At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic workforce planning to align business goals with talent strategies.
- Company: Join Astellas, a global leader in life sciences dedicated to patient impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while shaping the future of workforce planning.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic workforce planning and strong stakeholder leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Astellas is a global life sciences company committed to turning innovative science into VALUE for patients. We provide transformative therapies in disease areas that include oncology, ophthalmology, urology, immunology and women's health. Through our research and development programs, we are pioneering new healthcare solutions for diseases with high unmet medical need.
Are you driven to make a real difference in the lives of patients? We're seeking passionate individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, embrace new ideas, and aren't afraid to take intelligent risks. People who act with unwavering integrity and are deeply committed to making a tangible impact.
This position reports into the Talent and Performance Management Strategy Lead and sits within the HR function. This position follows our hybrid working model and requires a blend of home and a minimum of 1 day per quarter at Bourne office, UK. Flexibility may be required in line with business needs. Candidates must be located within a commutable distance of the office.
At Astellas we recognise the importance of work/life balance, and we are proud to offer a hybrid working solution allowing time to connect with colleagues at the office with the flexibility to also work from home. We believe this will optimise the most productive work environment for all employees to succeed and deliver.
The Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP) Lead is responsible for establishing and leading enterprise-wide Strategic Workforce Planning at Astellas, ensuring alignment between business strategy and workforce capability, capacity, and structure. This role will build and embed SWP as a core enterprise capability - enabling data-driven, forward-looking decisions on critical roles, capabilities, and talent strategies. The role will lead cross-functional collaboration across HR and the business to translate strategic priorities into actionable workforce plans and interventions.
Role and Responsibilities
- Lead the design, evolution, and execution of the Astellas Strategic Workforce Planning framework across all business areas.
- Translate enterprise strategy and operating model changes into workforce implications, including critical capabilities and roles, workforce demand and supply scenarios, and gap identification and prioritisation.
- Ensure SWP outputs inform key enterprise processes (e.g. Talent Planning, hiring strategies, organisational design, and transformation initiatives).
- Establish a structured, repeatable SWP cadence aligned to business planning cycles.
- Develop and embed SWP methodologies, tools, templates, and governance across the organisation.
- Act as a strategic partner to senior business leaders and partner with HRBPs to co-create workforce plans aligned to business priorities.
- Influence and challenge stakeholders to ensure workforce decisions are aligned to long-term strategy rather than short-term constraints.
- Establish and lead a cross-functional SWP Value Team to co-create and deliver enterprise workforce strategies.
- Partner with People Analytics to define data requirements, models, and dashboards to support SWP.
- Translate workforce gaps into targeted, prioritised interventions.
Required Qualifications
- BA/BS degree or equivalent.
- Significant experience in Strategic Workforce Planning, HR Strategy, Talent Strategy, or related transformation roles.
- Experience operating in complex, global organisations and influencing senior stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives or programs.
- Strong influencing and partnering skills with senior leaders.
- Ability to utilise tools to enhance predictive planning.
- Experience in cost and headcount planning.
- Ability to interpret workforce data and shape insights into decisions.
- Experience leading enterprise initiatives and cross-functional teams.
- Drives adoption of new frameworks, processes, and ways of working in an evolving organisation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Global workforce planning experience within Pharmaceutical, healthcare, or another highly regulated industry.
What awaits you at Astellas?
- Global collaboration: Become part of a connected global business of like-minded life science leaders, all dedicated to improving patients' lives worldwide.
- Real-world patient impact: Contribute to transformative therapies that reach patients around the world, knowing your work makes a difference every day.
- Relentless Innovation: Join a company at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, where you'll have the opportunity to shape the future of healthcare.
- A Culture of Growth: Chart your own course within a supportive environment that values your contributions, champions your development, and empowers you to pursue your passions.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Strategic Workforce Planning Lead employer: Astellas Pharma
Astellas Pharma is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on patient care. With a strong focus on professional development, Astellas offers numerous growth opportunities and encourages continuous learning in the dynamic field of oncology. Located in a vibrant area, the company provides a supportive environment that values diversity and inclusion, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Workforce Planning Lead
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Astellas Pharma!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Astellas Pharma.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Workforce Planning Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Astellas Pharma. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Astellas Pharma and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Astellas Pharma. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Astellas Pharma's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Astellas Pharma
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Astellas Pharma.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Astellas Pharma will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Astellas Pharma and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
