At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive strategy execution and optimise performance in a dynamic data science environment.
- Company: Join Elsevier, a global leader in information and analytics for healthcare and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health benefits, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth and well-being initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health outcomes while advancing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and experience in performance management or consulting.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
About the team
A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society.
Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education, and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice.
At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world’s grand challenges and a more sustainable future.
We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.
About the role
The Strategy & Operations Director will be a key member of the Data Science Ops team, working directly for the COO & Chief of Staff and with the Data Science leadership team to drive effective and efficient execution of Elsevier’s strategy.
The role will operate across the breadth of the COO & Chief of Staff agenda, with particular responsibility for creating a clear, data-driven view of how the Data Science organisation is performing and identifying opportunities to improve.
The successful candidate will combine analytical rigour, commercial judgement and strong execution skills, moving comfortably from analysing performance and identifying an issue to working with senior leaders to determine the response and ensuring actions are delivered.
A strong understanding of data science will be highly advantageous as will efficiently leveraging AI tools.
A strategy/consulting background can also be advantageous.
They will become a trusted partner to the COO & Chief of Staff and an important bridge across Data Science, Finance, Product, Technology, HR and other Elsevier functions.
Key responsibilities
- Performance management & optimisation
- Develop and maintain an integrated view of performance across the Data Science division, bringing together financial, operational, product, delivery and organisational measures
- Work with leadership to define the OKRs, KPIs and performance indicators
- Establish effective performance rhythms, including leadership scorecards/dashboards, operating reviews and follow-up mechanisms
- Analyse performance to identify trends, emerging risks, bottlenecks and areas of underperformance
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity, effectiveness, resource utilisation and return on investment
- Translate data into clear insights and recommendations for the COO & Chief of Staff and Data Science leadership
- Work with leaders to diagnose the underlying causes of performance issues and develop practical interventions
- Track interventions through to measurable outcomes and ensure benefits are realised
- Strategic execution
- Support the COO & Chief of Staff in translating Data Science strategy into clear priorities, initiatives and measurable outcomes
- Maintain visibility across the division’s most important strategic initiatives and dependencies
- Identify where execution is drifting from strategic intent and remedial actions
- Lead or support high-priority cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the COO & Chief of Staff
- Provide structured problem-solving on complex or ambiguous issues where ownership cuts across organisational boundaries
- Help ensure resources and investment are aligned with the organisation’s highest-value priorities
- COO & Chief of Staff support
- Act as a trusted extension of the COO & Chief of Staff across the full breadth of the role
- Support preparation for leadership meetings, operating reviews, strategy discussions and executive decision-making
- Develop high-quality analysis, briefing materials and recommendations for senior stakeholders
- Take ownership of priority issues or initiatives requiring additional leadership attention
- Ensure decisions translate into clear actions, owners and outcomes
- Anticipate issues requiring COO intervention and surface them early, with proposed solutions wherever possible
- Operating model & organisational effectiveness
- Identify opportunities to simplify processes, improve decision-making and remove organisational friction
- Analyse how work, resources and investment flow across Data Science and recommend improvements
- Support evolution of the Data Science operating model as the organisation grows and its priorities change
- Work with Finance and HR to develop greater transparency around workforce, capability, capacity and cost
- Help leadership understand whether resources are deployed against the areas of greatest strategic and commercial value
- Leadership cadence & governance
- Help design and run an effective operating cadence for the Data Science leadership team.
- Ensure leadership forums are focused on decisions, performance, and action rather than information sharing
- Maintain visibility of key commitments, decisions, risks and dependencies
- Continuously improve governance and reporting so that leadership has the information required to make faster, better decisions
Skills & Experience
We are looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with strong analytical and execution capability.
The successful candidate is likely to have
- First-class stakeholder management and communication skills - including the ability to distil complex issues into concise executive-level recommendations and influence senior stakeholders without relying on formal authority
- Significant experience in strategy, business operations, transformation, performance management, consulting or a comparable role
- Experience working with senior executives in a complex, matrixed organisation
- Strong analytical capability and the ability to make sense of complex financial, operational and organisational data
- Demonstrable experience identifying performance improvement opportunities and driving them through to measurable outcomes
- Excellent structured problem-solving skills
- Strong financial and commercial acumen
- Experience designing or operating executive-level performance management and governance
- The judgement to know when to analyse further, when to elevate and when simply to get something done
- Experience in data science, technology, digital products, information services or a similarly knowledge-intensive environment would be highly advantageous, but deep technical data science expertise is not essential.
- Personal Characteristics
The role will suit someone who
- Is intellectually curious and naturally asks why performance looks the way it does
- Is comfortable operating with ambiguity and creating structure where none exists
- Can move between strategic questions and detailed operational issues
- Challenges constructively and is comfortable working with senior leaders
- Is highly numerate but understands that data is a tool for making decisions, not an end in itself
- Has strong organisational judgement and emotional intelligence
- Takes ownership and follows issues through to resolution
- Is pragmatic, collaborative and low-ego
- Can operate at pace while maintaining a high standard of work
- Believes in Elsevier's mission to advance human progress
Why join us?
At Elsevier, you will be part of a diverse global product team that sits at the frontline of delivering value to customers.
You will play a key role in enabling secure access to our products, shaping how customers experience and adopt our identity platform.
We are committed to your success and wellbeing, offering flexible working, family leave, long-service recognition, and a supportive, collaborative environment where everyone has a part to play.
Work in a way that works for you
We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organization.
We offer an appealing working prospect for our people.
With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.
Working for you
We know that your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career. These are some of the benefits we are delighted to offer:
- Generous holiday allowance with the option to buy additional days.
- Health screening, eye care vouchers and private medical benefits
- Wellbeing programs
- Life assurance
- Access to a competitive contributory pension scheme
- Save As You Earn share option scheme.
- Travel Season ticket loan.
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Optional Dental Insurance
- Maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to emergency care for both the elderly and children
- Access to extensive learning and development resources
- Access to employee discounts scheme via Perks at Work
- About the business
A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society.
Building on our publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education, and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice.
At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world’s grand challenges and a more sustainable future.
We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.
We know your well-being and happiness are key to a long and successful career.
We are delighted to offer country specific benefits.
Click here to access benefits specific to your location.
We are committed to providing a fair and accessible hiring process.
If you have a disability or other need that requires accommodation or adjustment, please let us know by completing our Applicant Request Support Form or please contact 1-855-833-5120.
Please read our Candidate Privacy Policy.
We are an equal opportunity employer: qualified applicants are considered for and treated during employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship status, disability status, protected veteran status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Strategy & Operations Director (Data Science) employer: Elsevier
At Elsevier, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, particularly for our Java Software Engineer role in Oxford. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, while our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous learning opportunities and flexible working arrangements that promote a healthy work-life balance. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional journey in the exciting field of scientific knowledge sharing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy & Operations Director (Data Science)
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Strategy & Operations Director (Data Science) at Elsevier!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Elsevier or be willing to refer you for that Strategy & Operations Director (Data Science) position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Elsevier who’s on the lookout for their next Strategy & Operations Director (Data Science) star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Strategy & Operations Director (Data Science) role at Elsevier!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy & Operations Director (Data Science)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Elsevier. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elsevier
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Elsevier. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
