Global Talent Scout and Capability Lead - Digital

Location: Cambridge, UK

Introduction to role

Are you ready to lead in digital talent scouting? Join AstraZeneca's Digital & Technology Talent Scouting Team as a Global Talent Scout and Capability Lead. We are looking for a dynamic professional with a passion for digital, AI, and technology. If you have leadership experience and a skill for understanding both internal and external talent landscapes, this role is for you! You'll collaborate with senior leaders and HR partners to shape our Digital people strategy, skills planning, and strategic workforce initiatives.

As part of AstraZeneca's leading talent scouting team, you'll report to the Global Head of Talent and Talent Scouting and manage a team to develop global sourcing strategies for senior hires, succession planning, and pipeline building for critical skills. The Global Talent Scout and Capability Lead (GTSCL) is a key figure in Talent Acquisition, advising senior leaders and influencing talent-related decisions. The GTSCL also leads global projects and serves as an expert in talent sourcing, attraction, engagement, and assessment, maximising digital solutions to simplify the candidate/hiring manager experience and enabling our Global Talent Scouts to focus on the human moments that matter.

If you are inspired by the possibilities, read on...

Typical Accountabilities

• Accountable for delivering a human centric talent scouting experience utilising digital solutions, technologies and leading a team of talent advisers who exemplify excellence in the delivery of the right employee, candidate and hiring manager experience.
• Delivers proactive sourcing strategies to meet business needs with the ability to influence prioritisation needs and in line with managed expectations.
• Operates as a strategic talent adviser to SET members and Senior Vice Presidents and acts as a key point of contact for HRVPs on SET-related talent scouting priorities.
• Collaborates with HR partners to align on priority talent pipelines with broader strategic goals and hiring ambitions.
• Builds and maintains succession plans and candidate pools for senior leadership positions, including the Senior Executive Team (SET).
• Engages and manages 3rd party relationships where external collaboration is required to enable the right talent sourcing and attraction strategies and plans.
• Leads research and analysis of talent trends to advise strategic decisions and present solutions to senior management.
• Integrates exemplary practices and digital tools into internal and external talent sourcing and attraction processes.
• Accountable for building and leading an outstanding team, fostering inclusion, and attracting, engaging, and retaining current and future talent.
• Provides leadership, coaching, and development aligned with AstraZeneca's culture of performance development and lifelong learning.

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Significant experience and knowledge of the digital/AI and technology landscape, emerging trends and critical skills.
• Ability to engage with external global key opinion leaders and digital talent, building robust engaging relationships to strengthen industry knowledge and with future talent needs in consideration.
• Experience of coaching senior leaders with the ability to understand needs/talent sourcing approached assessment strategies.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management with a focus on team effectiveness and impact.
• Adaptability within fast-paced and dynamic environments.
• Strategic Talent Acquisition Partnering.
• Skilled in developing and driving Talent Acquisition strategies tailored to specific groups and regions.
• Experienced in recruitment demand planning and translating these into Talent Acquisition plans for region/groups.
• Demonstrates leadership and accountability in guiding the evolution of Talent Acquisition model proactively partnering with key stakeholders in region/area.
• Proven expertise in applying comprehensive Talent Acquisition knowledge.
• Utilising both internal and external insights with a demonstrated commitment to provide an exceptional experience for both hiring managers and candidates.
• Ability to mentor junior Talent Acquisition partners as well as coach hiring managers on Talent Acquisition approaches tailored to specific skill/capability recruitment, including situational specific assessment approaches.
• Leading People/Organization.
• Capable of leading cross-functional groups within a complex matrix organization.
• Proven experience in motivating and empowering others, and dedication to upskilling and developing future capabilities.
• Impact & Influence.
• Strong partner management skills and ability to effectively communicate and influence at all levels.
• Expert in Talent Acquisition, guiding campaign prioritisation, determining assessment processes, identifying talent pools, challenging hiring decisions, and considering inclusion and diversity in hiring.
• Uses data to influence and build strategies.
• Talent Pipeline Building and Talent Nurturing.
• Uses talent and market insights to identify skills and global talent required for business strategy.
• Experienced in building talent pipelines, maintaining relationships, and guiding candidates through end-to-end AstraZeneca hiring and onboarding process.
• Learning Agility.
• Willingness to learn and apply new knowledge.
• Able to challenge assumptions, innovate, and act as a role model in personal development.
• Embraces new ways of working and demonstrates digital/tech first approach and proficient in driving adoption of digital tools to aid recruiting processes in region/area.

Desirable:

• Business Degree or similar qualification.
• Strong understanding of digital within the Health Care/Pharmaceutical industry.
• Multilingual skills beneficial.
• Proficient in digital talent sourcing and management tools.
• Deep understanding of critical pharmaceutical related capability/skill needs.
• Experience in applying external search strategies for internal talent development.

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. AstraZeneca offers an environment where innovation thrives! Our dedicated diverse team is the fuel behind our rapidly growing enterprise, helping unlock the power of science to impact patients' lives. Integrated with the whole enterprise, we leverage exciting technology and digital innovations to accelerate our evolution. With an entrepreneurial spirit, we apply creativity to every task, taking smart risks to turn ideas into reality. Our fast-paced environment is perfect for ambitious self-starters who wish to contribute and deliver on objectives. Here, you'll find countless opportunities to build an unrivalled reputation while being rewarded for your success.

If you are inspired to make a difference, apply now and be part of our journey!

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Date Posted 13-Jun-2025

Closing Date 27-Jun-2025

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.