DS & AI Program Operations & Engagement Lead

R&D Partners; Reading; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

R&D Partners is seeking a DS&AI Program Operations & Engagement Specialist to drive the adoption of Data Science and AI initiatives within a world-leading biotech organisation.

This senior individual contributor will work closely with leadership to enable transformational changes in how the workforce understands and uses DS&AI, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making across Pharma R&D.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in program operations, portfolio coordination, or managing complex initiatives within digital, data analytics, or technology environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence in working with cross-functional teams and interacting with leadership.
• Experience in agile or hybrid delivery environments, collaborating with product teams and agile coaches.
• Structured and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage complexity effectively.
• Strong communication skills to inform, align, and educate diverse audiences.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Ability to balance strategic context with hands-on operational execution.
• Demonstrated expertise in providing stability, continuity, and clarity in fast-moving AI and data environments.

Responsibilities

• Maintain execution rhythms and assist with planning, prioritization, and dependency tracking for Digital Council and Digital Analytics Council initiatives.
• Deliver complex cross-functional initiatives and special projects requiring structured problem-solving and team alignment.
• Refine operating models and collaboration frameworks to improve ways of working.
• Build trusted relationships with project teams and practitioners to align priorities and operational updates.
• Collaborate with teams and SMEs to support effective planning and continuous improvement.
• Execute communications strategies to ensure consistent narratives, clear messaging, and effective engagement across R&D.
• Develop communication cadences and engagement models to inform and educate stakeholders on DS&AI capabilities, progress, and value.
• Engage stakeholders to understand unmet needs and facilitate the creation of AI learning materials.

Skills

Program operations

Portfolio coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Agile / hybrid delivery

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic execution

Communication skills

English fluency

Job description

R&D Partners is seeking a DS&AI Program Operations & Engagement Specialist to drive the adoption of Data Science and AI initiatives within a world-leading biotech organisation.

This senior individual contributor will work closely with leadership to enable transformational changes in how the workforce understands and uses DS&AI, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making across Pharma R&D.