Sr Director, Enterprise Strategy

The Strategy & Transformation group at Waters Corporation supports the Executive Committee (EC) in the development and execution of enterprise strategy. In addition to running the annual Strategic Planning process, the group drives critical initiatives building capabilities across all functions and geographies, and plays key roles in M&A. Serving as a development engine for external and internal talent, the group attracts diverse, high-potential leaders who build their skills and network prior to transitioning into key roles in the business or other functions.

As Senior Director of Enterprise Strategy, you will lead our Strategic Planning process, aligning strategy, business unit and functional resources across the company to deliver a robust plan for the future. In addition, you will collaborate with EC members and other senior leaders on their most important initiatives. Shaping and managing a project portfolio, you will lead internal, external and seconded team members to develop, prioritize, lead and execute enterprise-wide initiatives that deliver improved business capabilities and performance. You will have the opportunity to shape your project portfolio according to interests and future career aspirations. Success in the role means leading teams that change the practice of science, touching all facets of our businesses in R&D, Manufacturing and Quality.

The ideal candidate will possess strong scientific expertise in the life sciences and relevant business experience, as well as the strategic skills to architect and manage a diverse set of projects. You will have the ability to think holistically and long-term across a broad spectrum of industry trends, issues and approaches to communicate business objectives and priorities to a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

The candidate is required to have strong interpersonal skills and work with multiple internal stakeholders to drive and support highly visible and time-sensitive projects. Furthermore, the candidate will be able to partner flexibly within our organization to develop and deliver scientific, clinical, technical and commercial assessments and evaluations relevant to Waters strategic goals.

• Lead / manage annual Strategic Planning process, challenging existing assumptions and striving for excellence:
  • Lead company-wide strategy process in collaboration with business and function leaders through the matrixed organization
  • Lead internal and external strategy resources to support stakeholders
  • Facilitate workshops and prioritization exercises, provide constructive criticism and independent analysis, push to define targets and meaningful KPIs
  • Instill appropriate rigor and discipline, helping to set the example
  • Bring content knowledge and expertise in addition to process
• Lead / manage strategic projects for Waters as defined by the CEO and Executive Committee:
  • Lead cross-functional teams to successful outcomes with clear impact
  • Ensure that project collaborations with external consultants are well-managed
  • Prepare recommendations and present updates to leadership
  • Ensure effective change management and communication plans are developed, aligned, and implemented
  • Multi-task in balancing large book of work while ensuring consistent attention and prioritization of most critical and visible projects
  • Role model leadership and scientific rigor within the Waters culture
• Collaborate with Strategy & Transformation colleagues to support critical initiatives as agreed by leadership, including transformation, deal diligence and integration as needed.
• Support identification and evaluation of organic and inorganic business opportunities that could impact growth and profitability:
  • Collect diverse perspectives and market research, including from external networks
  • Provide independent recommendations to EC
• Drive people development and cultural change:
  • Cultivate a broad and deep network across the company and externally
  • Recruit talented individuals as collaborators and future group members
  • Provide coaching and mentoring to team members to support robust plan development, execution and transparency in performance
  • Set an example of our aspirational culture and strategic directions

• Advanced degree strongly preferred (PhD, MD, MBA) with scientific or engineering discipline a plus
• Consulting background strongly preferred, with at least 1 year of multi-project management experience (e.g., experienced McKinsey AP / BCG Principal)
• Minimum 10 years of experience within the life sciences tools industry or related biopharma/diagnostics/med device/healthcare fields (e.g., consulting, academia)
• Proven ability to efficiently lead multiple, complex projects in a matrixed environment with a high degree of independence in large organizations
• Significant transformation experience across multiple functions and geographies
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sharp business and financial acumen
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with ability to influence the thinking of senior management
• Team player and network-builder with desire to grasp new technology and change the world
• Energetic, self-disciplined, creative and mature with a customer orientation and strong leadership potential

Waters Corporation (NYSE:WAT)  is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, our innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across chemistry, physics, and biology. We collaborate with customers around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, ensure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combating antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, our passionate team of ~16,000 colleagues turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.  

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to our core values at Waters Corporation. It benefits our employees, our products, our customers and our community. Waters complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Waters is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.