Strategy & Operations Director (Data Science)Are you passionate about turning strategy into measurable business outcomes?
Do you thrive on partnering with senior leaders to drive performance, operational excellence, and organisational impact? 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 & optimisationDevelop and maintain an integrated view of performance across the Data Science division, bringing together financial, operational, product, delivery and organisational measuresWork with leadership to define the OKRs, KPIs and performance indicatorsEstablish effective performance rhythms, including leadership scorecards/dashboards, operating reviews and follow-up mechanismsAnalyse performance to identify trends, emerging risks, bottlenecks and areas of underperformanceIdentify opportunities to improve productivity, effectiveness, resource utilisation and return on investmentTranslate data into clear insights and recommendations for the COO & Chief of Staff and Data Science leadershipWork with leaders to diagnose the underlying causes of performance issues and develop practical interventionsTrack interventions through to measurable outcomes and ensure benefits are realisedStrategic executionSupport the COO & Chief of Staff in translating Data Science strategy into clear priorities, initiatives and measurable outcomesMaintain visibility across the division's most important strategic initiatives and dependenciesIdentify where execution is drifting from strategic intent and remedial actionsLead or support high-priority cross-functional initiatives on behalf of the COO & Chief of StaffProvide structured problem-solving on complex or ambiguous issues where ownership cuts across organisational boundariesHelp ensure resources and investment are aligned with the organisation's highest-value prioritiesCOO & Chief of Staff supportAct as a trusted extension of the COO & Chief of Staff across the full breadth of the roleSupport preparation for leadership meetings, operating reviews, strategy discussions and executive decision-makingDevelop high-quality analysis, briefing materials and recommendations for senior stakeholdersTake ownership of priority issues or initiatives requiring additional leadership attentionEnsure decisions translate into clear actions, owners and outcomesAnticipate issues requiring COO intervention and surface them early, with proposed solutions wherever possibleOperating model & organisational effectivenessIdentify opportunities to simplify processes, improve decision-making and remove organisational frictionAnalyse how work, resources and investment flow across Data Science and recommend improvementsSupport evolution of the Data Science operating model as the organisation grows and its priorities changeWork with Finance and HR to develop greater transparency around workforce, capability, capacity and costHelp leadership understand whether resources are deployed against the areas of greatest strategic and commercial valueLeadership cadence & governanceHelp 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 sharingMaintain visibility of key commitments, decisions, risks and dependenciesContinuously improve governance and reporting so that leadership has the information required to make faster, better decisionsSkills & 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 authoritySignificant experience in strategy, business operations, transformation, performance management, consulting or a comparable roleExperience working with senior executives in a complex, matrixed organisationStrong analytical capability and the ability to make sense of complex financial, operational and organisational dataDemonstrable experience identifying performance improvement opportunities and driving them through to measurable outcomesExcellent structured problem-solving skillsStrong financial and commercial acumenExperience designing or operating executive-level performance management and governanceThe judgement to know when to analyse further, when to escalate and when simply to get something doneExperience 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 doesIs comfortable operating with ambiguity and creating structure where none existsCan move between strategic questions and detailed operational issuesChallenges constructively and is comfortable working with senior leadersIs highly numerate but understands that data is a tool for making decisions, not an end in itselfHas strong organisational judgement and emotional intelligenceTakes ownership and follows issues through to resolutionIs pragmatic, collaborative and low-egoCan operate at pace while maintaining a high standard of workBelieves in Elsevier's mission to advance human progressWhy 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 youWe 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 youWe 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 benefitsWellbeing programsLife assuranceAccess to a competitive contributory pension schemeSave As You Earn share option scheme.
Travel Season ticket loan.
Electric Vehicle SchemeOptional Dental InsuranceMaternity, paternity, and shared parental leaveEmployee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to emergency care for both the elderly and childrenAccess to extensive learning and development resourcesAccess to employee discounts scheme via Perks at WorkAbout 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.
Qualifications, skills, and all relevant experience needed for this role can be found in the full description below.
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.Criminals may pose as recruiters asking for money or personal information. We never request money or banking details from job applicants. Learn more about spotting and avoiding scams here.
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SummaryLocation: London WallType: Full time
Strategy & Operations Director (Data Science) in Vauxhall 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.
