Niel Smith

About Niel Smith

If you’re leading an enterprise transformation, scaling a capability hub, or building veteran-focused partnerships, I’m the operator you want in the mix.I architect high-stakes enterprise transitions—when the strategy is ambitious, the environment is messy, and the outcome has to be real.Currently, I lead the Strategy & Plans team for a multi-year, CEO-sponsored Technology and Workforce Strategy transformation at Amgen. Partnering closely with enterprise leaders across Finance, HR, and Technology, I translate productivity and cost objectives into executable portfolios—priorities, roadmaps, governance, and benefits realization that hold up under the highest level of scrutiny.Architect of Scale: 2,400+ Employee Capability HubA defining example is scaling Amgen’s India capability hub—from early build to a 2,400+ employee operation—by designing the system behind the scale. I built and institutionalized the Talent–Transition–Value execution framework: governance forums, clear decision rights (RACI), KPI dashboards, and executive reporting that connected workforce plans to transition waves, risk management, and value delivery. The result was repeatable execution and a durable model leaders could run without heroics.Command Foundation: Leadership of large teamsMy leadership foundation was forged during a 22-year U.S. Army Cavalry career as a Lieutenant Colonel, where I commanded 750 soldiers in high-stakes environments. I learned mission command there: clear intent, empowered execution, and disciplined accountability. In industry, I apply those principles differently—not by direct command of thousands, but by building the operating models and governance that enable organizations to scale across cultures and time zones.Pragmatic Innovation & CommunityI maintain a pragmatic bias for innovation, leading focused GenAI and digital improvements that reduce friction in planning, hiring support, and program communications—useful gains that free teams up for higher-value work without overhyping the tech.Outside of Amgen, I serve as Board Chair for the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, focused on scalable, partnership-driven solutions to veteran homelessness, housing insecurity, and food insecurity across Ventura County. At Amgen, I’ve mirrored this commitment by helping grow the Veteran Employee Network (AVEN) by 500% in three years while supporting 150+ veterans transitioning into industry roles.If you’re building a transformation, scaling a capability hub, or looking to partner in support of veterans, I’m always open to connecting.

Experience

1. Director, Technology and Workforce Strategy

   Amgen

   Jul 2024 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Leads the Strategy & Plans team for a multi-year Technology and Workforce Strategy transformation, driving strategic planning, portfolio prioritization, roadmap development, and benefits realization to exceed cost saving and productivity targets- Built and led a high performing program management team, strengthening leadership and succession pipelines while optimizing resource planning, capacity management, and stakeholder engagement across multiple functions and geographies- Directed large scale global workforce transitions into a new capability hub, overseeing end-to-end project planning, cross functional execution, and change management to support business expansion and operating model redesign- Designed and institutionalized the Talent Transition Value execution framework, including governance forums, RACI models, KPI dashboards, and executive reporting that connected workforce plans, transition waves, risk management, and value delivery- Launched and led a focused AI and digital transformation initiative, deploying practical generative AI solutions that automated routine processes, improved knowledge management, and reduced cycle time for hiring support, planning, and program communications- Strengthened vendor and contract governance with key consulting and transformation partners, improving transparency, financial controls, and performance management while optimizing external spend and sustaining delivery continuity- Served as a central integrator across Technology and Workforce Strategy, Operations, and global leadership, aligning cross functional teams, resolving execution issues, and enabling successful delivery of complex business transformation objectives.

Education

• U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

  Graduate

  2009 — 2010

• James Madison University

  BBA, Information Systems

  1993 — 1997

• Kansas State University

  MA, Security Studies

  2008 — 2010

Skills

• Government Contracting
• Tactics
• Government
• Command & Control
• Defence
• Intelligence Analysis
• Exercises
• Physical Security
• Readiness
• Military Liaison
• Air Force
• Nato
• Irregular Warfare
• Intelligence
• Force Protection
• Operational Planning
• Stability Operations
• Military
• Humint
• Security
• Top Secret
• Counterterrorism
• Defense
• Contingency Planning
• Surveillance
• Dod
• National Security
• Information Assurance
• Command
• Diplomacy
• Interagency Coordination
• Combat
• Military Operations
• Security Clearance
• Homeland Security
• Comsec
• Counterinsurgency
• Army
• Military Logistics
• Weapons