Head of Sustainability - Chemical Development

The Head of Sustainability leads through their team by fostering a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment, empowering team members, and driving accountability for sustainability initiatives. This leadership approach not only leverages the team’s expertise but also ensures the department remains agile, proactive, and committed to long-term sustainable outcomes.

In Chemical Development we believe that nothing is impossible, and we are determined to push the boundaries of science to deliver medicines to our patients. We combine people’s technical knowledge and understanding with their talent and drive to design, develop and optimise synthetic routes that deliver the APIs of our medicines in a sustainable, commercially viable way.

We believe in innovation and continuous improvement, working closely with colleagues in academia and across industry, to ensure that we apply the latest technologies and principles in the processes we develop. Our ambition is to establishan environmentthat facilitates theseamless integration of the right new technologieswith the right process understanding to deliversafe, robust and sustainable manufacturing processes for the future.

Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership: Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the Chemical Development Department, ensuring alignment with broader corporate sustainability objectives and positioning the department as an industry leader in green chemistry. Provide strategic insights, data, and recommendations to senior leadership on sustainability matters, helping to influence decision-making and future investments in sustainable development.

Team Leadership: Guide cross-functional teams, ensuring that sustainability principles are embedded in every stage of process development, from development through to commercialization. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the internal team.

Advisory Role for External Partners: Serve as the key sustainability advisor for CDMO partners, driving the adoption of green chemistry and sustainable practices throughout the supply chain and manufacturing processes. Ensure that external partners are aligned with our sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

Sustainable Innovation: Through the team, identify and champion cutting-edge technologies and processes that improve environmental sustainability, reduce waste, and minimize resource consumption. Ensure that innovations are aligned with long-term business and environmental objectives.

Regulatory and Compliance Oversight: Working with global SHE and ESM, ensure that all external partnerships comply with relevant environmental regulations and sustainability standards. Work closely with regulatory teams to anticipate and adapt to evolving environmental policies.

Collaboration and Influence: Build strong relationships with internal departments (R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain) and external stakeholders to ensure a seamless approach to sustainability across all operations. Promote internal awareness and engagement through education and advocacy at all levels.

Essential Skills/Experience

- BSc/PhD level education in a relevant discipline

- Significant experience working within a Research & Development or Manufacturing environment, within the pharmaceutical industry

- Possess a detailed understanding of drug development and how chemical development contributes to this

- Technical expertise and understanding of practical synthetic organic chemistry

- Possess a detailed understanding of the overall drug development process from discovery through to launch and lifecycle management

- Strong external profile demonstrating scientific leadership

- Extensive experience of the disciplines within chemical development and how they combine to deliver commercial manufacturing processes and control strategies

Desirable Skills/Experience

- Ability to think and operate across functional boundaries, challenge the status quo and seek opportunities for business improvement

- Ability to develop and execute a strategy with clear objective definition, key performance indicators and plans

- Ability to analyse and interpret complex situations and provide clear strategic directions for others

- Excellent communication and strategic influencing skills across interfaces of discipline, culture, and expertise both internally and externally

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.

At AstraZeneca, we are dedicated to getting more medicines to patients quickly, affordably, and sustainably. By embracing technology, we transform our ways of working both internally and externally. Our smart factories enhance our operations while making AstraZeneca an inspiring place to work. Here, we embrace change, trial new solutions, and use data to improve our processes. Our diverse workforce is united by curiosity, sharing learnings rapidly. Join us in delivering life-changing medicines through digital innovation.

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.