At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic IRT delivery team to ensure clinical studies run smoothly and patients are supplied reliably.
- Company: Join AstraZeneca, a leader in life-changing medicines and innovative supply solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping systems that benefit patients and drive innovation.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in IRT/RTSM with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 57704 - 70528 £ per year.
Introduction to role: Are you ready to lead a high-performing IRT delivery team that keeps clinical studies on track and patients reliably supplied? This role puts you at the center of how we configure and deploy interactive response technologies that safeguard supply continuity and data integrity across our portfolio. You will co-lead the IRT function alongside the Strategy Team Lead, guiding a talented group of IRT Specialists to deliver high-quality, compliant systems on time for every study. Your leadership will shape how we design, build, validate, and maintain IRT/RTSM solutions, turning complex study needs into robust, patient-ready capabilities. The pace is fast with a constant flow of new products and launches, giving you the platform to drive innovation, apply Lean thinking, and scale best practices that matter to the business and to patients. Based in Poland, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Sweden, you will work across functions and with external vendors to balance demand and capacity, elevate standards, and build a culture where people grow and deliver their best. How will you develop the team, improve productivity, and raise the bar for IRT delivery from day one?
Accountabilities:
- Team Leadership: Lead, develop, and manage a team of IRT Specialists through regular 1:1s, clear goals, individual development plans, and strong engagement to build an inclusive, high-performing culture.
- IRT Delivery Excellence: Oversee and ensure on-time delivery of clinical supply IRT builds that are fit for purpose, compliant, and aligned to study needs; translate priorities into executable plans that protect patient supply continuity.
- Quality, SHE, and GMP: Uphold Quality, SHE, and GMP standards; ensure adherence to the Quality Management System, including computer systems validation, and reinforce the Code of Ethics and related policies.
- Capacity and Workload Planning: Plan and balance workload across the team; manage demand against team capacity; flex resources to respond to peaks; ensure the team is appropriately resourced and equipped to meet business needs.
- Training and Capability: Implement a clear training framework; drive compliance and continuous upskilling across evolving processes and technologies to maintain high standards and readiness.
- Stakeholder Management and Alignment: Partner with the Associate Director, Clinical Supply IRT Strategy Team to align priorities and communications; manage stakeholders across functions and IRT vendors to ensure transparency and timely decisions.
- Continuous Improvement and Productivity: Lead productivity improvement initiatives; apply Lean leadership to simplify processes, remove waste, and standardize ways of working for sustained performance gains.
- People and Compliance Management: Manage the team in accordance with local HR policies, legal requirements, and workplace regulations; lead recruitment, performance management, talent development, and fiscal awareness expected of managers.
Essential Skills/Experience:
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification
- Knowledge of working with IRT / RTSM
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Evidence of leading in a matrix environment with exceptional stakeholder management
- Ability to partner across diverse business areas
- Demonstrated good time and stakeholder management skills & flexibility to adapt to changing customer need / environment
- An understanding of the Quality Management System in a Pharmaceutical Environment, including computer systems validation
- Detailed knowledge of Clinical Supply Chain and drug development processes
- Proven analytical and strategic thinking
Desirable Skills/Experience:
- Proven ability to motivate, develop and empower others to accomplish outstanding individual, project and organizational goals
- Leadership experience in a supply chain or clinical operations environment ideal
- Demonstrated Lean Leadership Capability
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.
Why AstraZeneca: Here, you will help deliver life-changing medicines through a modern, end-to-end supply ecosystem powered by digital tools, Lean practices, and close-knit collaboration. You will join a diverse, multigenerational team that connects scientific ambition with operational excellence, turning complex challenges into practical solutions at speed. We value kindness alongside ambition, creating a safe environment where people speak up, share ideas, and learn fast. With constant new products and launches, you will have real scope to influence how we design and scale systems, strengthen sustainability, and shape future-ready ways of working that directly benefit patients.
Call to Action: Step into a role where your leadership elevates teams, accelerates studies, and secures patient supply—make your impact now!
Date Posted: 07-sep-2026
Closing Date: 12-sep-2026
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.
Associate Director Clinical Supply IRT Management - Delivery 12 months secondment in Macclesfield employer: AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cambridge where innovation meets collaboration. Employees benefit from a culture that values entrepreneurial thinking and scientific excellence, alongside opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and cross-functional projects. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, AstraZeneca fosters a supportive atmosphere that empowers individuals to make meaningful contributions to life-changing medicines.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director Clinical Supply IRT Management - Delivery 12 months secondment in Macclesfield
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director Clinical Supply IRT Management - Delivery 12 months secondment in Macclesfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in the pharmaceutical industry, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Whether that's internships, lab work, or even related coursework, make sure to weave this into your CV and cover letter. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're applying for at AstraZeneca!
Emphasise Your Understanding of Regulations:The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated, so it's important to indicate your familiarity with industry standards and regulations. In your cover letter, mention any training or certifications you've received that are relevant, or discuss projects where you’ve navigated compliance. This will show AstraZeneca that you're not just a fit for the job but also a safety-conscious candidate!
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How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Understand the Science
Make sure you brush up on key pharmaceutical concepts and recent developments in the industry. You might get asked some technical questions during the interview at AstraZeneca that show your grasp of drug development processes or regulatory requirements, so be ready to discuss them clearly.
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If you have any hands-on experience or internships in a laboratory setting, be sure to highlight these in your responses. Think about the projects you worked on, the methodologies you used, and the impact you made. It's all about telling a story that connects your background to the role you're applying for.
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In a full-time pharmaceutical role, understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. Prepare for situational questions that may test your problem-solving skills concerning compliance and safety standards. You could be asked how you'd handle a hypothetical issue regarding a drug’s market release, so think through your approach.
