At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the IT exceptions process to enhance security and compliance across a global enterprise.
- Company: AstraZeneca, a pioneering biopharmaceutical company focused on life-changing science.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a range of employee benefits.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in cyber security while supporting groundbreaking medical advancements.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT risk management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Macclesfield, UK
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.
As IT Exceptions Lead in our Cyber Security team, you will build and mature a high-impact exceptions framework that enables secure, pragmatic delivery across a fast-moving global enterprise. Your work will help safeguard the digital backbone behind life-changing science, directly supporting the teams who discover, develop and deliver medicines to patients. You will lead the design, digitisation and ongoing management of the IT exceptions process end to end — aligning it to risk management practices, embedding strong governance, and increasing speed and consistency across functions and geographies.
Accountabilities:
- Process Ownership— Serve as Business Process Owner for IT Exceptions, driving maturity, consistency and continuous improvement across the process
- Risk Alignment— Ensure the exceptions process closely aligns to IT risk management practices, tooling and strategic goals to enable risk-based outcomes
- Digitisation and AI Enablement— Continuously improve and digitise the process, exploiting tools, automation and AI to scale efficiency and control
- Exception Assessment and Approval— Assess and approve IT exceptions content, ensuring timely plans, quality deliverables and clear risk treatments
- Data Quality and Reporting— Drive accountability for the completeness, accuracy and currency of IT exceptions data through monitoring, tracking and reporting
- Trend and Issue Management— Identify, communicate and manage trends in compliance risks, breaches and issues; agree and track mitigations aligned to risk appetite
- Governance and Metrics— Plan, govern and report key compliance metrics and measures to drive accountability across IT
- Regulatory and Audit Readiness— Provide compliance input and evidence for external regulatory and internal governance inspections and forums
- Stakeholder Engagement— Act as the primary contact for IT exceptions-related questions and issues; build trusted relationships with senior IT and business stakeholders
- Training, Education and Awareness— Lead development and rollout of training, education and awareness to embed a strong exceptions culture
- External Insight— Represent the company at industry forums to bring back leading practices that elevate our approach
Essential Skills & Experience:
- BA/BSc and extensive experience in IT risk management and/or compliance application in large IT organisations, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry
- Familiarity with technical concepts in Cybersecurity, infrastructure or applications
- Experience in leading a team, delivering strategies and influencing senior stakeholders
- Experience of operating at senior levels across functions and geographies in large, complex IT environments
- Strong compliance experience/expertise
- Broad IT management experience including project or service management
- Proven challenge, negotiation and influencing capabilities
- Strong collaboration and relationship building skills
- Strong presentation, communication and facilitation skills
- Ability to make pragmatic decisions by analysing highly complex/time-critical situations, assessing risks and stabilising strategic and tactical compliance requirements
- High levels of drive, energy, resilience and a desire for professional excellence
- Ability to hold self and others accountable for actions
- Strong change leadership and team working skills
Desirable Skills & Experience:
- Lean trained
- Experience of providing regulatory support including computerised system validation/assurance activities
- Knowledge of industry good practice and standards such as ISO 9000, ISO 27001, ISO 27002, GxP, ITIL, CMMI, Sarbanes-Oxley
- External qualifications such as ISPE PCC CPIP and ISACA CISM, CISA or CRISC
- Experience in using ServiceNow IRM (formerly GRC)
- Experience of contributing to implementation of a Risk and Compliance strategy with the ability to prioritise and understand the impact of the decisions made
Our Flexible Working Culture
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.
Why AstraZeneca?
Join a purpose-led global technology community that powers breakthrough science with secure, modern platforms and data at scale. Here you will collaborate with experts across disciplines, translate complex risk into clear business value, and shape how a digital, data-driven enterprise manages security decisions at pace. We combine curiosity with high standards, invest in cutting-edge tools and AI, and value kindness alongside ambition — so you can experiment, learn and deliver impact that ultimately reaches patients.
Ready to make your mark? Own a mission-critical security governance domain and help protect the science that saves lives — take the next step in your career and apply to lead this change today.
Competitive salary and benefits package on offer! The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, a performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.
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.
IT Exceptions Lead in Macclesfield employer: AstraZeneca GmbH
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where employees are empowered to make impactful decisions in the realm of cyber security. Located in Macclesfield, UK, the company offers a competitive salary and a flexible benefits package, including options for holiday purchase and flexible time off, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. With a strong commitment to professional growth and inclusivity, AstraZeneca provides opportunities for employees to thrive while contributing to life-changing science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IT Exceptions Lead in Macclesfield
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including AstraZeneca GmbH, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through AstraZeneca GmbH
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at AstraZeneca GmbH. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace IT Exceptions Lead in Macclesfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at AstraZeneca GmbH insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to AstraZeneca GmbH that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca GmbH
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at AstraZeneca GmbH to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at AstraZeneca GmbH.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
