Associate Director, Drug Development Excellence

Bristol Myers Squibb•Princeton, NJ

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director, Drug Development Excellence supports the advancement of Drug Development (DD) strategy and enables consistent, high-quality execution across high priority cross-functional strategic initiatives. This role partners with business leaders and subject matter experts across Drug Development domains to translate strategic goals into practical frameworks, operating models, process improvements, and improved ways of working that drive measurable and sustainable outcomes across the portfolio. An important focus of this role is the deep analysis of end-to-end processes and ways of working—integrating performance metrics and KPIs to identify gaps and opportunities, and driving improvement through process re-engineering and digital enablement as BMS advances toward an AI-enabled Drug Development operating model. This role reports to the Executive Director, Drug Development Excellence and operates within a highly matrixed, cross-functional environment.

Requirements

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 divisions, diverse business backgrounds, and cultures.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a related discipline preferred (e.g., Life Sciences, Business, MBA, MS, PhD, PharmD).
Certification in Lean or Six Sigma.
Exposure to workflow automation or digital enablement tools.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.

Benefits

Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
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.
Flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval), 11 paid national holidays (US Exempt Employees).
160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays (Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees).
Unlimited paid sick time (based on eligibility).
Up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
Summer hours flexibility.
Leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs.
Annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.