The Global Development Business Planning and Operations Group is an integral, global group within Development Operations (Dev Ops). It consists of Strategic Planning, Business Operations, Portfolio & Capacity Management and Clinical Metrics.  The Portfolio & Capacity Management group provides best in class portfolio and capacity management to support key business decisions and maximise portfolio delivery.

The Clinical Project Planning Specialist provide critical support to the TA Clinical Project Directors in building the clinical components of the cross-functional Drug development plans. They apply specialist knowledge within clinical project management to drive consistent approaches to planning and data quality. They sure a holistic view of clinical milestones, $ and FTEs can be achieved at all levels (study, project and portfolio) to optimise inputs to key business cycle reporting and capacity management. The Clinical Project Planning Specialist provide support across all Therapy areas and across the value chain (early and late).

Accountabilities

Creation and maintenance of drug project plans:

• Provide support and expertise to Clinical Project Directors when setting up new studies and advise them on appropriate best practice for scheduling, resource and dollar forecasting in line with the clinical strategy.

Support monthly reporting cycle:

• Provide ad hoc support in line with the monthly reporting process, work with the Clinical Project Directors functional PMs (DCDs or ADCDs) as needed to address critical updates in the schedule or forecast
• Drive Compliance and quality
• Define, monitor and measure data quality metrics associated with the clinical elements of the plans (schedule, costs and resources).
• Champion PLANIT as “One source of the truth”, drive the importance of data quality and the potential impact on business cycle reporting and decision making when working with teams.
• In line with monthly reporting timelines; monitor compliance and quality to ensure of the highest standard. Identify data quality issues ahead of the reporting deadline and work with project teams to address (project activities are linked appropriately, plans are set up consistently in line with reporting needs, activity durations and resource forecasts are accurate)

Increase working knowledge in the Project Management tool:

• Develop personal knowledge and expertise of the Project management tools to ensure can provide expert advice and guidance as required
• Train TA Clinical Project Directors in working in the Project Management tool with a focus on Clinical activities
• Contribute to the development of training materials in line with customer needs (feedback, new features or changes in system functionality)

Support for continuous improvement initiatives:

• Provide support for continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing ways of working and identifying productivity improvements.  I.e., providing expert knowledge as input to the requirements, supporting migration activities or delivering refreshed training and support as a result of the implementation of new ways of working.

Requirements

• University degree (or equivalent) in business and or/sciences
• Experience working within a Pharmaceutical organisation
• Knowledge of the AZ/Pharmaceutical drug development process
• Experience in use of project management software solutions, including skills in critical path analysis (eg MS Project)
• In depth knowledge of project management as a discipline, especially in a cross-functional environment including the ability to create, coordinate, and maintain an integrated product plan and to control or respond to changes in strategy and scope
• Demonstrated ability to interrogate, understand and apply project management data
• Demonstrated proficiency at working with IT systems
• Customer focus (meet the needs of project teams for their expertise and information)
• Attention to detail and passion for quality
• Ability to work collaboratively; proven organizational and analytical skills, and proven skills to deliver to time, cost and quality
• Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English
• Good business communication and presentation skills
• Ability to transfer knowledge efficiently (mentorship/trainings)
• Exhibit of AZ Values and Behaviours
• Highly organized and able to work independently on multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Experience in use of enterprise-wide pharmaceutical project management software solutions (eg  Planisware)

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.