Senior Director, Business Transformation and Agility

While the advertised location for this position is Gaithersburg, US - We are able to offer flexibility where the role can be based and Boston and other West Coast locations will be considered where possible.

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. AstraZeneca has a multifaceted environment that cultivates collaboration and innovation to achieve our goals. We attract top minds, and we nurture and build talent.   

Within the AstraZeneca Enterprise Cell Therapy Unit, our ambition is to realize the full potential of cell therapy for people living with cancer, immune-mediated and rare diseases around the world. This unit has responsibility for the value chain from discovery through to late-stage development and commercialization. We are rapidly progressing a broad pipeline of cell therapies in collaboration with AstraZeneca’s Therapeutic Area Units.   

This role is a dynamic role responsible for the management of overall Business Improvement, Transformation, and Strategic Programs at a global level for within the Enterprise Cell Therapy Unit The ideal candidate for this role will be curious, creative, analytical with a natural leadership drive to bring solutions beyond immediate challenges; challenge the status quo and will have outstanding communication and influencing skills. This leader will share frequent interactions with senior leaders across Cell Therapy, as well as close collaboration with leaders of R&D and Commercial across of multiple Therapy areas. Success in this role will result in improved business decision-making, accelerated innovation, and enhanced productivity. A passion for transformation, combined with relationship-building, leadership, and communication skills will be key to success.  
 

Key Accountabilities:

Strategic Thinking and Business Agility:  

• Accountable for defining and executing business transformation strategies which will enable superior quality, effectiveness and efficiency of the business; Establish and drive transformation roadmap structure and strategy.  

• Identify high level opportunities for process improvement and drive implementation of the key process improvement and lean initiatives that will ensure successful launch and management of multiple products and pipeline.  

• Drive synergies, simplification and productivity initiatives and achieve cost efficiencies for specific functions within the Cell Therapy Organizations. Lead cross functional teams to identify top operational challenges and supporting transformation programs that will strengthen supply model for autologous and allogenic modalities.  

• Actively collaborate with key networks across AZ and externally to gain awareness of current industry trends to contribute and influence new evolving technologies and practices. Share strategic outcomes of key strategy implementation and Business transformation projects with senior leadership teams, outlining benefits from a cost, speed and quality perspective and demonstrating the return on investment (ROI)  

• Build a trusting relationship with senior leaders and other key stakeholders across the enterprise to advise and influence operational transformational changes supporting 2030 bold ambition  

• Articulate and engage on proactive communication with key stakeholders on strategy implementation  

Crucial Requirements  

• Bachelor’s degree in appropriate discipline 

• Minimum 7 years in operational strategy OR 3 years management consulting experience 

• Superior project management skills with demonstrated experience successfully managing a cross-functional or cross-departmental team on a sophisticated project 

• Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to logically structure issues and determine recommended resolutions  

• Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, resources, performance targets and project initiatives in a global environment  

• Operational expertise in proactive risk management and contingency planning  

• Conceptual, analytical, with demonstrated strategic thinking capability  

• Ability to work well under pressure and effectively and professionally navigate tough situations  

• Ability to challenge the status quo, take ownership and holds self and others accountable 

• Ability to influence strategically and persuade tactfully, to obtain desired outcomes while maintaining effective, positive, organizational relationships  

• Passion for Patients and Customers, representing the needs of multiple customers in decision making  

Desirable Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

• Masters or PhD or other advanced degree in appropriate discipline with MBA 

• PMP certification  

• Strong experience in relationship management and influencing skills  

• Effective problem and conflict resolution skills and proven team focus  

• Excellent knowledge of AstraZeneca policies, procedures and guidelines  

• Experience in working with senior leaders