Associate Director (Analytical Team Leader), Early Chemical Development in Macclesfield

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. Pharmaceutical Sciences is a function within the AstraZeneca Biopharmaceuticals R&D unit that builds innovative, efficient solutions by transforming molecules into investigative medicines meeting unmet needs of future patients. Our wide‑ranging portfolio of projects includes traditional small molecules, nucleotide‑based therapies, and nano‑medicines across AstraZeneca’s therapy areas.

Early Chemical Development (ECD) is a world‑class CMC department with responsibility for early phase Drug Substance. The department’s responsibilities span from early engagement with Discovery Chemistry groups to manufacture of Phase II Clinical material, and its key skill areas include Analytical Chemistry, Crystallisation, Isotope Chemistry, Large‑Scale Laboratory (Kilo‑Lab) Manufacturing, Process Chemistry, Process Design, Process Engineering, Route Design and Separation Science.

We’re looking for an Analytical team leader to join ECD’s Analytical Section. The individual will have extensive experience of analytical science, preferably with specific experience driving performance through organisational effectiveness. A passion for leading and developing team members is a key requirement for the role.

As a line manager of analytical scientists, you will provide leadership, coaching and mentorship alongside scientific/technical input into projects. You will work with your team, and in close collaboration with other skill groups and ECD’s Drug Substance manufacturing facility, to ensure project activities are delivered in line with the overall project timelines, scientific rigour and appropriate quality.

As a member of the Early Chemical Development Leadership Team, you will provide expertise and leadership for analytical skill groups. You will partner with other Team Leaders to contribute to strategic business development and manage resources to deliver the project portfolio to time, quality and quantity targets. You will work broadly across the company and externally, looking to implement new technologies and ways of working, plus interface, where necessary, with industry and regulatory bodies to keep abreast of industry trends.

• Accountable for the planning and execution of analytical deliverables in support of internal GMP manufacturing and stability.
• Contribute to the development of departmental goals and link them to team members’ individual goals.
• Ensure work is performed in accordance with appropriate Safety, Health & Environment (SHE), quality and compliance standards, e.g. GMP, ensuring standards are upheld and improvement and action plans delivered as required.
• Provide leadership in continuous improvement to drive organisational effectiveness and productivity through introduction of new digital tools.

• Degree or equivalent scientific qualification (Masters or PhD preferred) in a relevant field (e.g., Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a closely related subject area) with substantial relevant experience in analytical science within the pharmaceutical industry, ideally in CMC or drug substance development.
• Solid understanding of the regulatory environment for clinical development and strong working knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry to ensure that industry standards are applied.
• Extensive experience of analytical science, preferably with specific experience driving performance through organisational effectiveness.
• Demonstrated leadership within a scientific environment, with a strong background of leading, coaching, and developing analytical scientists to deliver high performance and build team capability.
• Experience working across cross‑functional drug development teams, collaborating effectively with disciplines such as process chemistry, manufacturing, engineering and other CMC skill groups to support progression of early phase drug substance activities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work closely with manufacturing partners, project teams and specialist scientific groups to ensure alignment on priorities, delivery and quality expectations.
• A strong understanding and practical experience of the principles and management of SHE and cGMP.

• Experience working within a CMC development organisation.
• Experience of digital planning tools and application of Lean principles.
• An appreciation of GMP manufacturing and ICH Q7 principles in the clinical phase.

In Office Requirement: We put unexpected teams in the same room to 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.

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.