DS & AI Programs Lead - Operations & Engagement

R Dpartners; Reading; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

R Dpartners is seeking a DS&AI Program Operations & Engagement Specialist to drive adoption of data science and AI initiatives across Pharma R&D. You will partner with senior leadership to enable transparency, align programs, and accelerate value delivery in a fast-moving, regulated environment.

This senior individual contributor role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, agile delivery, and effective stakeholder engagement, with fluency in English and the ability to balance strategic

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.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional

Agile delivery

Communication

Strategic thinking

Job description

R Dpartners is seeking a DS&AI Program Operations & Engagement Specialist to drive adoption of data science and AI initiatives across Pharma R&D. You will partner with senior leadership to enable transparency, align programs, and accelerate value delivery in a fast-moving, regulated environment.

This senior individual contributor role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, agile delivery, and effective stakeholder engagement, with fluency in English and the ability to balance strategic