Global Program Intelligence Transformation Lead

Overview

Lead the design and rollout of portfolio transparency, program intelligence and AI-enabled program management across ZEISS REF product generation programs, working closely with the Head of Program Management.

What you'll do

• Design and implement portfolio transparency capabilities giving real-time visibility across the REF product generation pipeline.
• Develop integrated views of program risks, resource allocations, dependencies and milestone status, accessible to all key stakeholders.
• Build and maintain intelligent dashboards and KPI frameworks to enhance forecast quality, early warning capability and data-driven decision-making.
• Define and govern reporting standards across program teams to ensure consistent, reliable and actionable program data.
• Lead the evaluation, piloting and adoption of AI-enabled program management tools and agentic AI solutions to automate reporting, planning workflows and management review preparation.
• Assess portfolio intelligence platforms, GenAI applications and workflow automation solutions applicable to program and portfolio management.
• Collaborate with IT and tool owners to integrate AI and analytics capabilities into existing PMO infrastructure (Jira, Smartsheet, Azure DevOps, etc.).
• Build internal capability and literacy for AI-augmented program management practices across all REF program teams.
• Support the Head of Program Management in defining and continuously improving global program governance, planning and reporting frameworks.
• Contribute to the product generation roadmap with focus on feasibility analysis, dependency mapping, capacity optimization and budget alignment.
• Identify systemic risks and bottlenecks at portfolio level; develop and track mitigation strategies with R&D, Regulatory and Product Management.
• Translate strategic objectives (e.g., from InnoEx and Business Sector leadership) into measurable program targets and operational improvement initiatives.
• Drive adoption of standardized methodologies and best practices across program teams in alignment with the global PMO framework.
• Establish feedback loops and lessons-learned mechanisms to continuously enhance program delivery quality and predictability.
• Introduce metrics-driven process reviews to identify, prioritize and eliminate inefficiencies across the program execution workflow.
• Act as a trusted intelligence partner to the Head of Program Management and senior cross-functional stakeholders on all portfolio and program data topics.
• Develop and deliver clear, executive-level program reports, portfolio status analyses and strategic recommendations for leadership reviews.
• Bridge global collaboration between ZEISS REF teams in Germany and India, ensuring alignment on program priorities, data standards and tooling.
• Facilitate governance forums, planning workshops and cross-site alignment sessions as required by the PMO.

What you'll need

• University degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Medical Technology, Business Administration or equivalent.
• 10+ years of professional experience.
• Mandatory background in a leading international strategy or management consulting firm.
• Experience personally leading major, complex, enterprise-wide transformation programs from strategy through implementation, working with senior executives.
• Substantial MedTech experience, including a strong understanding of regulated product development and the associated R&D, Quality and Regulatory environments.
• Advanced program and portfolio management skills.
• Strong practical knowledge of AI, GenAI, workflow automation and advanced analytics.
• Experience with resource planning and portfolio governance frameworks in a regulated environment.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and experience in international and intercultural collaboration.
• High systems-thinking capability and strategic orientation.

Nice to have

• MBA, MSc or PhD.
• PMP, SAFe or equivalent program management certification.
• Additional experience in global program or portfolio management, AI-enabled transformation, advanced analytics or digital operating-model transformation.
• Experience in international and intercultural collaboration in a Germany–India context.

Details

• Location: Bangalore, India.