At AstraZeneca, we make a difference every day by delivering life-changing medicines to millions of people globally. Our purpose is ambitious and so is our approach. Becoming a more agile and creative company means building a culture that inspires innovation and collaboration. Join us and become part of a Great Place to Work!

We are looking for an Associate Director, Global Project Management to be a core member of the Early Oncology Global Project Team, accountable for providing project management expertise to manage delivery of drug projects from the Lead Optimization (LO) phase through to the completion of proof of concept studies, up to Phase 3 Investment Decision (PH3ID). You will work with cross-functional project teams to align operational delivery with the project strategy, and ensure each project is managed according to the best practices within AstraZeneca.

Your areas of focus

Strategic Alignment

• Provide active input into project strategies & vision, ensuring alignment of the strategy with operational delivery
• Drive the efficient operation of the project team (including overall plans, priorities and risk management)

Cross-functional Team Leadership and Delivery

• Create a shared sense of purpose, inspire and energise others.
• Lead elements of the drug project strategy and other initiatives as required
• Coach project teams towards successful issue resolution and decision-making
• Focus the team on the right activities at the right time
• Strive for creating high performing teams

Governance

• Contribute to or lead specific aspects of preparing for governance interactions
• Navigate teams through governance and key processes that allows efficient (timely and informed) decision making for senior leaders
• Influence and use your network to ensure engagement at all levels prior to key decisions

Entrepreneurship

• Be a role model for learning and innovation; seek opportunities to drive positive change
• Champion best practice and adapt new project management practices to broader company processes
• Use business knowledge to drive cross functional and cross-project learning

Planning Monitoring and Controlling

• Ensure overall team deliverables, budgets, schedules, and performance standards are realistically set, governance agreed and attained, and that the project optimally fulfils all business reporting requirements
• Ensure efficient and effective management of project information
• Drive continuous improvement in data quality and forecasting while supplying accurate and timely information
• Risk management including risk assessment and mitigation planning

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor Degree required, Graduate level degree preferred
• At least 7 years of project management experience with pharmaceutical cross functional experience and a successful track record of delivering projects within agreed time, quality and cost
• Understanding of early drug development process
• Ability to influence and lead high-performing teams, keeping them focused on delivering goals and facilitate decision-making even when not all information is available
• Ability to adapt and navigate a changing business environment while delivering on project goals
• Ability to function collaboratively in a matrix environment through open, transparent, proactive communication often with senior leaders
• Experience with project management enterprise systems (such as Planisware)

Desirable Requirements

• Knowledge of the Oncology Therapy Area
• In-depth knowledge of drug development process, specifically large molecule experience, and preferably good understanding of translational medicine
• Exposure to assay development and leading interactions with external contract research organizations
• Business acumen – understand our vision and business needs
• Deliver projects within governance approved budget, time and resources
• Ability to understand complex scientific data

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.

Date Posted

Closing Date

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.