Job Type: W-2 Contract
Duration: 8 months
Location: remote assignment, client in Boston, MA

Job Summary:
Our client is seeking an Associate Director, Operational Excellence, who will be accountable for leading key strategic global operational excellence activities across Research & Development (R&D) functions and regions, including integration of Business Development and Licensing (BD&L) activities, process improvement projects, and quality initiatives.

Leads cross- functional assigned project workstream(s) to successfully deliver new process, systems and BD&L activities into the organization.
Accountable for creating cross-functional plans, budgets and resource estimates for integration of BD&L assets working across company functions, external vendors and acquired. companies/partners. Drives plans to timely and successful completion.
Leads R&D workstreams to deliver major, cross-functional process, system or quality improvement activities.
Leads root cause analyses and remediation CAPAs for cross-functional quality issues.
Develops and grows the relationship with external partners and with other Development functions, to facilitate expansion of solutions across the R&D Navigates uncharted territory where no process or precedent exists, whilst maintaining compliance with current internal procedures and industry regulations/guidance documents.
Identifies opportunities for, and ensures integration with, other workstreams.
Develops and maintains a project plan related to individual operational excellence projects, e.g. methodology assessment, prioritization of activities, resources, ensure implementation of the improvements is effectively executed and define/maintain ongoing measurements of success.
Prepares and continually improves/refines detailed “ playbooks ” of templates and best practices for integration. Defines processes and establish progress monitoring to ensure successful integrations via acquisitions; track and report progress on key acquisitions.
Develops strong partnership with stakeholders, enabling collaborative scope and change management.
Reports project status on a regular basis to the project team and R&D management.

Skills:
Professional in a healthcare or research and development environment, preferably with 10 years' experience performing operational excellence activities.
Expert facilitation skills
Ability to aggregate, analyze and present data to support business objectives and process improvement initiatives
Experience with change management initiatives. Strong ability to analyze unstructured problems, identify root causes and align others to drive solutions.
Strong interpersonal and proactive problem-solving skills.
High tolerance for ambiguity and ability to create clarity for others. High level of organizational maturity and ability to apply judgement.
Thrives in complex, fast-paced environment.
Ability to think creatively on how to identify and mitigate projects risks while maintaining quality.
Leadership, project management in a matrix environment are required.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to inspire others to share their vision and support them to reach a common goal.
Understanding of the drug development process and working knowledge of the essential activities for all key functional areas.

Education:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in one of the disciplines related to clinical practice/health care, life sciences, or drug development.
Advanced degree (Master, PhD, MD) is highly desirable.
Six Sigma, PMP Certification or equivalent desirable