Quality Assurance Partner

Introduction to role

As a Quality Assurance Partner, play a pivotal role in protecting patients, our people and our reputation by ensuring that ethics, compliance and clarity are embedded in everything we do. Working within a global, independent assurance function, this role leads to the design and execution of assurance across AstraZeneca’s Global Ethics and Compliance portfolio for a defined cluster of countries or Marketing Companies. The position partners closely with senior leaders to develop and deliver a strategic assurance programs that meet local regulatory expectations and industry codes, while supporting the rapid delivery of transformative medicines to patients who need them most. Acting as a trusted advisor, the Quality Assurance Partner provides clear insight on compliance risk, control design and remediation effectiveness, helping the organization make confident, data-driven decisions.

Accountability

• Lead the coordination and upkeep of an effective compliance program in line with AstraZeneca’s globally defined elements, tailored to the local Market context.
• Develop and maintain an annual assurance plan aligned to the enterprise risk profile, regulatory expectations and Global Ethics & Compliance priorities, using a risk-based approach to scoping, sampling and testing.
• Own end-to-end assurance monitoring activities as part of the Global Assurance Plan, including design and operating effectiveness testing of key controls across priority risk domains, demonstrating data analytics, KPIs/KRIs, trend analysis and anomaly detection to improve coverage and early risk identification.
• Deliver the globally defined Second Line Assurance Plan within agreed timelines. Lead second line of defence responsibilities, including support for Group Internal Audit, worldwide compliance inquiries, and other oversight functions.
• Lead and run assigned compliance investigations with integrity and objectivity, providing timely updates on key incidents impacting the local market and collaborating with the Global Compliance Investigations Team where required.
• Record and report all relevant assurance activities in second line reporting systems, including case management tools, ensuring accuracy, completeness and traceability.
• Partner optimally with key stakeholders and cross-functional teams, including the Senior Management Team, to role-model our values: doing the right thing, following the science, putting patients first, playing to win and being entrepreneurial.
• Identify control gaps, process weaknesses and cultural or behavioural risk drivers; agree findings with partners; build pragmatic remediation plans with clear ownership, timelines and success criteria; supervise closure and validate efficiency.
• Advise on the build, simplification and standardisation of global policies, procedures and internal controls to ensure alignment with the AstraZeneca Code of Ethics, global standards and local regulations.
• Build positive relationships with Business Units, Markets and Functions; translate sophisticated assurance results into clear, actionable messages; influence leaders to address root causes and strengthen compliance culture.
• Collaborate with Compliance Business Partners and other relevant teams on control design, testing methodologies, root-cause analysis and sustainable remediation; contribute to capability-building materials and communities of practice.
• Support and coordinate Local Compliance Committee meetings in collaboration with the Compliance Business Partner; maintain records, drive member engagement, provide assurance insights on a quarterly basis and support risk assessment and mitigation activities.
• Provide advice on effective implementation and maintenance of first line monitoring activities in partnership with Compliance Business Partners, helping embed robust oversight within the business.
• Deliver compliance support by partnering with Compliance Business Partners, Global Compliance Investigations, KMI, GBS and other cross-functional teams to analyse data, assess risks with first line leaders and enable data-driven decision making.
• Produce high-quality assurance reports for Global Ethics & Compliance leadership and relevant governance bodies; contribute to risk committees, dashboards and control maturity assessments; bring up significant issues promptly.
• Lead compliance training initiatives and promote strong risk understanding within the Compliance Team and wider Market to reinforce a culture of ethics and transparency.
• Support and/or drive regional or global Compliance Assurance projects, ensuring they are fit for purpose and aligned with evolving business needs and regulatory expectations.

Crucial Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Finance, Law, Risk Management, Data/Analytics). Advanced degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
• 5+ years in compliance assurance, internal audit, risk management, or controls testing within life sciences or highly supervised industries.
• Deep knowledge of compliance and legal framework.
• Solid understanding of ethical standards and compliance risk domains (ABAC/FCPA/UK Bribery Act, third party risk, data privacy/GDPR) beneficial to have HCP engagements, grants/donations, and visibility/reporting.
• Proficiency in risk-based assurance, testing of control frameworks and operational efficiency, sampling methods, and issue rating/prioritization.
• Ability to use analytics and visualization tools to improve testing, identify patterns, and quantify risk.
• Excellent analytical, written and oral communications skills.
• Outstanding skills in written reporting, executive-level presentations, and influence; ability to convey sophisticated issues simply and drive alignment.
• Familiarity with GRC platforms, continuous control monitoring solutions, and data visualization (e.g., Power BI/Tableau).
• Fluency in English and French.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Expertise in multi-disciplinary and cross-functional work, or project management, preferably in life sciences and healthcare industries.
• Prioritize assurance based on materiality, likelihood, velocity, and regulatory impact with a risk-based approach and thinking.
• Apply structured problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and quantification of risk/exposure with an analytical rigor.
• Challenge the status quo, call out appropriately, and gain commitment to remediate with influence.
• Model values and promote a speak up culture and accountability.
• Confident in exercising independent judgment and identifying when to involve others with relevant expertise or escalating.
• Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills with active listening.
• Demonstrated experience in the multi-cultural arena and working with teams with different cultural backgrounds across the globe.
• Proactive strategic advisor and partner approach, proven track record to establish credibility and trust with internal and external partners.
• Strong communication, partnering, and interpersonal skills.
• Self-motivated and personally committed to self-development and growth.
• Strong ability to work independently as a sole contributor.
• Great analytical skills and ability to combine different information int one conclusion.
• Strict respect for sensitive information and confidentiality.
• High ethical standards, credible, operating with absolute discretion.

AstraZeneca offers the chance to connect rigorous ethics with real-world impact: working across diverse markets with colleagues from many cultures, there is constant exposure to new insights, data-driven innovation and sophisticated challenges that matter for patients’ lives. Here, learning never stops; people are encouraged to explore innovative approaches, stretch their capabilities and use digital tools to solve problems across the whole patient journey. Collaboration is central – teams share insight across borders, partner with external stakeholders from governments to start-ups, and use science-backed evidence to influence decisions that help patients live longer with better quality of life. Every day brings a clear link between the work done and the difference it makes in society!

Ready to help power a better future by improving integrity and regulatory adherence while bringing life-changing medicines to more patients – apply now.

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.