Associate Director, System Owner

Introduction to role:

Global Clinical Solutions (GCS) drives the delivery of Technology and associated processes for the BioPharmaceuticals R&D organisation, owning and providing industry leading technology and services on behalf of Clinical Operations and its internal and external Partnerships.         

 System Owner is a member of Global Clinical Solutions Technologies (GCS Tech) department and is end-to-end accountable for the leadership, lifecycle management and continuous improvement of Clinical Systems.  

System Owner works closely with vendors, R&D IT (Information Technology), Functional Process Owners, Business Process Management Office (BPMO), internal and external customers and stakeholders to ensure customer needs are met and to enable optimal end-to-end delivery of clinical studies. System Owner is responsible for the identification, definition and delivery of improvements in end-to-end clinical study delivery, utilising tools and techniques to achieve continuous improvement and value creation (i.e. Lean Six Sigma).   System Owner ensures that the System meets ICH/GxP requirements and aligns with industry direction, standards, and best practices.     

The System Owner represents the business interests in strategy discussions and provides strategic advice to the Governance team in securing long-term business success of their assigned systems. Reviews and approves identified system risks and mitigations. Controls and prioritizes all business requests, such as those for feature enhancements, ensuring prioritization so resources (staff, vendor budget) are spent on value-add activities. Accountable for communication to key stakeholders and the business regarding the system (major incidents, new releases, etc.). System Owner will lead and manage improvement projects as needed, and will contribute to functional, regional and global initiatives.

Accountabilities:

• Design, development, implementation, maintenance, continuous improvement and ongoing customer support for the allocated systems  

• Accountable for lifecycle management of all procedural or system documents within the allocated area, and for ensuring compliance with applicable industry regulations and AstraZeneca Global and Local Policies   

• Plans and prioritizes product feature backlog and development for the product   

• Defines system vision, road-map and growth opportunities   

• Researches and analyses the business context, the users, and the roadmap for the assigned system   

• Responsible to partner with and for providing leadership to service delivery teams within the given area.   

• Engage and influence internal and external key stakeholders to drive the strategy, development and continuous improvement within the given area.   

• Ensure customer requirements are understood, critically evaluated, prioritised and addressed within the given area. 

• Member of Operational Governance Teams relating to the given area   

• Responsible for monitoring performance of the assigned system. Define, track and monitor key performance indicators and inform improvement plans.  

• Support audit and regulatory inspection planning, preparation and conduct. 

• Understands the processes, technology and services the study team relies on, their needs and pain points. Uses this knowledge to supply advice and guidance, removes barriers, supplies solutions and finds opportunities for improvement.   

• Supplies guidance and expertise in the planning and delivery of system validation activities (core system and study specific validation), including production and archiving of all computer system validation documentation.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in a life science or computer science, or equivalent experience 

• Deep understanding of the drug development process, including clinical development 

• High level of business process, technology and Clinical Study information knowledge  

• Extensive experience working with computerized systems in a regulated environment (e.g. GxP). 

• Experience working successfully and collaboratively with external partners delivering mutual benefit  

• Proven ability to deliver to time, cost and quality   

• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Experience in tech industry 

• Experience of using standard process improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean Six Sigma) 

• Comprehensive knowledge of ICH/GCP  

• Recognised AGILE certification (e.g. SAFe)  

• Experience of Quality Systems and Quality Management 

• Project Management certification 

• Project Management software experience (e.g. Jira) familiarity  

• Service Management experience

• Experience working with Artificial Intelligence implementation

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now and join us in our mission to change lives!

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.