Director, Site IT lead and Business Partner

We are seeking an innovative and strategic Director, Site IT Lead and Business Partner specialized in Robotics and Process Orchestration to drive digital transformation across AstraZeneca’s Cell Therapy Development & Operations (CTDO). In this pivotal role, you will be the bridge between CTDO business stakeholders and next-generation IT capabilities, leading the design and execution of polyfunctional robotics, process orchestration, and data strategies that underpin mission‑critical cell therapy operations.

You will champion the implementation of advanced manufacturing robotics, process orchestration across MES/LIMS and system integration, and robust data platforms to enable scalable, resilient, and data‑driven operations—enabling a reliable, scalable supply of cell therapies matched to patient demand and achieving measurable reductions in COGM, while advancing AstraZeneca’s Cell Therapy Ambition.

This role reports to the Executive Director, Ops IT and may be based in Santa Monica or Tarzana, CA.

Responsibilities

Polyfunctional Robotics program: Lead the IT scope of the process robotics program, covering connectivity, hosting, data management and protection, monitoring and alerting, authentication, cybersecurity, compliance, availability, and BC/DR.

Own IT delivery, including requirements gathering, integrated planning, team formation, execution steps, test plans, documentation and process development; ensuring successful delivery of the program to meet critical business objectives.

Process orchestration and integration: Lead the process orchestration program across MES, LIMS, automated process execution, and integration with external systems (e.g., SAP/ERP, cell orchestration, historian).

Define capabilities, interface design, data integrity, and interoperability across IT/OT boundaries; ensure performance, scalability, and close alignment with business objectives.

Manufacturing data strategy: Define and execute the data strategy for manufacturing and QC systems, including instrument data capture, contextualization, preservation, archival, protection, and accessibility for AI / analytics use cases.

Operations IT‑business partnership: Serve as the primary IT Business Partner for Cell Therapy Operations, aligning platforms, processes, and roles with business priorities; act as a trusted advisor and key member of the site SLT.

Shape investment cases, KPIs, and value realization; present status, risks, and decisions; capture feedback to refine roadmaps and execution.

Qualifications

12+ years in enterprise IT, with 5+ years in biopharma or advanced therapies; direct experience with robotics/automation and MES/LIMS integration in cell therapy preferred.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, data/analytics, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

Proven leadership delivering complex programs spanning IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, data platforms, and manufacturing applications.

Direct experience with platforms such as MES/eBR, LIMS/QMS, ERP/SAP, automation/PLC/robotics, historians, integration middleware/APIs, and cloud data/analytics.

Strong understanding of data strategy and governance (master data, lineage, retention, protection), and hands‑on experience enabling analytics and operational use cases.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and vendors; excellence in stakeholder management, executive communication, and translating technical complexity into business value.

Financial acumen in shaping business cases, managing budgets, and tracking value realization.

Key Relationship to reach solutions:
• Internal (to AZ or team): Global Strategy / Portfolio Managers; Solution Delivery Leads; Domain and Solution architects; Service Delivery Managers; Customer service group; Group system owners/steering groups; Key Commercial contacts
• External (to AZ): Peers in other pharma companies and other industries; Technology leaders

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $141,024 to $211,536 USD. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.