. This global role is accountable for building the operational discipline, organizational infrastructure, communication rhythms, and financial stewardship the organization needs to execute effectively. The role leads three integrated areas: organizational communications and engagement; workforce and organizational operations; and financial management across operating expense (OpEx) and capital expense (CapEx). Working with Executive Leadership Team (ELT)+1 leaders, senior leaders, and enabling partners, this leader translates priorities into clear operating plans, consistent decision support, and scalable processes that strengthen transparency, accountability, colleague connection, and business performance. Beyond operations, this leader will help set the tone for the organization’s culture and build a strong, connected team. This role does not include portfolio management accountability.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the business operations function for the Data & Intelligence (D&I) organization as it is established, setting up the operating rhythms, governance, decision forums, management reporting, and clear ownership of key operational priorities that the organization needs to execute consistently from the start.

• Own the D&I communications, engagement, and culture agenda, including town halls, leadership updates, organizational announcements, team channels, colleague listening mechanisms, and recognition, using these forums to build connection, reinforce business priorities, and act on colleague feedback.

• Partner with senior leaders including ELT+1 to shape clear, audience-centered communications; coordinate content development, speaker preparation, review and approval, event execution, and follow-up actions.

• Lead organizational operations across headcount, compensation planning, open roles, hiring forecasts, workforce movements, reporting-line and cost-center changes, organizational charts, onboarding, and related people processes in partnership with People Experience and Finance.

• Provide accurate workforce insights and scenario analysis to support organization design, resource decisions, talent planning, and leadership discussions while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and data stewardship.

• Lead financial planning and operational management across OpEx and CapEx, including annual planning, forecasts, actuals, accruals, variance analysis, budget transfers, investment requests, and leadership reporting.

• Establish standardized financial and business processes for purchase orders, statements of work, change orders, vendor commitments, contract renewals, chargebacks, capitalization, and other controls in partnership with Finance, Procurement, and business owners.

• Lead and develop a team of 3–5 business operations colleagues, setting clear priorities, building capability, and establishing standardized, scalable ways of working.

• Synthesize financial, workforce, and operational information into concise insights, recommendations, risks, and decisions for senior leadership, and drive follow-through on agreed actions. Continuously improve the efficiency and scalability of business operations, including through automation, self-service reporting, and AI-enabled tools.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with 8+ years of relevant experience in business operations, finance, organizational operations, communications, or a related discipline; equivalent experience will be considered.

• Experience leading complex, cross-functional business operations in a global, matrixed organization, including direct people leadership, with demonstrated judgment, discretion, and accountability.

• Demonstrated experience in financial planning and management, including OpEx, CapEx, forecasting, actuals, variance analysis, and executive-level reporting.

• Experience managing workforce and organizational processes such as headcount, compensation planning, open roles, organizational changes, and resource scenarios.

• Experience shaping and delivering leadership communications and large-scale colleague forums, including town halls and organizational announcements.

• Strong analytical capability and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations and leadership-ready materials.

• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, manage competing priorities, lead through ambiguity, and create structure in a changing environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master of Business Administration or other relevant advanced degree.

• Experience in the pharmaceutical, life sciences, or another highly regulated global environment, ideally within a digital, technology, or data and analytics organization.

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