
Executive Director, Strategy & Program Excellence — Compliance & Ethics
Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren’t words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You’ll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.
Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.
Job Description Summary
As the Executive Director, Strategy & Program Excellence for the Compliance & Ethics (C&E) department, you will report directly to the SVP, Chief Compliance & Ethics Officer (CCEO) at Bristol Myers Squibb. You will serve as a senior strategic advisor and program leader, driving the ongoing assessment, innovation, and continual enhancement of BMS's healthcare compliance program. You will be a member of the Compliance & Ethics Leadership Team (CELT), partnering closely with all verticals of the C&E organization — both locally and globally — as well as key enterprise stakeholders across Legal, Finance, Internal Audit, Corporate Communications, and beyond.
The successful candidate will bring broad industry experience and a strong track record of driving compliance program effectiveness at scale. They will combine deep knowledge of global healthcare compliance requirements with a forward-looking mindset, leveraging consulting, project management, and business acumen to benchmark against peer companies, introduce innovation and technology, and translate strategy into actionable, measurable plans. This role requires exceptional executive presence, cross-functional influence, and a proven ability to deliver superior results in a complex, global, and highly regulated environment.
Key Responsibilities
Compliance Program Assessment & Strategic Planning
- Assess the overall effectiveness and efficiency of BMS's healthcare compliance program, identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities for enhancement
- Develop, manage, and ensure the completion of annual tactical plans that drive the continual improvement and maturation of the compliance program
- Create and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that measure program effectiveness and progress against strategic plans
- Lead the maintenance and ongoing updates of the Global Compliance Risk Assessment, serving as the primary liaison with Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) teams to ensure alignment, consistency, and timely completion of risk assessment cycles
- Provide regular reporting and analysis to the CCEO and CELT on program performance, trends, and risk areas
- Support the CCEO in preparing materials for executive and board-level stakeholders, including presentations, briefings, and program updates
Innovation, Technology & Efficiency
- Proactively identify and evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and data analytics capabilities — including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning applications — that can enhance compliance program delivery and department operations
- Champion the responsible and strategic use of AI within the C&E function, evaluating AI-driven solutions for monitoring, risk identification, training, and operational efficiency
- Drive innovation initiatives across the C&E function, championing process improvement and modernization efforts
- Partner with IT and other enabling functions to design and deploy technology solutions aligned to the strategic goals of the Compliance & Ethics department
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and creative problem-solving throughout the department
Benchmarking & Industry Intelligence
- Lead benchmarking efforts against peer pharmaceutical and life sciences companies to assess the maturity and competitiveness of BMS's compliance program
- Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments, and best practices to inform strategic decision-making and program evolution
- Maintain an active presence in the healthcare compliance professional community, including active participation and membership in leading compliance organizations, industry associations, and congresses (e.g., HCCA, PhRMA compliance forums, and other relevant member organizations and professional networks)
- Engage with external thought leadership forums to maintain visibility into the evolving compliance landscape and to represent BMS as a leader in healthcare compliance
Professional Education & Development
- Develop and assist with the execution of the C&E Team Professional Education plan, ensuring that all members of the Compliance & Ethics organization have access to relevant, high-quality, and current compliance education and professional development opportunities
- Identify and curate external training resources, certifications, conferences, and continuing education programs aligned to the team's needs and the evolving compliance environment
- Partner with CELT and C&E leadership to assess professional development gaps and integrate education planning into the team's annual operating calendar
Cross-Functional Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong partnerships across all verticals of the Compliance & Ethics organization — locally and globally — ensuring alignment and coordination of strategic priorities
- Serve as a senior C&E liaison to key enterprise functions including Legal, Finance, Internal Audit, and Corporate Communications
- Represent the CCEO in cross-functional meetings and forums as needed
- Facilitate collaboration and information flow across the CELT and broader C&E organization
Financial Management & Budget Oversight
- Own and manage the Compliance & Ethics department budget, including planning, forecasting, monitoring, and reporting
- Work in partnership with the CCEO and Finance to develop accurate financial strategies, manage operating budgets (internal and external), and ensure adherence to financial targets
- Develop and track key financial performance indicators; provide recommendations to the CCEO to maximize resources and program performance
- Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies while maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of compliance program activities
Operational Excellence & Program Governance
- Oversee the operating rhythm of key compliance program activities, including agenda-setting, decision tracking, and follow-through on action items
- Lead or support change management initiatives that drive organizational effectiveness and cultural alignment within C&E
- Support long-range planning and resource allocation for the C&E department in partnership with the CCEO
- Develop and maintain governance frameworks that ensure accountability, transparency, and consistency across program activities
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, Public Policy, Life Sciences, or a related field required; advanced degree (JD, MBA, MPH, or equivalent) strongly preferred
- 15+ years of progressive experience in healthcare compliance, with broad industry exposure and demonstrated visibility within the compliance community
- Prior experience in consulting, project management, or a business operations role strongly preferred; this background is viewed as a significant differentiator
- Deep knowledge of global healthcare compliance requirements, including the OIG Compliance Program Guidance, PhRMA Code, Anti-Kickback Statute, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), UK Bribery Act, and related regulations; foundational knowledge of regional and country-specific laws, codes, and industry standards across key geographies
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program assessment, global compliance risk assessment, and the execution of large-scale, cross-functional initiatives
- Experience managing departmental budgets and financial planning, with the ability to translate financial data into strategic recommendations
- Proven track record of introducing innovation and technology — including AI-enabled solutions — to compliance or related functions, with the ability to translate emerging capabilities into practical program enhancements
- Active engagement in the healthcare compliance professional community, including participation in member organizations, industry congresses, and professional networks
- Strong business acumen combined with excellent relationship development skills; comfortable interfacing with and influencing senior executive leadership
- Exceptional analytical acumen, intellectual agility, and executive presence, with the ability to synthesize complex information and communicate it clearly to diverse audiences
- High degree of emotional intelligence; skilled at navigating organizational complexity, building consensus, and driving alignment across functions and geographies
- Proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with excellent business judgment and the ability to anticipate issues, develop solutions, and manage competing priorities
- Team-oriented leader who is results-driven, self-motivated, and deeply committed to BMS's values of integrity, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion, and passion
If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn’t perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.
Compensation Overview:
$276,170 - $334,647The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee’s work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:
- Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
- Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
- Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.
Work-life benefits include:
Paid Time Off
- US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)
- Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays
Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.
Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as “Transforming patients’ lives through science™ ”, every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.
On-site Protocol
BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:
Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.
Supporting People with Disabilities
BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
Candidate Rights
BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.
If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/
Data Protection
We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection.
Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at TAEnablement@bms.com. Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response. Inquiries related to the status of your application should be directed to Chat with Ripley.
R1601124 : Executive Director, Strategy & Program Excellence — Compliance & EthicsSalary range
- $276,170 - $334,647 per year
