Dir, Operational Effectiveness

IQVIA • Durham, NC

7d • $108,100 - $300,800

About The Position

Serve as an internal consultant leading cross functional diagnostic assessments, identifying organizational improvement opportunities, and advising senior leadership. Drive operational optimization through structured problem solving and practical application of Lean/Kaizen/Six Sigma methods. Provide governance and structure for large, complex initiatives while ensuring alignment with enterprise strategy. Leverage AI‑enabled tools and analytics platforms to enhance diagnostic accuracy, decision support, and operational optimization.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree business, life sciences or related field
• Requires a minimum of 7-10 years of prior relevant experience
• Experience independently leading cross functional initiatives.
• Industry agnostic knowledge
• Requires broad management knowledge to lead cross-functional teams and workstreams, and well as the ability to influences others outside of own job area regarding policies, procedures, and goals.
• Knowledge of operational diagnostics, structured problem solving, process analysis, and systems thinking.
• Working understanding of AI‑enabled tools (e.g., automation, advanced analytics, copilots) and their application to operational improvement.
• Working familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma and improvement tools.
• Understanding of project/program management principles.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and other data capture, compilation, and presentation tools.
• Good understanding of tools and processes.
• Strong influencing, problem resolution, motivation, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results to the appropriate quality and time metrics.
• Excellent leadership.
• Excellent business and industry awareness staying current on trends and impact on the business.
• Excellent presentation skills meeting the needs of all levels within the organization up to and including the executive management team.
• Strong project leadership, staff management, and/or project planning skills.
• Facilitation and workshop leadership.
• Process mapping (VSM, SIPOC).
• Executive-level communication and coaching/developing staff.

Nice To Haves

• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt (or equivalent), Kaizen / continuous improvement experience, and Prosci or similar change management certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Recommend strategic programs forming long-term business partnerships maximizing the creation of global solutions that accelerate operational process/productivity improvements within IQVIA positively impacting data capture, project planning, change/data/process management, data compilation and high quality deliverable generation.
• Participate in strategic meetings and focus teams serving as advisor, conducting fact based assessments, and shaping actionable recommendations for leadership.
• In conjunction with senior/executive management will determine initiative structure providing leadership regarding the scope and types of initiatives appropriate for team involvement.
• Determine initiative scope, timelines, and feasibility for large, cross functional initiatives requiring independent leadership.
• Evaluate and provide feedback regarding risks, quality, and overall probability of success minimizing negative impact on project objectives and deliverables.
• Conduct diagnostic assessments of processes, systems, and organizational capabilities to identify improvement opportunities.
• Facilitate cross functional workshops to define root causes and shape solutions.
• Provide structured recommendations and executive ready insights to senior stakeholders.
• Use AI‑powered analysis tools to identify patterns, drivers, and improvement opportunities within complex datasets.
• Develop high level risk, dependency, and issue management plans to support program governance.
• Serve as knowledge and subject matter expert for service area and contact for senior and executive management regarding initiatives.
• Ensure initiatives are aligned with overall strategy ensuring alignment and incorporation with overall IQVIA strategy.
• Identify and establish transparent, successful collaboration with internal and external stakeholders: team, client and IQVIA.
• Lead high level presentations to executive management.
• Apply Lean/Six Sigma/Kaizen based problem solving where appropriate (VSM, SIPOC, RCA, waste elimination).
• Incorporate AI and automation opportunities into process redesign, ensuring alignment with governance and enterprise architecture.
• Support teams in designing improved workflows and operating models.
• Lead small–medium process improvement efforts (not full time PI owner).
• Provide governance structure for major initiatives (milestones, risks, decision logs).
• Evaluate AI solution feasibility, risks, and value contributions as part of transformation program governance.
• Coordinate cross functional progress and ensure alignment to intended outcomes.

Benefits

• Potential base pay range for this role, when annualized, is $108,100.00 - $300,800.00.
• The actual base pay offered may vary based on a number of factors including job-related qualifications such as knowledge, skills, education, and experience; location; and/or schedule (full or part-time).
• Dependent on the position offered, incentive plans, bonuses, and/or other forms of compensation may be offered, in addition to a range of health and welfare and/or other benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director