Position: Strategy and Operations, Associate DirectorLocation: Central New Jersey
Function Summary
Data and quantitative sciences (DQS) is the quantitative center of excellence within Drug Development at BMS. DQS members strive to achieve the vision to create “the world’s leading Data Science driven pharmaceutical company that transforms patients’ lives”. If you want an exciting and rewarding career that is meaningful, consider joining our diverse team!
Position Summary
As the operational lead for the Statistics Therapeutic Areas within DQS, the Strategy & Operations Associate Director will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the organization’s strategic agenda. This leader will drive operational excellence, foster collaboration, and ensure seamless project delivery across highly cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate brings a consulting mindset—demonstrated by a track record of managing complex, enterprise-wide strategic initiatives, influencing cross-functional leaders, and delivering measurable business outcomes in dynamic environments. Leveraging strong leadership and organizational skills, the Associate Director will optimize resource and budget allocation, manage high-impact projects from conception through execution, and enable data-driven decision-making that advances DQS and enterprise priorities. This role also supports value realization, including ROI tracking for advanced analytics and process enablement initiatives. This role serves as a key connector across DQS and enterprise functions, ensuring alignment between strategic priorities and execution.
Key Responsibilities
o Partner with Statistics Therapeutic Area leadership to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with portfolio priorities.
o Drive consistency and excellence in operational processes, while creating an environment of data-driven decision-making
o Lead cross-functional project delivery from ideation to execution, ensuring transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes, with change management and value realization embedded throughout.
o Oversee end-to-end financial planning and reporting, including budget projections, vendor spend tracking, and risk management.
o Monitor and optimize resource allocation for internal and external teams, supporting both pipeline objectives and continuous improvement efforts.
o Facilitate strategic discussions, escalate key risks, and collaborate with project leads across the organization.
o Work with technical leads to manage reporting, compliance, and KPIs, following best practices.
o Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization and technical innovation.
o Author leadership messaging and change management communications for internal and external stakeholders.
o Mentor junior talent in best practices for project management, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement.
o Build and maintain strong relationships across divisions, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
o Coordinate internal events (e.g., Townhalls, scientific innovation meetings) and conference management activities.
o Ensure adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and quality standards.
Qualifications & Experience
Advanced degree in Business Management, Life Sciences, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Programming or related discipline (MBA, MS, PhD, PharmD preferred).
7+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry or a regulated environment, with a focus on data science, analytics, programming or statistics.
Experience in management consulting, strategy consulting, or similar advisory roles strongly preferred
Proven Program Leadership: Exceptional project and program management skills with a track record of delivering complex, cross-functional initiatives on time and within scope.
Technical Expertise: Proficient in analytics platforms, Microsoft applications, and SharePoint to enable data-driven decision-making and collaboration. Preference for expertise in AI/Automation
Strategic Influence: Experienced in driving organizational change, resolving challenges at a strategic level, and serving as a trusted thought partner to senior stakeholders.
Relationship Builder: Skilled at fostering strong partnerships across divisions and cultures, leading enterprise-wide initiatives, and aligning diverse teams toward common goals.
Communication Excellence: Outstanding written and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, internally and externally.
Enterprise Connector: Acts as a key point of connectivity to manage dependencies and ensure seamless execution of end-to-end strategies.
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.
Cambridge Crossing: $187,620 - $227,352
Princeton - NJ - US: $167,520 - $202,992
The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee’s work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:
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.
