Senior Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Strategy, TOSI in Macclesfield

Senior Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Strategy, TOSI in Macclesfield

Macclesfield Full-Time 100000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
AstraZeneca UK Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead AI and data strategy to transform life-changing medicines and streamline operations.
  • Company: Join AstraZeneca, a leader in scientific innovation and digital ambition.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, global reach, and opportunities for impactful work.
  • Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and enjoy a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Shape high-impact solutions that improve patient outcomes and drive digital transformation.
  • Qualifications: Master's degree or equivalent experience in science or engineering; strong AI and data expertise.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.

Are you ready to harness AI and data to reshape how life‑changing medicines are sustained at scale? In this role, you will set the vision and lead the execution of a bold AI and digital strategy that connects development to large‑scale technical operations, accelerating productivity, compliance, and problem solving across the commercial product lifecycle. Imagine turning complex CMC processes, product transfers, and regulatory documentation into streamlined, data‑driven workflows that free teams to focus on the science that matters to patients! You will lead a small, high‑performing team of AI and digital experts to deliver measurable impact—reducing cycle times, improving first‑time‑right outcomes, and embedding sophisticated analytics into daily decision‑making.

Vision and Strategy
Define and own the AI, data, and digital strategy for on‑market technical functions, aligned to business objectives and patient impact.

Value Realisation
Drive measurable productivity gains and cost efficiencies; set benefit targets and ensure solutions translate to outcomes in the business.

Portfolio Leadership
Build and manage a balanced portfolio of initiatives that redefine day‑to‑day operations, from pilot to scale.

Indicators and Governance
Establish metrics, tracking mechanisms, and governance to ensure benefits are realised and sustained.

Solution Delivery and Adoption
Lead the development, delivery, implementation, and adoption of digital and AI solutions that enhance efficiency and innovation across teams.

Platform Integration
Partner with platform owners to integrate ERP, MES, QMS, and content/regulatory systems into end‑to‑end digital solutions.

Data Architecture and Compliance
Shape robust data architectures and governance that enable AI at scale in regulated environments.

Investment and Stakeholder Alignment
Create compelling business cases, align senior leaders, secure funding, and track the value delivered.

Workforce Capability Uplift
Build a strategic capability program that raises digital fluency and prepares the organization for the future.

Team Leadership
Lead and mentor a small team of AI/digital experts; foster a culture of innovation, delivery, and continuous improvement.

Portfolio and Resource Management
Manage budgets, resources, and multi‑functional collaborations to meet commitments and influence outcomes.

Qualifications

  • Master's degree or equivalent experience or higher in a relevant science or engineering field.
  • Technical expertise, including knowledge in the language of AI, data engineering, e.g., Python, R, cloud platforms (AWS/GCP).
  • Solid understanding of data architecture, data governance, and AI deployment at scale in regulated environments.
  • Experience working with enterprise platforms (e.g., ERP, MES, QMS, content/regulatory systems) and integrating them into digital solutions.
  • Strong CMC knowledge with experience in Pharmaceutical Product Development and Manufacture, along with extensive knowledge of CMC processes across all product stages.
  • Strategic leadership with a proven track record of developing, leading and delivering multi‑functional digital strategies and transformative programs within a pharmaceutical CMC context.
  • An innovative outlook that employs a digital‑first approach to streamline processes, enhance compliance, and foster efficiency.
  • Outstanding business insight, proficiency in developing a strong argument for projects, organisational skills and lean tool deployment.
  • Managing transitions and agility with ability to drive digital transformation and adapt strategy based on internal constraints or evolving tech/regulatory landscapes.
  • Experienced in managing collaborators, good communication skills, capable of leading and collaborating effectively at senior levels.
  • Ability to build consensus and navigate conflicts.
  • A problem‑solving approach that delivers critical thinking and substantial business value.
  • Thorough understanding of principles, applications and management of SHE and cGMP.
  • PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific, engineering, or data field.
  • Demonstrated experience operationalizing MLOps, model lifecycle management, and validation in GxP contexts.
  • Familiarity with generative AI, knowledge graphs, semantic layers, and digital twins for manufacturing and CMC.
  • Experience leading global, multi‑functional teams and vendor ecosystems across multiple time zones.
  • Knowledge of ICH guidelines (e.g., Q8‑Q12) and regulatory interactions related to digital/AI‑enabled submissions.
  • Track record of thought leadership (e.g., publications, conference talks, patents) on AI and data in CMC.
  • Certification in Lean Six Sigma or portfolio/program management.
  • Experience spanning both small‑molecule and biologics would be advantageous.

Senior Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Strategy, TOSI in Macclesfield employer: AstraZeneca UK Limited

At AstraZeneca, we are committed to fostering a dynamic work environment that champions innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Director in AI and Data Strategy, you will be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to transforming the pharmaceutical landscape through cutting-edge technology, all while enjoying robust professional development opportunities and a supportive culture that values both ambition and humanity. With our global reach and significant investment in digital solutions, you'll have the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes and drive efficiency across the organisation.

AstraZeneca UK Limited

Contact Details:

AstraZeneca UK Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Strategy, TOSI in Macclesfield

Get Involved in Data Science Meetups

Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like AstraZeneca UK Limited!

Show Off Your Projects

Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Senior Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Strategy, TOSI at AstraZeneca UK Limited.

Leverage Professional Networks

Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like AstraZeneca UK Limited.

Apply Directly through Our Website

When you find a suitable opening like Senior Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Strategy, TOSI at AstraZeneca UK Limited, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Strategy, TOSI in Macclesfield

AI and Digital Strategy Development
Data Engineering (Python, R)
Cloud Platforms (AWS/GCP)
Data Architecture and Governance
AI Deployment in Regulated Environments
Enterprise Platform Integration (ERP, MES, QMS)
Pharmaceutical Product Development Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!

Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!

Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at AstraZeneca UK Limited, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.

Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at AstraZeneca UK Limited. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!

How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca UK Limited

Brush Up on Your Statistics

For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!

Showcase Your Projects

Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!

Get Comfortable with Python and R

Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at AstraZeneca UK Limited!

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.