Associate Director - Operational Effectiveness

IQVIA; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

IQVIA in Bengaluru seeks Associate Director – Operational Effectiveness to lead AI-enabled transformation initiatives, optimize processes, and drive measurable value across the enterprise. You will partner with senior leaders to embed AI in core operations, implement governance, and ensure change readiness.

The role demands deep experience in program management, operational excellence, and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, data science, engineering, life sciences, computer science or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in operational excellence, digital transformation, analytics, AI, or related enterprise functions.
• 12+ years leading complex, cross-functional programs or large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience driving AI, automation, analytics, or data-driven operational improvement initiatives at scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead global AI transformation and operational excellence initiatives.
• Partner with senior leadership to prioritize AI-driven programs.
• Define scope, success metrics, timelines, and resourcing models for AI-enabled initiatives.
• Support in identifying risks, dependencies, and constraints with data quality and change management.
• Drive standardization and best practices for AI-enabled process improvement, performance measurement, and ROI.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Program management

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

MBA or equivalent (preferred)

Tools

Lean Six Sigma

Process Mining

AI/ML concepts

Data governance

Job description

Associate Director – Operational Effectiveness

Lead complex, highly visible, global AI-enabled transformation initiatives that accelerate operational excellence, productivity, and value realization across the enterprise. This role drives the design and execution of AI transformation initiatives and enables digital process optimization solutions that improve efficiency, decision-making, and business outcomes at scale.

As an AI transformation lead and subject matter expert, the Associate Director will partner cross functionally to embed AI and data-driven ways of working into core operations, ensuring alignment with enterprise strategy, governance, and change management standards. The role serves as a trusted advisor to senior and executive leadership, enabling sustainable transformation through innovation, operational rigor, and measurable impact.

Essential Functions

AI & Transformation Leadership

• Serve as the lead for large-scale, cross-functional, global AI transformation and operational excellence initiatives spanning process optimization, Identification of AI Potential opportunities working with Business AI Champions and Leads
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior and executive leadership on the identification, prioritization, and feasibility of AI-driven and operational excellence initiatives.
• Shape and influence the enterprise AI transformation roadmap, ensuring initiatives align with strategic objectives, value realization, and responsible AI principles.

Program & Project Execution

• Lead end-to-end program execution including opportunity identification, data assessment, business case development, project planning, delivery, and value tracking.
• Define project scope, success metrics, timelines, and resourcing models for AI-enabled and operational improvement initiatives.
• Support in identifying risks, dependencies, and constraints related to data quality, technology readiness, change adoption, and regulatory considerations, escalating as needed.

Operational Excellence & AI Enablement

• Enable business to drive the application of Off the Shelf AI Solutions and process changes to optimize global processes and improve productivity, quality, and cycle time.
• Use standard improvement methodologies & Framework (e.g., Lean AI, Six Sigma, process mining and operational excellence tools) to ensure rigor, scalability, and strategic alignment.
• Drive standardization and best practices for AI-enabled process improvement, performance measurement, and benefits realization.

Stakeholder Engagement & Change Management

• Establish strong, transparent collaboration with internal and external stakeholders across business functions, technology teams, data organizations, and leadership.
• Lead high-impact executive presentations communicating transformation vision, progress, risks, and realized value.
• Partner with change management teams to ensure adoption, capability building, and cultural readiness for AI-driven ways of working.

Governance, Financials & Performance Tracking

• Ensure adherence to governance, data privacy, security, responsible AI, and change control processes.
• Oversee project reporting, dashboards, and performance tracking systems to provide clear visibility into outcomes and ROI.

People Leadership & Capability Building

• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development to build enterprise capabilities in AI, analytics, and operational excellence.
• Support workforce upskilling initiatives to embed AI literacy and continuous improvement practices across the organization.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in business, data science, engineering, life sciences, computer science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operational excellence, digital transformation, analytics, AI, technology-enabled transformation, or related enterprise functions.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience leading complex, cross-functional programs or large-scale transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience driving AI, automation, analytics, or data-driven operational improvement initiatives at scale.

Preferred

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) or certifications in AI, data analytics, Lean Six Sigma, Agile, or program management.
• Good understanding and experience of Off the shelf AI tools, automation, data platforms, and analytics applied to business operations.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and translate complex technical concepts into clear business value narratives.
• Experience working in global, matrixed, or regulated environments.

IQVIA is a leading global provider of clinical research services, commercial insights and healthcare intelligence to the life sciences and healthcare industries. We create intelligent connections to accelerate the development and commercialization of innovative medical treatments to help improve patient outcomes and population health worldwide. Learn more at https://jobs.iqvia.com

IQVIA is committed to integrity in our hiring process and maintains a zero tolerance policy for candidate fraud. All information and credentials submitted in your application must be truthful and complete. Any false statements, misrepresentations, or material omissions during the recruitment process will result in immediate disqualification of your application, or termination of employment if discovered later, in accordance with applicable law. We appreciate your honesty and professionalism.