Implementation Workstream Lead

Background:

The Overall Implementation Lead is the central orchestrator responsible for the successful end‑to‑end rollout of the new customer engagement platform. As the leader of the Implementation Squads Workstream, you will provide strategic direction, manage the integrated plan, budget, and resources, and represent the workstream in key leadership forums.

You will own the integrated implementation strategy and master rollout plan, coordinating the sequence, timing, and dependencies for all affiliates and functions. A key part of this is to drive stakeholder alignment, acting as the primary point of contact for affiliate leadership and global stakeholders to ensure implementation readiness, manage expectations, and communicate progress.

You will champion a "globally consistent, locally relevant" approach, establishing the process for managing local requirements and variations without compromising the core global solution.

As the primary driver of execution, you will provide cross‑squad oversight for all Business Implementation Squads, ensuring they have clear plans and are executing effectively. You will proactively manage all program‑level risks, issues, and dependencies, driving resolution and owning the escalation path to leadership.

To ensure a seamless transition from "build" to "live" operations, you will define, manage, and track the comprehensive go‑live readiness criteria and checklist. This is achieved by working in lock‑step with the ECL, Business Process, and RDT (IT) work streams to ensure all training, communications, and support plans are fully aligned and executed in time with the implementation schedule.

Brings several years of experience in large‑scale program deployment or hands‑on project management, with a proven track record of managing technology implementation projects. Demonstrates outstanding stakeholder engagement and communication capabilities, fostering trust and ensuring clear, consistent communication with both local teams and central program leadership.

• Start date:
  
  ASAP
• Latest start date: 15.04.2026
• Planned duration: 2.5 years
• Extension (in case of limitation):
  Yes
• Workplace:
  Basel
• Workload: 100%
• Home Office: 2 days onsite minimum
• Travel: 20% global

• Hold accountability for the successful execution of the deployment plan in the assigned affiliate, including the on‑time delivery of all local milestones from pre‑launch to hypercare exit.
• Build and maintain a strong, trusted partnership with affiliate leadership and their project team, acting as their single point of contact and strategic guide.
• Lead the performance of the local implementation squad, ensuring the team is motivated, aligned, and effectively resolving all on‑the‑ground challenges.
• Manage the accurate tracking and reporting of all local business and technical readiness, and proactively mitigate all local risks and issues.
• Consider the local business continuity plan, ensuring that the cutover and go‑live phases cause minimal disruption to critical business operations.
• Ensure the local change and training plan is delivered effectively, partnering with ECL and local champions to drive user adoption.
• Represent the affiliate's unique needs and challenges back to the central program, ensuring they are clearly communicated and appropriately addressed.

• University degree in Business, IT, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in large‑scale program deployment or hands‑on project management, with a proven track record of managing technology implementation projects.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry is strongly preferred, with a deep understanding of affiliate/local market operations, business processes, and culture.
• 3 years of matrix leadership of distributed teams; must be able to lead and motivate a local squad without direct authority.
• A "roll‑up‑your‑sleeves" mindset with a proven ability to identify, analyze, and resolve on‑the‑ground challenges and roadblocks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain clear, consistent communication with…