Operational Excellence Leader
- Full-time
- Career Site Team: Operations
Job Description
Role Title: Operational Excellence Leader
Reports to: Head of Global Operational Excellence
What we do
The Operational Excellence team comprises of experienced leaders that drive strategic priorities for NIQ Operations. The mission of this team is to:
- Drive efficiency and effectiveness of operational processes to meet client needs and enhance overall customer experience by measuring operational performance across strategic priorities, highlighting achievements, proactively identifying potential risks and driving data-driven
- Lead process improvement programs that help improve quality and customer satisfaction with NIQ data/deliverables, by partnering with cross-functional teams and leveraging established Lean Sigma frameworks and methodologies
Role Summary
As an Operational Excellence Leader, you will get the opportunity to :
- Diagnose data, connect the dots across multiple metrics/ data-sets to determine business insights related to process improvement opportunities, define and govern operational KPIs
- Collaborate with senior-level stakeholders across functions, facilitate workshops to align solutions, and scale proven best practices globally to enhance efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction. This role requires a confident, proactive professional, including expertise in change and project management, process mapping, and leading transformational initiatives.
- Demonstrate a “can-do” attitude, build trusted relationships and influence stakeholders while driving strategic process improvement initiatives
- Identify and lead AI-enabled process enhancement opportunities through Agentic AI solutions (by collaborating with Technology team)
Key Responsibilities
- Data Analysis & Insights: Gather and analyze operational data and business facts to identify improvement opportunities through data-driven diagnostics; translate insights into actionable roadmaps with quantified benefits and success criteria.
- KPI Definition & Governance: Define and maintain performance KPIs related to Operations from a business perspective, ensuring alignment with NIQ and client objectives.
- Framework & Methodology Support: Contribute to the implementation of frameworks, methodologies, and tools that drive process excellence.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders; link clients’ needs to business objectives and influence decision-making.
- Facilitation & Collaboration: Lead cross-functional workshops to converge ideas from SMEs into concrete plans, guidelines, and actions.
- Scaling Best Practices: Leverage and scale proven solutions from pilot markets to global operations, including process, cultural, and technological changes.
- Continuous Improvement: Promote a culture of continuous improvement across the end-to-end process, including leveraging AI-driven solutions
Your Profile
- Confident and proactive, able to manage a varied and unpredictable workload with minimal supervision.
- Experience: 10+ years overall, including 5+ years in process improvement or transformational projects in a multi-country environment.
- Expertise in Change Management, Project Management, and Risk Management, with an agile mindset and focus on performance excellence.
- Strong experience in process mapping and facilitating workshops (in-person and virtual), with the ability to design facilitation approaches based on project context.
- Proven track record in leading process improvement and business transformation projects using methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Change Management.
- Preferred: Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification.
- Ability to understand end-to-end operational processes and translate business expectations into tactical improvement plans.
- Knowledge of Financial Performance, Customer Satisfaction, Internal Processes, and Learning & Growth KPIs.
- Strong analytical skills, a “can-do” attitude, and ownership to drive progress and deliver results.
- A true team player with excellent relationship-building skills, with internal and external stakeholders.
- Advantage: Deep knowledge of NielsenIQ RMS or MI products from Data Science or Commercial perspectives.
- Fluent in English (verbal and written).
Additional Information
Our Benefits
- Flexible working environment
- Volunteer time off
- LinkedIn Learning
- Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)
NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://www.nielseniq.com/global/en/ai-safety-policies.
About NIQ
NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.
For more information, visit NIQ.com
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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence. All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion