Associate Director, Innovation Program Manager

Associate Director, Innovation Program Manager

Location: Gaithersburg, MD

Introduction to role

Are you a strategic thinker passionate about transforming oncology care? Join AstraZeneca as an Associate Director, Innovation Program Manager and drive groundbreaking initiatives to improve access and quality of care for cancer patients worldwide. At AstraZeneca, we put patients first, pioneering transformative approaches to meet their unmet needs. With a culture built on curiosity, collaboration, and innovation, we turn ideas into life-changing medicines. If you’re an entrepreneurial leader with a passion for making an impact, AstraZeneca is the place for you. Together, we’ll redefine what’s possible in healthcare.

Accountabilities

AstraZeneca Oncology is committed to advancing care and achieving better outcomes for cancer patients globally. The Associate Director, Innovation Program Manager in Medical Innovation, Strategy & Operations will be fundamental to delivering on this commitment. The role would include program ideation, planning and tracking, cross-functional coordination with other business teams, and relationship building with external partners. The ideal candidate can demonstrate strategic thinking, ability to work collaboratively, shape ambiguity, and act decisively.

• Program governance: The program manager takes charge of planning, organizing, and overseeing the entire project lifecycle, from initiation to completion. They provide guidance to the project team, ensuring effective collaboration and alignment with organizational goals.
• Idea Generation and Evaluation: They actively engage in brainstorming and idea generation sessions to identify innovative concepts and potential project opportunities. The program manager evaluates these ideas based on their feasibility and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Program Planning and Execution: They create comprehensive project plans, defining objectives, deliverables, timelines, resource requirements, and budget constraints. The program manager ensures that the project progresses according to plan, monitors achievements, and manages risks and issues that may arise.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaboration is key in an innovation project. This role works closely with diverse collaborators and senior executives. They facilitate effective communication, coordinate efforts, and ensure alignment across different departments.
• Budgeting and Resource Management: The program manager is responsible for developing and managing the project budget. They also track project costs and report on budget performance.
• Performance Tracking and Evaluation: The program manager monitors project progress, tracks key performance indicators (KPIs), and evaluates the project’s success against predefined metrics. They conduct regular project reviews, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions if necessary.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The program manager effectively engages and communicates with project partners, including clients, end-users, and other internal or external parties. They manage expectations, provide updates on project status, and address concerns or feedback throughout the project lifecycle.
• Continuous Improvement: The innovation program manager fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the organization. They identify lessons learned from completed projects and integrate standard processes into future initiatives. They also stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation within their projects.
• Culture: Encourages entrepreneurial spirit, cross-functional agile working, courageous leadership, innovation and collaboration, such that the project team is open to challenge, creative ideas, and innovative ways of working. Upholds and exemplifies the AZ values.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Advanced degree preferred (Masters, MBA, PhD, etc.)
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in complex program management
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in pharmaceutical industry or similar with comprehensive understanding of the commercialization of pharmaceutical products
• Expertise in Business and Stakeholder management
• Experience working in a matrixed organization
• Experience of working within a quality and compliance environment and application of policies, procedures and guidelines

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Deep knowledge of different healthcare ecosystems, particularly in China, and oncology care.
• Experience in global roles with exposure to diverse markets and healthcare systems.
• Expertise in creating and driving effective communication strategies.
• Experience in R&D or Medical Affairs strongly preferred (Global, Regional, or local)
• Experience leading partnerships and alliances

The annual base pay  for this position ranges from $117,568 to $176,353. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans. Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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.

AstraZeneca empowers brave problem solvers who confidently communicate their ideas. Our open environment encourages everyone to share their views with purpose. We are a high-performing team within a global organization that values openness, transparency, ambition, and drive. By combining science with strategy, we advance our pipeline and redefine cancer treatment. Join us to make a significant impact on patients' lives through innovative medical evidence.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

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.