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- Tasks: Shape strategy and lead operations for global product development in biopharmaceuticals.
- Company: AstraZeneca, a leading science-led biopharmaceutical company focused on patient care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, generous time off, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against serious diseases and cancer.
- Qualifications: Leadership experience, strong analytical skills, and knowledge of drug development processes.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 ÂŁ per year.
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. We pioneer new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working toward the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.
Role Overview
As the Senior Director Strategy and Operations for Global Product Development (GPD), you will shape the strategy and future vision of the GPD organization. You will manage a global portfolio within a large, complex functional area of approximately 500 employees across three countries. Your responsibilities include:
- Designing and coordinating management processes that connect strategic objectives with key performance indicators (KPIs), enabling senior leadership in the Global Product Development Leadership Team (GPDLT) and Pharmaceutical Technology and Development Leadership Team (PT) to align strategic priorities with PT.
- Driving portfolio, resource and risk management; ensuring timely, high‑quality decision‑making.
- Building, owning and leading the evaluation of business performance across the functional area; developing measures, assessing key metrics, reporting trends; devising solutions to performance issues.
- Driving GPD Business Review Meeting (BRM) preparations; composing compelling narratives using deep insights of critical business priorities.
- Leading rolling budget updates and Mid Term Planning submissions; working with Finance Business Partners; ensuring forecast assumptions and financial governance are maintained.
- Owning portfolio management and oversight; managing agile supply allocation; prompting escalation of resourcing issues; collaborating with PT to present key data and assessments to GPDLT and PT, highlighting issues and proposing improvement plans.
- Developing the GPD Strategic Roadmap; leading the annual GPD scorecard; tracking progress using the Tier system.
- Facilitating risk management framework and processes; ensuring effective identification, communication and mitigation of functional and project risks.
- Ensuring GPD adopts Lean practices, adheres to business process management and other organisational standards; collaborating with the broader Business Performance team.
- Building strong relationships and networks with Strategy to drive continuous improvement and share best practices.
- Advancing the GPD People agenda; working with HR Business Partners to conduct key People calendar activities such as promotions, succession planning and performance reviews.
- Leading the GPD Systems Team to harmonise system applications across geographies and maintain ownership of relevant PT.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree (MBA or similar) preferred; degree may be in science/technology, IT, business administration or related field.
- Leadership experience promoting, motivating and empowering teams to achieve objectives.
- Strong experience in business and performance management, including portfolio management, preferably in a mixed in‑house/outsourced IT environment.
- Significant understanding of the overall drug development and commercialisation process from development to life‑cycle management.
- Experience leading budgets and using emerging business intelligence tools.
- Experience with leading central activities such as allocation oversight, demand planning, contractor coordination and capability development.
- Excellent analytical, organisational, project‑management, facilitation, relationship‑building, communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills.
- Ability to analyse data, identify trends and construct practical solutions for business improvement.
- Experience working with diverse global teams and influencing others to achieve positive outcomes.
- Experience applying Benefits and Value Management techniques in a business‑performance context.
- Strong customer‑service orientation and senior‑level leadership skills; strong collaboration skills.
- Knowledge and application of Lean principles.
Desirables
- Ability to lead cross‑functional working groups and teams.
- Strong knowledge of the latest technical and regulatory developments.
In‑Office Requirement
We balance an expectation of working in the office with flexibility. On average, we seek a minimum of three days per week from the office, while respecting individual flexibility.
Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package: flexible employee benefits fund, holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, performance recognition scheme and generous remuneration.
EEO Statement
Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments and accommodations to help all candidates perform at their best.
Senior Director, Business Strategy and Operations employer: AstraZeneca
Contact Detail:
AstraZeneca Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Business Strategy and Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at AstraZeneca on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by diving deep into AstraZeneca's recent projects and initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just interested, but genuinely passionate about their mission to eliminate cancer.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you. This will help us articulate our experience and how it aligns with the Senior Director role, especially around strategy and operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we can track our progress and stay updated on any new opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Business Strategy and Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it relates to business strategy and operations.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; focus on what you’ve achieved in previous roles. Use metrics and examples to demonstrate how you've driven performance improvements or managed complex projects successfully.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application is received directly by our team and allows us to process it more efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand AstraZeneca's mission and the specifics of the Senior Director role. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects, especially in Global Product Development, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in managing large teams and complex portfolios. Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams to achieve objectives and how you’ve handled challenges in a global context.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves performance management and KPIs, come prepared with insights on how you've used data to drive business decisions. Share specific metrics or trends you've identified in past roles and how they led to improvements.
✨Build Connections
Demonstrate your ability to build strong relationships by discussing how you've collaborated with diverse teams. Highlight any experience you have in cross-functional working groups and how you’ve influenced others to achieve positive outcomes.