Associate Director, Drug Development Excellence

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co; New Jersey; On-site; USD 157,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Coverage

Wellbeing Support

401(k) plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Bristol Myers Squibb Co is seeking a senior professional in operational excellence and process improvement in New Jersey. You will lead data-driven analyses of Drug Development processes, map and redesign workflows, and partner with cross-functional teams to drive KPI-based performance improvements.

The role requires 5–7 years in pharma process improvement, familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma, and experience with process modeling tools.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree required; advanced degree in a related discipline preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in operational excellence, process improvement, or strategy execution in pharma; Drug Development experience preferred.
• Familiarity with process modeling tools and workflow automation a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct deep, data-driven analysis of end-to-end Drug Development processes to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Translate process insights into actionable recommendations linked to KPIs and performance outcomes.
• Map, document, and maintain process maps and standard operating frameworks for efficient execution.
• Apply re-engineering methods to redesign workflows, eliminate waste, and improve quality, speed, capacity and value.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to establish and monitor KPIs and performance metrics.
• Support the design of performance management frameworks aligned with DD Excellence priorities.
• Leverage data analytics and root-cause analyses to surface trends and risks; inform prioritization.
• Project manage strategic initiatives end-to-end with defined scope and resources.
• Identify and embed digital tools to enable AI-ready operations.
• Collaborate with AI and tech stakeholders to integrate tools as part of broader solutions.
• Maintain knowledge of external best practices in process management and digital operations.
• Collaborate with functional leads to drive alignment and change enablement.

Skills

Data analysis

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

BA/BS in Life Sciences, Business, or related field

MBA/advanced degree a plus

Tools

ADONIS

OnePlan

MS Project

Job description

Position Summary

Working with Us Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible. Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.

Key Responsibilities

Process & Ways of Working Analysis

• Conduct deep, data-driven analysis of end-to-end Drug Development processes and ways of working to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, capability gaps, and improvement opportunities.
• Translate process analysis insights into actionable recommendations, connecting 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 and organizational clarity.
• 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 business leaders and subject matter experts 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 (PIR) and broader DD Excellence priorities.
• Leverage data and analytics tools and root cause analyses to surface performance trends, risks, and opportunities, and inform 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, not standalone enablers.
• 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 (e.g., Clinical Development, Trial Operations, Biostatistics, Regulatory, Safety) 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 and operational excellence across DD functions.

Qualifications & Experience

BA/BS degree 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 (Clinical Development, Trial Operations, Biostatistics, Regulatory, Safety, or Project Management) strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to conduct deep process and ways-of-working analysis, connecting process health to KPIs and operational outcomes. Experience with process re-engineering methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma); certification a plus but not required. Familiarity with project management and process modeling tools (e.g., ADONIS, OnePlan, 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; ability to critically assess opportunities for AI and digital enablement to improve processes and ways of working, and to engage credibly with technical and data science partners on implementation. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization—including the ability to listen, synthesize requirements, and convey information clearly and concisely. Ability to lead and motivate teams, facilitate discussions, and influence stakeholders to drive process improvement initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement. High proficiency in critical thinking, problem-solving, and structured decision making. Demonstrated innovation, flexibility, and adaptability to meet objectives in a rapidly changing and often uncertain environment with shifting priorities. High service orientation and track record of delivering results with a commitment to quality. Ability to build trusting relationships and work effectively across various divisions, business backgrounds, and cultures.

If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn’t perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.

Compensation Overview

Madison - Giralda - NJ - US: $156,890 - $190,117 Princeton - NJ - US: $156,890 - $190,117

Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment.

• Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
• Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
• Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
• Work-life benefits include: Paid Time Off US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees) Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day. All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown. *Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.

Unquably Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers

With a single vision as inspiring as “Transforming patients’ lives through science™ ”, every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.

On-site Protocol BMS

On-site Protocol BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role: Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.

Supporting People with Disabilities

BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to [e-mail]. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.

Candidate Rights

BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area. If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/

Data Protection

We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection. Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations. If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at [e-mail]. Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response. Inquiries related to the status of your application should be directed to Chat with Ripley.

We’re creating innovative medicines for patients fighting serious diseases.

We’re also nurturing our own diverse team with inspiring work and challenging career options. No matter the role, each one of us makes a contribution. And that makes all the difference.