The Innovation & Business Excellence Director is a specialized leadership role responsible for driving innovation, operational excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. This leader will embed innovation into core business processes, champion transformation initiatives, and ensure alignment with customer-centric and strategic goals. The role is pivotal in shaping the future of the organization by supporting transformation needs across multiple functions, including Finance & Accounting and Marketing, and by delivering measurable business value through innovation and process excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute the innovation strategy in alignment with organizational priorities.
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across all business units.
Lead ideation, evaluation, and cost-benefit assessment of new ideas, rapid prototyping, and scaling of successful initiatives.
Serve as an AI leader, leveraging prior experience in deploying AI solutions and creating relevant use cases.
Oversee process excellence and internal RPA (Robotic Process Automation) teams.
Drive end-to-end process improvement, ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Partner closely with Technology and other functional teams to execute transformation programs.
Deliver a proactive and responsive quality function, targeting a 10–15% cost reduction in operations.
Support transformation needs of other functions (e.g., F&A, Marketing).
Embed product thinking and end-to-end process ownership.
Align transformation efforts with customer-centric goals and business strategy.
Lead a team comprising direct and indirect reports (org size: ~40).
Build strong alliances with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
Mentor and develop talent within the innovation and process excellence teams.
Required Skills & Experience
Proven track record in innovation, operational excellence, and transformation leadership roles.
Demonstrated experience in deploying AI solutions and driving automation at scale.
Strong expertise in Six Sigma (Master Black Belt preferred), Design Thinking, RPA, and AI literacy.
Ability to drive cultural change and foster a continuous improvement mindset.
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability.
Experience in leading global, cross-functional teams.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Engineering, Technology, or a related field.
Professional certifications in Six Sigma (MBB), Lean, Design Thinking, or equivalent.
Experience in healthcare or regulated industries is an advantage.
About The Cigna Group
Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.