IT Business Partner - HR Technology / AI Strategy and Solutions

Location: Cambridge, UK

Competitive Salary & Excellent Company Benefits

Introduction

At AstraZeneca, we turn ideas into life-changing medicines. Working here means being ambitious, thinking big, and collaborating to make the impossible a reality. We’re passionate about the potential of science to address the unmet needs of patients around the world. Enabling Units IT delivers digital and technology solutions and services to multiple business areas including HR, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Corporate Affairs, and Global Business Services. The overall EU IT team is comprised of around 400 staff located in 7 major locations within AstraZeneca.

The Core Functions team partners with our stakeholders in HR, GBS, Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Affairs to service all Technology needs, ranging from strategic roadmap planning through implementation of new solutions and operational excellence in ongoing support. The IT Business Partner will develop strategic relationships with HR Solutions & Performance, GBS HR Services and HR Digital to partner with them in achieving and exceeding business objectives. You will bring in depth thought leadership on the HR technology landscape, and especially the opportunities offered by AI, to drive the delivery of an ambitious Technology Strategy and Roadmap that drives delivery of innovative business solutions to create maximum competitive advantage.

The role will combine their AZ internal knowledge, in-depth understanding of the business area direction, and IT expertise to drive the creation of innovative technology solutions.

Accountabilities

• Accountable for development of and business engagement on the Technology Strategy and roadmap for the core HR function, bringing deep HR domain knowledge and including consideration of external technology trends, AI, and innovation.
• Build strong strategic relationships with complex customer groups and senior stakeholders, developing a deep understanding of the short-term and long-term business direction.
• Develop and maintain the customer account plan, including accurate customer forecasting, demand planning, and effective delivery of the plan.
• Proactively identify opportunities for IT to deliver innovative technology and AI solutions to provide competitive advantage.
• Present and gain commitment to IT initiatives at senior leadership levels, using specialist knowledge to gain commitment to established or new IT services.
• Manage a portfolio of investments, prioritizing to align with emerging business strategy.
• Lead high-level investigations on requirements specifications and feasibility studies, developing a range of options aligned to business and IT strategy.
• Lead business impact assessments, identifying risks and issues that may affect current and future business units and roles, and create a business readiness plan.

Work collaboratively with:

• Business and IT leadership teams and other senior stakeholders to build their understanding of IT strategy, programs, and challenges.
• IT Strategy, Architecture, Portfolio Management, and Project/Programme Management to agree on the future shape of proposed solutions and initiate projects in partnership.
• Other customer area Business Partners to create alignment and identify cross-business innovative opportunities.
• Business Analysts to manage requirements and build business cases.
• Portfolio Managers and Solution Delivery leads to initiate projects, clearly define scope, and monitor the delivery of project value compared to the promised benefits.
• Customer Service function to ensure the IT services plans are established for the customer group and are operating effectively.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Domain knowledge of the HR function and technology landscape (including HCM platforms, workforce admin, payroll, HR services).
• Development of technology strategy and roadmap aligned with business priorities.
• Evidence of AI mastery, and leading and developing innovative solutions.
• A proven track record of delivering results.
• Experience of building business cases & mobilising high value investments.
• Experience of leading teams with a demonstrable track record of motivational and achievement-oriented leadership.
• Experience of managing third party suppliers and have strong network and consulting skills.
• Strong influencing, networking and team working skills.
• Deep awareness of developments in the Information Technology marketplace including AI.
• Demonstrate strong relationship building skills with the ability to influence others to achieve objectives.
• Proficiency in planning, change management and problem solving and able to resolve issues of a highly complex and strategic nature.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Degree or relevant business qualification.
• Experience in and knowledge of pharmaceutical industry.
• Involvement in pharma thought leadership networks and organisations.
• Agile development methodologies.

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. Apply now to be part of our dynamic team!

Closing Date for Applications: 4th June

Date Posted: 14-May-2025

Closing Date: 04-June-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.