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- Tasks: Lead sustainability initiatives and foster collaboration within a dynamic team.
- Company: AstraZeneca is a global leader in pharmaceuticals, dedicated to sustainable healthcare solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, smart factories, and a culture of innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while working with cutting-edge technologies and diverse teams.
- Qualifications: BSc/PhD in a relevant field with proven experience in sustainability and team leadership.
- Other info: Join us in our mission to deliver life-changing medicines and embrace a culture of inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
The Head of Sustainability leads a matrix team by fostering a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment, empowering team members, and driving accountability for sustainability initiatives. This role spearheads the Chemical Development sustainability initiative and actively collaborates to align with AstraZeneca's overall sustainability ambition. By leveraging the diverse expertise of the team and fostering cross-functional cooperation, this leadership approach ensures agility, proactivity, and a steadfast commitment to achieving long-term sustainable outcomes.
Accountabilities
- Strategic Leadership: Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive sustainability strategy for the Chemical Development Department, ensuring alignment with broader corporate sustainability objectives. Provide strategic insights, data, and recommendations to senior leadership on sustainability matters, helping to influence decision-making and future investments in sustainable development.
- Team Leadership: Guide cross-functional teams, ensuring that sustainability principles are embedded in every stage of process development. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the internal team.
- Advisory Role for External Partners: Serve as the key sustainability advisor for external partners, driving the adoption of sustainable practices throughout the supply chain and manufacturing processes. Ensure that external partners are aligned with our sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.
- Sustainable Innovation: Through the team, identify and champion cutting-edge technologies and processes that improve environmental sustainability, reduce waste, and minimize resource consumption. Ensure that innovations are aligned with long-term business and environmental objectives.
- Regulatory and Compliance Oversight: Working with global SHE and ESM, ensure that all external partnerships comply with relevant environmental regulations and sustainability standards. Work closely with regulatory teams to anticipate and adapt to evolving environmental policies.
- Collaboration and Influence: Build strong relationships with internal departments (R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain) and external stakeholders to ensure a seamless approach to sustainability across all operations. Promote internal awareness and engagement through education and advocacy at all levels.
Essential Skills/Experience
- BSc/PhD level education in a relevant discipline
- Proven experience in sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), or a related field.
- Experience in leading sustainability projects, programs, or initiatives successfully
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams and influence others, including stakeholders across different levels of the organization.
- Ability to think and operate across functional boundaries, challenge the status quo and seek opportunities for business improvement
- Ability to develop and execute a strategy with clear objective definition, key performance indicators and plans
- Ability to analyse and interpret complex situations and provide clear strategic directions for others
- Excellent communication and strategic influencing skills across interfaces of discipline, culture, and expertise both internally and externally
Desirable Skills/Experience
- Significant experience working within a Research & Development or Manufacturing environment, within the pharmaceutical industry
- Possess a detailed understanding of the overall drug development process from discovery through to launch and lifecycle management
- Strong external profile demonstrating scientific leadership
- Extensive experience of the disciplines within chemical development and how they combine to deliver commercial manufacturing processes and control strategies
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.
At AstraZeneca, we are dedicated to getting more medicines to patients quickly, affordably, and sustainably. By embracing technology, we transform our ways of working both internally and externally. Our smart factories enhance our operations while making AstraZeneca an inspiring place to work. Here, we embrace change, trial new solutions, and use data to improve our processes. Our diverse workforce is united by curiosity, sharing learnings rapidly. Join us in delivering life-changing medicines through digital innovation.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now!
Date Posted 02-May-2025
Closing Date 22-May-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.
Contact Detail:
AstraZeneca Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainability Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the sustainability and pharmaceutical sectors. Attend industry conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and leaders in the field. This can help you gain insights into the latest trends and practices, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with AstraZeneca's sustainability initiatives and goals. Understanding their specific objectives will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission during interviews or networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully led sustainability projects in the past. Be prepared to discuss how you foster collaboration and drive accountability within teams, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on regulatory changes and sustainability standards relevant to the pharmaceutical industry. Being knowledgeable about compliance issues will not only enhance your credibility but also demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices in your conversations with potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainability Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take the time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Sustainability Director position. Familiarise yourself with AstraZeneca's sustainability goals and how this role contributes to them.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and leadership roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for sustainability and innovation. Mention how your background aligns with AstraZeneca's mission and values, and provide insights into your strategic vision for the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: In your application, emphasise your excellent communication and strategic influencing skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams or external partners to drive sustainability initiatives.
How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a Sustainability Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to develop and execute a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've aligned sustainability initiatives with corporate objectives in previous roles.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Skills
This role requires guiding cross-functional teams, so share experiences where you've successfully led diverse groups. Emphasise your approach to fostering collaboration and continuous improvement within teams, as well as how you empower team members.
✨Demonstrate Regulatory Knowledge
Understanding environmental regulations is key for this position. Be ready to discuss your experience with compliance oversight and how you've navigated regulatory challenges in past projects, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent communication skills are essential for influencing stakeholders. Prepare to showcase your ability to convey complex sustainability concepts clearly and persuasively, both internally and externally, to ensure alignment with sustainability goals.