Manager, IT Strategies & Business Operations (9+ Years of Experience) ITIL /SAM

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The Manager, IT Strategies & Business Operations India is responsible for leading and executing strategic, operational, and administrative functions that support the Global IT organization from the India region. This role ensures that regional priorities, daily operations, and staff activities are aligned with enterprise IT strategy & Business Operations governance, and global execution standards.

This position oversees contract and vendor operations, software licensing governance, financial processes (invoices, POs, and budget support), operational analytics, process standardization, and the adoption of automation/AI for continuous improvement. The Manager will supervise a regional team and work closely with global IT Strategies & Business Operations leaders to ensure consistency, compliance, and operational excellence across the entire IT portfolio.

This role serves as an operational anchor for all IT Strategies & Business Operations-aligned talent in Indiaincluding interns, NCGs, and full-time employeesensuring clear responsibilities, professional development, and alignment to global frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

1. Regional Operations & Team Leadership

• Lead the India-based IT Strategy & Business Operations team, including interns, NCGs, and FTEs.
• Manage capacity planning, workload allocation, performance management, and career development.
• Serve as the primary operational point-of-contact for IT Strategies & Business Operations activities within India.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, service excellence, and continuous improvement.

2. Global IT Strategy & OCIO Enablement

• Operationalize global IT strategy initiatives and IT programs across India.
• Support global governance model execution, including performance metrics, KPIs, scorecards, and dashboards.
• Contribute to annual planning cycles: budgeting, roadmap alignment, strategic portfolio planning, and resource forecasting.
• Coordinate with global IT leaders to ensure India participation in enterprise-wide initiatives.

3. Contract & Vendor Management

• Oversee contract and vendor management processes in alignment with global procurement standards.
• Support contract renewals, negotiations, amendments, and vendor performance reviews.
• Ensure SLAs, deliverables, and compliance requirements are consistently tracked and governed.

4. Software Licensing & Asset Governance

• Manage regional software licensing inventories, renewals, usage tracking, and compliance.
• Partner with global Software Asset Management (SAM) teams to ensure unified governance and cost optimization.
• Maintain accurate reports, forecasting models, and audit-ready documentation.

5. Financial Operations (Invoices, Purchase Orders & Budget Support)

• Manage IT financial operations in India, including invoice processing, purchase order creation, and reconciliation.
• Ensure adherence to finance, procurement, and audit standards.
• Deliver accurate financial tracking, monthly/quarterly reporting, and variance analysis for global partners.

6. Automation, AI & Digital Enablement

• Identify high-value opportunities for automation, AI copilots, and workflow digitization within IT operations.
• Lead or support implementation of RPA, AI-driven reporting, low-code solutions, and intelligent automation workflows.
• Partner with global digital transformation teams to align with enterprise automation strategy.

7. Process Excellence & Governance

• Standardize and document processes, SOPs, playbooks, and operational governance frameworks.
• Ensure alignment with global IT guidelines, compliance requirements, and quality benchmarks.
• Drive process improvement initiatives aimed at efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings.

8. Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Act as a liaison between India-based IT staff and global IT teams.
• Coordinate communications, program updates, operational reporting, and leadership briefings.
• Support regional participation in global audits, compliance reviews, risk assessments, and governance cycles.
  
  

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field.
• 9+ years of experience in IT operations, IT strategy, PMO, Business Operations, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and multi-functional operational responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of IT procurement, contract management, software licensing, and financial operations.
• Experience implementing automation, workflow optimization, or AI-enabled tools.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.

Preferred

• Master's degree (MBA or equivalent).
• Experience working in a global, matrixed technology organization.
• Familiarity with ITIL, ITAM, or similar governance frameworks.
• Exposure to RPA platforms, AI copilots, low-code/no-code solutions, or enterprise automation technologies.

Key Competencies

• Operational discipline and excellence
• Strategic planning and execution
• Leadership and talent development
• Analytical and financial acumen
• Vendor/contract negotiation and governance
• Process optimization and documentation
• Innovation mindset (automation, AI, continuous improvement)
• Effective communication and collaboration

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [Confidential Information] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [HIDDEN TEXT] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Notice To Candidates: Please be aware that Western Digital and its subsidiaries will never request payment as a condition for applying for a position or receiving an offer of employment. Should you encounter any such requests, please report it immediately to Western Digital Ethics Helpline or email [HIDDEN TEXT].