As AstraZeneca launches the Growth Through Innovation strategy, our new R&D model – aligned with the

commercial units – will help us deliver new medicines to patients and drive a sustainable, innovative and future

focused pipeline.

Development Operations brings together all the skills groups to drive critical operational activities for early and late stage medicines development.  We have deep and specialist expertise in study and site management, data management, technical systems and processes, and in working with CROs and partner organisations to ensure the fast, efficient, ethical and quality delivery of our clinical trials in countries around the world.

We are nearly 2,500 people operating in more than 45 countries across the globe - partnering with the early and late TAs to meet the demands of extensive clinical trial programmes involving many thousands of patients.

The Associate Director, Operations will manage the central operations services team supporting Document Mangement and Unified Clinical System.  They will be a member of the Document and Unified Clinical System leadership team in Global Clinical Solutions (GCS) within Development Operations and will report to the GCSLT member. 

The role will be accountable for providing leadership and strategic direction to GCS and other functional partner personnel and for driving the delivery of Development Operations processes, technology and services that meet customer needs and enable optimal end-to-end delivery of clinical studies. The Associate Director is accountable for the identification, definition and delivery of major / transformative improvements in end-to-end clinical study delivery, utilising tools and techniques to achieve continuous improvement and value creation such as Lean Six Sigma.

Individuals in this job are assigned one or more roles relating to the leadership, oversight and development of GCS function, personnel and the processes, technology and services owned by Development Operations.

The role will make and nurture connections internally to maximise learning, sharing, sensing/feedback, adoption and capability building opportunities within a function and/or across boundaries.

Typical Accountabilities

• Provide strategic oversight of the GCS personnel, processes, technology and services within the allocated area 
• Accountable for the design, development, implementation, maintenance, continuous improvement and ongoing customer support for the technology and services related to Document Management and Unified Clinical System and for ensuring compliance with applicable industry regulations and AstraZeneca Global and Local policies.  
• Works collaboratively with the other sub-departments in Document & Unified Clinical system for the provision of high quality training for all new and updated processes, systems and services within Document Management and Unified Clinical System
• Act as the primary point of escalation for Operations personnel for any risks and issues identified within Document & Unified Clinical System Central Services
• Member of Executive Steering Committees and Governance Teams relating to processes, technology and services support Document and Trial Operations Management.
• Work with Leadership to define and monitor key performance indicators to evaluate the overall performance of the services provided., analyse performance and trends, share performance information and work with personnel to identify and implement solutions that improve business performance
• Oversee the delivery of Corrective and Preventive Actions to time and quality, and act on data or trends identified through the Quality & Risk Management process.
• Provides global management and leadership to fulfil global management accountabilities and local employment law requirements
• Attracts, develops and retains top talent and actively works to promote team building and morale within the department
• Provides direction, real time situational mentoring, career development guidance, and coaching as appropriate
• Provides performance management, performance assessment and reward and recognition proposals for direct reports
• Develops and nurture future AZ leaders by leading and driving the capability development of the Enablement function. Builds a sustainable capability development framework and ensure individuals are equipped with the right skills and capabilities to deliver.

Essential

• Bachelor’s of Science in an appropriate discipline or equivalent experience
• Extensive experience in Drug Development within a pharmaceutical or clinical background
• High level of business process, technology and Clinical Study information knowledge
• Proven leadership skills promoting motivation and empowerment of others in order to accomplish individual, team and organisational objectives
• Experience in working successfully and collaboratively with external partners delivering mutual benefit
• Ability to identify opportunities, lead and foster cross-functional collaboration, and to work across boundaries to increase performance in the end-to-end clinical development value chain
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication and influencing skills, negotiation, presentation, knowledge transfer (mentoring), collaboration, problem solving, conflict management and interpersonal skills

Desirable

• Advanced degree in a scientific discipline
• Experienced and highly capable in line management and in driving performance on a global basis
• Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, resources, performance targets and project initiatives in a global and regional environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage through change, and see change as an opportunity to improve performance and add value to the business

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.