Job Profile: Operations Associate Principal Job Title: Senior Innovation Execution Leader - Hyderabad Innovation Hub (HIH), India Reports to: Philibotte, Thomas Location: Hyderabad, India **ROLE OVERVIEW** We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Innovation Execution Leader to join our Hyderabad Innovation Hub (HIH) in India. This pivotal role will report to the Provider Solutions & Operations (PS&O) senior leadership and will be instrumental in executing innovation initiatives in collaboration with HIH and our India Global Service Partners (GSPs). The goal is to drive significant operating expense reduction, quality improvement, and reduced administrative burden for our constituencies. This role requires a strategic leader with deep expertise in AI/Gen AI technologies and innovation execution. **KEY RESPONSIBILITIES** Strategic Leadership + Drive strategic initiatives and programs to enhance the operational efficiency and effectiveness of our PS&O organization through relationship development, execution, and delivery between our HIH and GSPs. + Ensure alignment with global strategic priorities and future consequences and trends. + Own engaging with GSPs to identify and prioritize innovative and determining work stream alignment. Innovation Management + Lead the innovation team in supporting ideation review of AI projects, developing scalable solutions, and ensuring alignment with business objectives. + Guide internal and partner team members and foster a culture of innovation within the organization. Operational Execution + Oversee the execution of innovation initiatives, ensuring compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and information security standards. + Implement program and project-level processes, procedures, and performance metrics. Stakeholder Collaboration + Collaborate with various stakeholders, including executive leadership, HIH & GSP senior account executives, project leads, and internal/external business partners, to define project requirements, scope, objectives, and deliverables. + Act as a liaison between HIH, enabling functions, and all operations teams. Risk Management + Identify and mitigate risks associated with the implementation of new ideas or products. + Ensure proactive monitoring, governance, and risk identification. Team Development + Develop and guide a culture of talent development, ensuring the team meets business objectives and strategy. + Provide mentorship and support team engagement initiatives. Performance Measurement + Develop metrics to measure the success and progress of innovation initiatives. + Conduct assessments and provide recommendations for process improvements. **REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS** Experience: ** ** 15+ years of experience in strategic leadership, business execution, project management, and transformation, preferably within the Healthcare Payer Operations domain or similar industries. Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of AI/Gen AI technologies, modern databases, cloud environments, and data ecosystems. Experience in implementing AI/Gen AI solutions is preferred. Leadership Skills: Proven success in building and leading work stream teams, leading large-scale projects, and providing cross-organizational leadership and organizational effectiveness. Demonstrated ability to drive results, exhibit strong problem-solving skills, and innovation solution identification and development. Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills with attention to detail and accuracy. Communication Skills: ** ** Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with all levels of internal and external partners and stakeholders. Ability to present innovative ideas and progress reports to stakeholders in addition to negotiating effectively around priorities and ideas. Matrix Management/Relationship Building: Enterprise thinker with proven ability to influence across a matrix environment. Ability to develop strong relationships across all levels, both internally and externally. Possesses strong self-awareness and ability to work through challenging business situations in a highly collaborative way to drive the right business outcomes. **PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS** Education: Postgraduate degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in innovation management, project management, or related areas are advantageous. Industry Knowledge: Experience in the Healthcare Payer Operations or similar industries. Innovation Methodologies: Familiarity with design thinking, Agile, Lean Manufacturing, and other innovation methodologies. **About Evernorth Health Services** Evernorth Health Services, a division of The Cigna Group, creates pharmacy, care and benefit solutions to improve health and increase vitality. We relentlessly innovate to make the prediction, prevention and treatment of illness and disease more accessible to millions of people. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.