Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Organizational Enablement

Are you ready to make a significant impact in the world of cell therapy? AstraZeneca’s Cell Therapy Clinical Operations is at the forefront of innovation, dedicated to scaling the delivery of groundbreaking therapies. We are seeking a dynamic Senior Director, Strategic Projects and Organisational Enablement to join our leadership team. This newly developed position plays a vital role in advancing central initiatives, streamlining business procedures, encouraging productive teamwork, and embracing digital advancements for our Cell Therapy pipeline. Are you up for the challenge?

Accountabilities:

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the VP, Clinical Operations Cell Therapy, and act as a key member of the Cell Therapy Clinical Operations Leadership Team. From these key partnerships and with limited oversight, unlock the design and execution of prioritized projects to enable success of the function and your peers.
• Work with all three TAs (Oncology, Biopharma & Rare Disease) to identify and develop innovative opportunities in clinical operations.
• Support leaders to drive performance on Cell Therapy Portfolio delivery across SET areas.
• Lead the optimisation of strategic planning, providing critical input to business planning activities, such as working with key partners to bring to life strategic workforce planning and AI adoption.
• Build, lead, and report on a range of high-priority, cross-functional projects and initiatives that drive operational efficiency and delivery.
• Track progress of goals and deliverables, ensuring alignment with overall project objectives and reporting regularly to senior leadership.
• Develop effective project reporting methods with appropriate frequency and messaging tailored to the target audience.
• Partner with the Clinical Operations LT to build a high-performing Clinical Operations community, championing a collaborative team ethos and developing talent.
• Support or develop organisational structural build where needed in collaboration with relevant collaborators.
• The role may be required to have line management responsibility.

Essential Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 10 years proven experience working in a pharmaceutical/drug development organization within a matrix, cross-functional environment.
• Proven knowledge of clinical operations or experience in a support capacity.
• Strategic project, program, or change management, ideally leading multiple high-impact initiatives.
• Leading organizational designs and/or restructures in a globally matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated success managing non-drug project delivery in large, complex, and preferably international organizations.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, showcasing adept problem-solving capability when working with various collaborators and managing conflicting priorities.
• Advanced networking and influencing skills, with the ability to interact and build rapport both within and outside the function.
• Ability to influence strategically and persuade tactfully to achieve desired results while maintaining strong relationships.

Desirable Skills/Experience:

• Advanced degree in business or a related discipline with 7 years of experience working in a pharmaceutical/drug development organization within a matrix, cross-functional environment.
• Experience managing budgets or resources in complex, matrixed organizations.
• Applied experience of organizational change or development in clinical operations environments.
• Proficient in data models and/or analysis (Power BI/advanced Excel).

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel ambitious 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 driven by curiosity and courage as we follow the science to pioneer new frontiers. Our commitment to eliminating cancer as a cause of death unites us in our mission. With cutting-edge science fused with technology, we aim for breakthroughs that transform medicine. Our collaborative research community is unmatched, bringing together academia and industry to tackle some of the toughest challenges. Here, you can build a rewarding career while making a meaningful impact on millions of lives.

Ready to take the next step? Apply now to join our team!

Date Posted

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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.