Director, Upstream and CLD Digital & AI Transformation

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

38d

About The Position

The Director of Digitalization & AI Transformation is responsible for shaping and implementing an integrated strategy that advances digitalization, AI, and predictive science within Upstream Process Development and CLD. This pivotal role will unlock the potential of our data—maximizing automation, reuse, and insight generation by collaborating with expert functions (e.g., DSM, APD, R&D IT) and cross-functional transformation teams (e.g., BDAT, MAST). The Director will deliver high-impact, value-driven, data-centric and AI-enabled solutions that transform ways of working in a coordinated, scalable manner. The successful candidate will drive a multi-year transformation roadmap, prioritizing and delivering digital and AI tools aligned with business objectives. They will lead teams that rapidly evaluate emerging technologies, scale successful pilots, and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget. The role will spearhead function-wide change management by fostering a culture of continuous learning, promoting data-centric behaviors and AI literacy, and clearly communicating the vision and value of data, AI, and predictive science across the organization. As Upstream representative on cross-functional transformation teams (e.g., BDAT, MAST), the Director will ensure functional priorities are incorporated into broader initiatives while providing insight into key functional projects. The position also offers opportunities to lead major cross-functional projects, driving collaboration and delivering shared organizational objectives. Ideal candidates will be strategic leaders with a consistent track record implementing technical projects (ideally including digitalization and AI initiatives) within their relevant functional area, are subject matter experts in upstream and are familiar with the technology landscape and business processes. They must have demonstrated ability in leading or implementing new technology. They are passionate about transformation and skilled at guiding cross-functional teams to achieve measurable outcomes and meaningful change.

Requirements

• Leadership & Strategy: Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills, with a proven track record to drive organizational change and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Domain Knowledge: Deep understanding of Biopharmaceutical Development scientific processes and associated challenges; subject matter expertise in Drug Substance Development; familiarity with the technology and business processes of the supported function; ability to translate scientific needs into practical, scalable digital and AI solutions.
• Program & Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs and leading cross-functional teams from concept to scaled deployment.
• Technology Exposure: Substantial exposure to technologies for data storage, consumption, automation, and reuse, and to AI technologies and their application in scientific or operational contexts.
• Communication: Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to convey a clear vision and influence decision-making.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 12 years of experience, Master’s degree with 10 years of experience, or PhD with 8 years of experience.

Nice To Haves

• Innovation Mindset: Passion for innovation, digital transformation, and advancing the art of the possible with AI and predictive science.
• Outcome Focus: Collaborative mindset with a strong focus on delivering measurable outcomes and sustained value.
• Scalability & Practicality: Ability to design solutions that are technically robust, user-centric, and scalable across the function.
• Change Leadership: Strong advocacy for continuous learning, responsible AI, and data-centric culture.

Responsibilities

• Strategy & Roadmap: Develop, drive, and iteratively refine a functional Digitalization, AI, and predictive science strategy aligned with business objectives and emerging trends. Define and maintain the functional roadmap, ensuring prioritization and alignment with departmental transformation goals.
• Developing code strategy: Develop foundational data and AI literacy (including use of AI Copilot tools) to communicate effectively with data science and engineering teams; apply basic scripting or notebook skills where appropriate to support pilots.`
• Delivery & Governance: Collaborate with expert functions (e.g., DSM, APD, R&D IT) to lead end-to-end delivery of digitalization, AI, and predictive science projects—from requirements' definition through PoC, pilot, and full production deployment—with robust governance, risk management, and value tracking.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead and serve as a key contributor to functional matrix teams, fostering close collaboration to deliver high-impact projects. Represent Upstream on transformation teams (e.g., BDAT, MAST), actively influence cross-functional decisions, and proactively share functional plans and progress with the wider department.
• Adoption & Change Management: Accelerate adoption by creating training programs, communication plans, and KPIs to measure impact and success; champion data-centric behaviors and AI literacy across the function.
• Capability Building: Partner with leadership to assess and adapt functional capabilities (talent, technology, capacity) to accelerate and scale delivery of the multi-year roadmap; identify skill gaps and develop upskilling pathways.
• Execution Excellence: Rapidly lead the evaluation of emerging technologies, scale successful pilots, handle budgets and resource plans, and ensure projects remain on track and deliver measurable value.
• Enterprise Integration: Ensure solutions are coordinated, interoperable, and scalable; promote standards for data storage, consumption, automation, reuse, and responsible AI practices.
• Lead Major Initiatives: When required, lead major cross-functional digital transformation projects that deliver shared organizational objectives.

Benefits

• qualified retirement programs
• paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves)
• health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees