Director of Operational Excellence Business Systems & Enablement

The Director of Operational Excellence Business Systems & Enablement is a strategic leadership role responsible for the vision, governance, and delivery of enterprise platforms and data supporting Procure-to-Pay (P2P), Third-Party Risk Management, Procurement, Non-Employee Lifecycle Management, Travel & Expense, Data Warehouses and related operational ecosystems. This leader will oversee a team of system business leads and partner closely with process owners, technology teams, and business stakeholders to drive digital transformation, automation (including AI), and data‑driven decision‑making. The role is critical in modernizing how work gets done by enabling scalable, agile, and integrated solutions across the Citi. Key Responsibilities Strategy & Transformation Define and execute the systems and data strategy across P2P, procurement, third‑party risk, travel & expense, and non‑employee platforms. Lead enterprise‑wide transformation initiatives to simplify, standardize, and automate business processes. Drive adoption of agile methodologies to accelerate delivery and continuously improve capabilities. Identify opportunities to leverage emerging technologies (AI, automation, analytics) to enhance efficiency and user experience. Systems Leadership Own the roadmap, governance, and performance of core enterprise platforms (e.g., procurement systems, third‑party risk tools, expense management systems). Ensure system scalability, stability, and alignment with business and regulatory requirements. Lead a team of system business leads responsible for functional ownership and delivery of platform enhancements. Establish best practices for agile, release management, and change governance. Manage team of primary business owners (PBIO’s). Data Management & Governance Develop and oversee a cohesive data governance strategy across systems, ensuring data integrity, consistency, and accessibility and alignment to Citi Policies and Standards. Oversee data ownership and stewardship model and partner with business stakeholders and technology teams to assign data owners and stewards, clarifying accountability for critical data assets. Drive cross‑platform data integration and standardization; align data definitions, metadata, and taxonomies to enable seamless data flow and interoperability across platforms. Lead data governance forums and stakeholder engagement; facilitate governance forums, align business priorities, and drive adoption of governance practices across teams. Monitor and report governance metrics; establish KPIs and dashboards to track data governance effectiveness, risks, and improvement opportunities. Drive culture of data accountability and literacy; promote training, communication, and change management to embed governance practices across the organization. Business Partnership Partner with global process owners to align systems capabilities with evolving business needs. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on system strategy, investment prioritization, and risk management. Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration between operations, technology, finance, and risk teams. Operational Excellence Drive continuous improvement across system‑enabled processes, focusing on efficiency, compliance, and user experience. Ensure alignment with regulatory requirements, internal controls, and third‑party risk standards. Optimize end‑to‑end workflows spanning procurement, vendor lifecycle, expense reporting, and contingent workforce management. People Leadership Lead, develop, and mentor a high‑performing team of system business leads and analysts. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning. Build capabilities in agile delivery, product ownership, and digital transformation. Qualifications 15+ years of relevant experience, with 10+ years of experience in enterprise systems, operations, or digital transformation roles. Proven leadership experience managing teams and complex, cross‑functional initiatives. Deep expertise in Procure‑to‑Pay (P2P), procurement systems, and related domains (TPRM, expenses, travel, non‑employee management). Strong understanding of system architecture, integrations, and data management. Demonstrated experience leading agile transformation and large‑scale system implementations. Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills. Preferred Experience with leading platforms (e.g., Oracle, GEP, SAP, Ariba, Coupa, Concur, ServiceNow, Aravo, Fieldglass or similar). Background in financial services or highly regulated industries. Experience with automation tools (RPA, workflow platforms) and analytics solutions. MBA or advanced degree in business, technology, or related field. Success Profile Strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities. Influencer who can align stakeholders across business and technology. Champion of innovation, automation, and continuous improvement. Data‑driven decision‑maker with a focus on measurable outcomes. Collaborative leader who builds strong teams and partnerships. In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire. Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi. View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster. #J-18808-Ljbffr Citigroup Inc.