Josh Kreamer
Senior Programme/Project Manager
Tell me a little about you and your role at AstraZeneca?
I am a technologist and a lawyer with a background in eDiscovery. I’ve been at AZ for 6 months and my role is Business Relationship Manager for eDiscovery (Legal). This means that I am a “client” facing member of the IT team, with my client being Legal. I partner with Legal to build new business processes and manage a team that executes those processes on the technical side. I also serve as a gatekeeper for Legal in the development of new technologies across AZ to make sure that they are developed with capabilities to meet legal needs in the future.
What’s the most enjoyable aspect of working in Science and Enabling Units IT?
For me, the most enjoyable aspects of working in Science and Enabling Units IT are my colleagues. The people I work with are genuinely friendly and communications in the group always maintain a very collegial tone, even under stress. These are also some of the smartest people I’ve ever worked with and that makes the job particularly stimulating.
How do you feel your role impacts AstraZeneca’s bold ambition of delivering life-changing medicines?
My role indirectly impacts AstraZeneca’s bold ambition by reducing legal risk and streamlining processes to save money. I was told early on to think in terms of every dollar my group can save AZ is another dollar that can go into research and delivery of new medicines. That attitude, which I think is generally uncommon is pervasive in SEUIT. We often start team meetings with stories about patients to help us continue to see the big picture of our work here.
What are you most passionate about in your role?
I am very passionate about the processes and technology associated with eDiscovery and how they interact with AstraZeneca’s business systems. This is the process by which the work product of business units is accessed and made usable to the Legal team.
How has AstraZeneca helped you achieve your personal career aspirations?
This is my first time managing direct reports, which has been a career goal for the last few years. I’m also regularly given more responsibilities and delegated more authority. I have the opportunity to shape my own role here, which allows me to focus on work that will help me grow and the work that I’m most passionate about.
How would you describe the culture of Science and Enabling Units IT?
Very friendly, intelligent and accessible. I’ve never had any difficulty getting in touch with any of my colleagues, including those on the leadership team, whether they sit in the U.S., Europe or even Asia. When I got here, everyone was welcoming and when we first work together on a project, we often start by going around and each talking about our role here so that we can get to know one another. SEUIT also heavily uses internal social media so that even people with very disparate roles can connect with one another.
