Director, Head of Operations, Animal Science and Technologies

Help push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. With science at its heart, this is where breakthroughs born in the lab become transformative medicine – for the world’s most complex diseases

Are you experienced within facility management and interested in research animal facility operations? Do you also have management skills and would like to lead a team of engaged employees who work to always develop further?

We are now seeking an experienced Director to our Animal Sciences and Technologies (AST) department to lead and optimize AST vivarium operations at our Gothenburg site.

Animal Sciences and Technologies (AST) is a global department that delivers in vivo studies, animal care, and welfare that is compliant to internal standards and external regulations.

This pivotal role drives efficient facility performance across animal care and in vivo study support, ensuring alignment with global standards, AAALAC, and applicable Swedish/EU regulatory frameworks (including EU Directive 2010/63/EU and national implementation). As a subject matter expert and people leader, you will shape facility design and transformation, scale best practices, and implement robust quality control and performance management grounded in current scientific literature and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end vivarium operations to ensure ethical, efficient, and compliant delivery of animal care and in vivo study support, meeting AAALAC accreditation standards, AstraZeneca policies, and Swedish/EU animal research regulations.
• Design and implement operational strategies, SOPs, and workflow enhancements that elevate throughput, reliability, and user experience across facilities.
• Lead and participate in refurbishment and capital projects (CAPEX), partnering with Facility Management and Property Development to ensure operational readiness, resilience, and industry leading standards.
• Establish and maintain quality control measures, risk assessments, and safe systems of work; continuously update practices based on emerging literature, benchmarking, and external audits.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous improvement; drive performance and Individual development plans.
• Manage department budgets, forecasts, and KPIs; partner with AST leadership and Business Portfolio and Finance team to deliver financial updates, CAPEX processes, and Manpower model.
• Provide expert operational insight into the animal care and use program, supporting AAALAC accreditation cycles, internal audits, and external inspections.
• Analyze operational data and trends to inform strategic recommendations, influence ways of working, and raise vivarium standards across Gothenburg and the wider AST network.
  

Essential requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Science or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Operations Leadership: Experience leading complex facility operations, preferably with laboratory standards.
• People Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams; track record of building capability and driving performance.
• Project and Change Management: Experience in facility design, process optimization, and transformation projects. Able to create robust business cases supporting data-driven decisions for business development.
• Financial Acumen: Excellent budgeting, forecasting, and KPI management skills; comfort with data-driven decision-making.
• Collaboration and Communication: Strong communication skills and the ability to partner effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills

• Quality and Continuous Improvement: Familiarity with quality systems, lean/operational excellence methodologies, and audit processes.
• Stakeholder Influence: Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and negotiating priorities to improve operational standards.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Specialty certification or significant experience in laboratory animal science; deep familiarity with AAALAC and Swedish/EU regulatory requirements for animal research.
• Pharmaceutical or Lab Facility experience: Background in drug discovery environments supporting in vivo study operations.

Why AstraZeneca?
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company. We focus on discovering, developing and commercialising prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we are more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we’re dedicated to being a Great Place to Work. Where you are empowered to push the boundaries of science, challenge convention and unleash your entrepreneurial spirit. To embrace differences and take bold actions to drive the change needed to meet global healthcare and sustainability challenges. There is no better place to make a difference in medicine, patients, and society. An inclusive culture where you will connect different thinking to generate new and valuable opportunities. Where you will find a commitment to lifelong learning, growth and development for all.

So, what’s next?
Are you ready to make a difference? Apply today and join us in our mission to improve global public health. We are looking forward to your application!

Date Posted

23-jan.-2026

Closing Date

06-feb.-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.