Associate Director, Global Quality Business Operations

Otsuka; United States; Remote; USD 150,000 - 224,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical

Dental

Vision

401(k) match

Flexible time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Otsuka seeks an Associate Director to lead Global Quality (GQ) Operations, overseeing strategic initiatives, portfolio management, and performance governance across global programs. You will partner with leadership to enable data-driven decisions and drive continuous improvement within a regulated healthcare environment.

The role requires 8+ years in PMO, portfolio management, and operations, with strong analytical and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Quality, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in portfolio management, strategic planning, PMO leadership, business operations, or organizational effectiveness.
• Experience in regulated industries (pharma/biotech/healthcare) with multiple initiatives in a global setting.
• Proven ability to develop portfolio processes, governance, and performance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic portfolio and program management across Global Quality.
• Track progress, milestones, risks, dependencies, and deliverables.
• Design and govern program management standards, tools, and reporting mechanisms.
• Enable governance reviews and provide updates on program performance.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Program management

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor

Advanced degree in Business Administration/Operations Management/Life Sciences

Job description

Associate Director, Global Quality Business Operations The Global Quality (GQ) Business Operations Associate Director is responsible for providing centralized oversight and coordination of strategic initiatives, resource planning, portfolio management, and program performance management across Global Quality. This role enables data-driven decision making by maintaining an integrated view of program priorities, resource capacity, dependencies, and initiative progress. The position serves as a key business partner within Global Quality, driving transparency, accountability, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement while strengthening collaboration across global programs and strategic initiatives. The Associate Director, GQ Operations will help build and mature program management capabilities, preserve organizational knowledge through process documentation and governance, and support the scalability of Global Quality operations to meet evolving business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Portfolio & Program Management Lead the management of a consolidated portfolio view of Global Quality strategic initiatives, programs, and key projects, enabling informed prioritization, resource allocation, and investment decision-making.
• Track initiative progress, milestones, risks, dependencies, and deliverables across Global Quality Operations global programs.
• Designs and governs program management standards, tools, and reporting mechanisms to strengthen program management discipline, improve execution consistency, and build organizational capabilities across Global Quality.
• Facilitate governance reviews and provide regular updates on program performance across Global Quality Operations
• Continuous Improvement & Performance Monitoring Enable performance monitoring through the development and maintenance of metrics, dashboards, and reporting processes that provide visibility into operational effectiveness.
• Drive action tracking, follow-through, and accountability to support the timely execution of commitments, deliverables, and strategic priorities.
• Utilize performance data, trends, and insights to identify opportunities for operational effectiveness, process optimization, and continuous improvement.
• Support governance activities, performance reviews, and operational assessments to drive proactive decision-making and sustained improvement across Global Quality.
• Process Governance & Knowledge Management Maintain end-to-end process maps, operational documentation, and process ownership frameworks.
• Ensure process documentation remains current, accurate, and aligned with organizational objectives.
• Promote program best practices across Global Quality.
• Preserve organizational knowledge and reduce dependency on individual expertise through robust documentation and governance practices.
• Stakeholder Partnership & Collaboration Strengthen engagement and collaboration between Global Quality and functional business partners through the Centers of Excellence.
• Foster strong cross-functional partnerships to support alignment on strategic priorities, initiatives, and organizational objectives.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination across regions, programs, and stakeholder groups to promote shared understanding and execution.
• Enhance transparency of priorities, dependencies, risks, and outcomes to support informed decision-making and organizational alignment.
• Act as a strategic partner to Global Quality leadership, Global Quality Operations, and business stakeholders to drive operational effectiveness and successful delivery of strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Quality, Life Sciences, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in portfolio management, strategic planning, PMO leadership, business operations, or organizational effectiveness.
• Experience in program management, portfolio management, business operations, strategic planning, operational excellence within pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, or other regulated industries.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives and priorities within a complex, global organization.
• Experience developing and maintaining portfolio management processes, governance frameworks, project plans, and operational reporting mechanisms.
• Experience developing metrics, dashboards, and performance reporting to support leadership decision-making and operational effectiveness.
• Experience facilitating cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder alignment across business functions, regions, and global programs.
• Knowledge of process improvement methodologies, operational excellence principles, and organizational effectiveness practices.
• Experience tracking program performance, risks, dependencies, actions, and deliverables to drive accountability and execution discipline.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize data, identify trends, and provide actionable business insights.
• Excellent organizational, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Program and portfolio management
• Resource planning and prioritization
• Data analysis and performance management
• Process mapping and governance
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Stakeholder engagement and influence
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Executive communication and presentation skills
• Organizational change and transformation support
• Competencies Accountability for Results - Stay focused on key strategic objectives, be accountable for high standards of performance, and take an active role in leading change.
• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving - Make decisions considering the long-term impact to customers, patients, employees, and the business.
• Patient & Customer Centricity - Maintain an ongoing focus on the needs of our customers and/or key stakeholders.
• Impactful Communication - Communicate with logic, clarity, and respect.
• Influence at all levels to achieve the best results for Otsuka.
• Respectful Collaboration - Seek and value others’ perspectives and strive for diverse partnerships to enhance work toward common goals.
• Empowered Development - Play an active role in professional development as a business imperative.

Salary

Minimum $150,034.00 - Maximum $224,250.00, plus incentive opportunity: The range shown represents a typical pay range or starting pay for individuals who are hired in the role to perform in the United States. Other elements may be used to determine actual pay such as the candidate’s job experience, specific skills, and comparison to internal incumbents currently in role. Typically, actual pay will be positioned within the established range, rather than at its minimum or maximum. This information is provided to applicants in accordance with states and local laws.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 5 business days.

Company Benefits

• Comprehensive medical
• dental
• vision
• prescription drug coverage
• company provided basic life
• accidental death & dismemberment
• short-term and long-term disability insurance
• tuition reimbursement
• student loan assistance
• a generous 401(k) match
• flexible time off
• paid holidays
• paid leave programs as well as other company provided benefits

About Otsuka

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned to this position. It is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. Otsuka reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

Otsuka is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will be given consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation, if you are unable or limited in your ability to apply to this job opening as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting [e-mail].

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is a global healthcare company with the corporate philosophy: “Otsuka–people creating new products for better health worldwide.” In the U.S., Otsuka is comprised of two companies, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc., that share a deep commitment to the development and commercialization of innovative products in the spaces of neuroscience, nephrology, and digital medicine. Driven by our purpose to defy limitation, so that others can too, we have an unwavering belief in doing more and transcending expectations. In going above and beyond—under any circumstances—for patients, families, providers, and for each other. It’s this deep-rooted dedication that drives us to uncover answers to complex, underserved medical needs, so that patients can push past the limitations of their disease and achieve more than they thought was possible each and every day. OPDC and OAPI are indirect subsidiaries of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The Otsuka group of companies employed 34,400 people worldwide and had consolidated sales of approximately USD 14.2 billion in 2023. We invite you to explore our open positions for an opportunity to join our 2,200 colleagues in the U.S. whose passion for our mission and pride in our company has earned us certification as a Great Place to Work by the Great Place to Work Institute.