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Associate Director – GDS CDO Support

Job Summary:

• The Associate Director is responsible for delivering high-impact analysis and insight in the GCC space (such as cost optimisation, GDS expansion, and strategic location assessment). The person will play a pivotal role in shaping data-driven decisions that influence the organisation’s global delivery strategy in accordance with the priorities agreed by EY’s Operations and Corporate Development Officer.
• The position is recognized as a domain expert and requires the ability to combine strong analytical skills and a strategic mindset with real-world perspective driven by an understanding of both GDS leadership issues and broader marketplace drivers. A collaborative mindset is also crucial, as Senior Analysts have a key role to play in supporting networks within their domain, sharing information across service lines, solutions, business development teams and using that information to further strengthen the quality of materials produced.
• You will be responsible for conducting targeted research and analysis, developing executive-ready presentations, and managing strategic programmes that span multiple functions and geographies. This position is ideal for an analytical thinker with strong analytical capabilities and a passion for operational excellence.
• The role offers a unique opportunity to work directly with the EY GDS Chief Development Officer to support the firm’s leadership (such as Global Vice chair- GDS, Global Vice Chair- Client services, Strategy and Transformation leader) and other senior stakeholders, providing thought-provoking content to help EY GDS differentiate and provide a sharper value proposition to the firm. The Senior Analyst may also engage with external vendors and industry bodies in support of the domain’s agenda.
• The position may function as a senior team member who ensures the coordination of quality and delivery of research, analysis, market intelligence and other intellectual capital provided by GDS CDO. The team lead will partner with the relevant Insights leader to performance manage, coach, and motivate the team, and ensure resources are allocated effectively to deliver against planned priorities.

Purpose of the Job:

• Provides deep analytical insight and understanding of the offshoring business, with responsibility for the execution of strategic and complex cross- functional programmes. Develop executive-ready presentations and recommendations for senior EY leadership. An understanding of GCC landscape is a must.
• Engages with and challenges senior stakeholders and collaborates with business functions (Talent, Finance, Strategic Pricing, and Operations) to provide commercial and provocative perspectives to drive strategic decision-making on EY GDS global expansion, identifying cost-efficient, talent-rich locations that contribute to overall reduction in operational costs.
• Drives development and co-creation of insights beyond publicly available information, taking advantage of EY’s proprietary knowledge by interacting with C&I colleagues, account teams, service line colleagues, clients and external networks and, where possible, developing proprietary data sets to evidence a differentiated point of view based on varied perspectives.
• Develops a credible internal brand to become recognized within EY as a subject matter expert to the business. May participate in client meetings, roundtables, and other external events/conferences to strengthen EY’s presence and reputation in the market.
• Takes a proactive approach to identifying materials, credentials, and other information, particularly from key engagements that are relevant within and across domains and sharing this information in appropriate formats with teams and communities (e.g., accounts, solutions, subservice lines)
• Acts as a role model within Insights, championing the use of Insight methodologies and positively influencing change by leading by example; championing knowledge-sharing behaviours; connecting people; encouraging enterprise-wide sharing; and appropriately leveraging and reusing existing collateral.
• May lead a team of analysts with responsibility for performance and resource management and coaching.

Analytical/Decision Making Responsibilities:

• Able to distil insights from varied sources – adept at consolidating diverse perspectives and information across the domain to shape a clear, compelling PoV that informs decisions and drives results; interpret complex datasets to generate actionable insights that inform and optimize global delivery strategy.
• Navigate cross-functional complexities by aligning diverse stakeholders and priorities across functions and service lines; critically evaluate strategic options through data-driven analysis and present clear, evidence-backed recommendations to senior leadership.
• Maintain discretion and integrity when managing sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrates confidence in analysing multiple business drivers, applying structured problem-solving to synthesize data patterns, and accurately identify the root causes underlying key trends.
• Apply both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including advanced financial analysis/modelling, to evaluate diverse data inputs (internal vs external), synthesize complex information, and generate actionable strategic insights.
• Leverage advanced data analytics and visualization tools to synthesize and interpret complex information, translating insights into coherent, succinct narratives that inform strategic decision-making.
• Adept at implementing strategically sound problem-solving and analytical methodologies and skilled in coaching less-experienced team members to improve their skills in research, analysis, data analytics and visualization.

Knowledge and Skills Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience working at a senior level in a fast-moving, client-driven environment.
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated understanding of the issues, trends, and drivers within the specific domain.
• Collaborative and able to work well both as part of a team and independently in a global, multi-cultural and virtual environment.
• Outstanding executive-level presentation skills; demonstrated ability to interface with all levels of EY leadership, as well as clients at a senior level.
• Comfortable with big picture thinking
• Succinct and structured oral and written communications skills with proven ability to explain complex concepts in a crisp, clear, concise, and graphic-rich style, using appropriate analytics and visualization tools.
• Confident to build a network of internal and external contacts to help shape point of view.
• Ability to take ownership for delivering customized projects with a high degree of autonomy and manage multiple, overly complex projects simultaneously.
• Understanding of the business and demonstrated commercial acumen using commercial language that presents insights activities in the context of business objectives.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and BI tools (preferred) for data analysis and visualisation
• Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and manage ambiguity in a global delivery environment.

Supervision Responsibilities:

• May lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver specific projects often working across service lines and geographies.
• Reviews the work of colleagues and mentors their skills development.
• May serve as counselor or manager for other analysts and specialists.

Other Requirements:

• Flexibility to work across global time zones.
• Ability to manage workload boundaries to maintain wellness while achieving business goals.
• Hybrid working model combining office and remote work.

Job Requirements:

Education:

• University / bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business strategy or analytics.
• Master’s degree or postgraduate qualification an advantage

Experience:

• 10 - 12 years’ experience in strategy, business analysis, industry research, management consulting or business performance, advising organizations in the relevant domain

Certification Requirements:

(No specific certifications required, though project management or data analytics credentials are advantageous.)

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