Associate Director | GBS Strategy & Ops: Functional | Delhi | Finance Transformation

Role Overview

The Associate Director / Senior Manager will play a pivotal role in advising clients on setting up or expanding Global Business Services (GBS) and Shared Services across functions such as Procurement, IT, Finance, and more. This position involves leading technology-enabled transformation programs, shaping operating models, driving sourcing strategies, and optimizing vendor portfolios. The role demands strategic thinking, strong client engagement, and the ability to deliver complex programs in a global, multi-functional environment.

Key Responsibilities

• GBS & Shared Services Strategy
• Advise clients on operating models for GBS/GCC across design, build, run, transform, and innovate stages.
• Support setup and expansion of shared services, including transition and transformation planning.
• Transformation & Program Management
• Lead multiple complex technology-led transformation programs (GBS, VMO, IT outsourcing).
• Drive supplier-led transformation initiatives and vendor management strategies.
• Ensure alignment with SLAs, governance frameworks, and compliance requirements.
• Contracting & Vendor Management
• Develop RFx strategies, manage negotiations, and finalize commercially viable contracts.
• Establish best practices for contracting, vendor governance, and performance monitoring.
• Act as a subject matter expert in vendor portfolio optimization and sourcing strategy.
• Client Engagement & Leadership
• Build and maintain strong client relationships; act as a trusted advisor.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across Procurement, Finance, Supply Chain, and IT.
• Provide strategic inputs to leadership and assist in decision-making.
• Analytics & Insights
• Conduct market research and analyze technology/process footprints of shared service centers.
• Assess impact of emerging technologies (Cloud, Procurement tech, Supply Chain solutions) on operating models.
• Governance & Compliance
• Support data collection and reporting to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives and budget allocation processes.

Required Qualifications

• 9–12 years of relevant experience in consulting and transformation programs.
• Proven expertise in at least two of the following:
• Agile/Scrum/SAFe delivery
• Stakeholder and vendor management
• Technology-led transformation programs
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage virtual, cross-functional, and geographically distributed teams.
• Experience in managing project budgets and resources.
• MBA or equivalent preferred; strong academic credentials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in global delivery models and multicultural environments.
• Familiarity with tools like Jira, MS Project, Clarity, ServiceNow.
• Professional certifications (PMP, PRINCE2, SAFe, CSM).
• Exposure to PMO functions including governance, budgeting, and reporting.

Technical & Functional Expertise

• Deep understanding of shared services functions (Finance, HR, Procurement, IT).
• Knowledge of RFx development, contracting, and negotiation strategies.
• Exposure to vendor management operations and governance.
• Familiarity with DevOps/Agile, ADM methodology, IT infrastructure, cloud, and data center operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Key Skills

• Strategic thinking and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver on time and budget.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Business acumen and understanding of broader organizational impact.