Director of Project Management Office, Cell Therapy Technical Operations
About The Position
The Director of Project Management Office, Cell Therapy Technical Operations is a highly strategic leadership role responsible for establishing, digitizing, and leading the Operations branch of the centralized Cell Therapy Technical Operations (CTTO) PMO. This leader will set up the PMO's ways of working across CTTO with the ultimate vision of building a PM-enabled, self-sufficient organization. Reporting into the CMC Portfolio Strategy Cell Therapy organization, this role will oversee high-value Technical and Operational Projects while simultaneously establishing the standard project management framework, governance, tools, and best practices to be utilized across all tiers of the CTTO projects portfolio. By leveraging artificial intelligence and digital automation aligned with AstraZeneca's 2030 ambition, this role will empower technical leaders to manage projects independently, utilizing dedicated PMO resources primarily for complex initiation and planning phases. This position is based in Gaithersburg, MD.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a Life Sciences, Engineering, or relevant technical field required.
- 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or Cell Therapy industry, with at least 8+ years specifically in project, program, or portfolio management.
- Proven experience managing direct reports and leading PMOs or shared-service project teams within a complex, highly matrixed environment.
- Deep operational understanding of cell therapy supply chain, vein-to-vein logistics, network capacity, and cGMP/regulatory requirements.
- Advanced proficiency in portfolio management software (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Agile).
- Active PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is required.
- Outstanding written, interpersonal, and executive-level presentation skills. Must possess the ability to distill complex operational data into clear, compelling narratives to effectively influence senior leadership, drive alignment, and foster collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Drive change management across organizational levels, and reset cultural expectations regarding project governance and resource allocation.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree or MBA is highly preferred.
- Lean Six Sigma highly desired.
- Tech-savvy and avid practitioner of digital automation and AI tools highly preferred.
- Proven experience working alongside IT departments to develop and implement digital or AI-driven solutions specifically for operational or project portfolio management is a plus.
Responsibilities
- Directly manage or oversee the execution of complex, highly cross-functional above-site Projects ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
- Develop, implement, and maintain a centralized, real-time portfolio dashboard capturing all active projects across the CTTO organization, ensuring full transparency of organizational demand, resources, and strategic alignment.
- Design and embed standard project management ways of working across CTTO to foster a PM-enabled, self-sufficient organization. Empower functional Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and leaders to act as independent Project Leads, requiring dedicated PMO support for critical lifecycle steps like project initiation and complex planning.
- Develop, maintain, and continuously improve the PMO by leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions and artificial intelligence in alignment with AstraZeneca's 2030 ambition. Partner directly with IT to design, test, and implement custom AI tools and automation strategies that streamline project management workflows.
- Act as the authoritative voice for project management methodology within CTTO. Design, deploy, and govern standardized, highly automated tools (e.g., Project Charters, RAID logs, unified RAG dashboards) to ensure uniform, efficient ways of working across all project tiers.
- Partner with the CTTO Leadership Team acting as the Project Review Committee (PRC). Facilitate governance meetings to drive data-backed, Go/No-Go decisions, manage capacity forecasting, prioritize resource allocation, and rapidly resolve escalated project risks.
- Foster a collaborative relationship with the internal CMC PM team to build a unified Community of Practice. Lead outward-facing networking by engaging with enterprise PM communities outside of CTDO, influencing broader AstraZeneca standards, and integrating industry-leading digital practices back into the organization.
- Provides direct line management to a targeted team of Cell Therapy Project Managers and external contractors deployed for peak portfolio demand or specialized planning phases.
- Cultivates talent through coaching, professional development, and succession planning. Ensures the team builds the necessary matrix leadership skills, digital fluency, and strategic execution capabilities required to drive complex business objectives.
- Leads formal issue escalation and resolution in partnership with the matrix team, sponsors, and the Project Review Committee (PRC).
Benefits
- short-term incentive bonus opportunity
- equity-based long-term incentive program
- retirement contribution
- commission payment eligibility
- qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]
- paid vacation and holidays
- paid leaves
- health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
