Executive Director, Biologics Business Operations

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

4d

About The Position

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies. We’re also a Great Place to Work. Biologics Operations manufactures and supplies innovative biologic medicines to patients worldwide. This is a collaborative environment where people are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. Welcome to an inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Experience the benefits of lifelong learning, growth and development. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society – and there’s no better time to join our exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare. While the advertised location for this position is Gaithersburg, US - We are able to offer flexibility where the role can be based, and it can be based at any Global Bio Ops location. Position Overview: We are seeking an Executive Director, Biologics Business Operations to, in close collaboration with GSC&S, Global Quality and BPD drive the development, continuous adjustment and successful deployment of the Global Biologics Strategy across Global Biologics Operations. This includes amongst other things Lead the development and successfully drive the deployment of the Global Biologics Strategy including ensuring clear critical success factors, KPI-s and governance To lead the Global Biologics PMO organization and own the GBS relationship re project delivery To oversee and govern SHE and sustainability across Global Biologics Operations including the new builds and Site expansions meets the sustainability expectations To own and lead the digital, data and AI strategy development and deployment across Global Biologics. This will be done in close collaboration with IT, Enterprise AI and the Ops DTO To be the local sponsor and client towards the Axial program ensuring successful deployments across the Global Biologics Sites To own and lead the Operational Excellence efforts across Global Biologics. This will be done in close collaboration with Site Operations To lead the Global Biologics Operations communications and change management function Together with the Biologics FRD and in close collaboration with finance and the Bio Sites and functions lead the COGm reduction and productivity efforts with the aim to deliver the Biologics Bold ambition in these areas To oversee the expansion of the Biologics Network and the associated capital projects. Lead the E2E Flu governance forum and work closely with BPD, GSC&S, Finance and Commercial to ensure an integrated strategy is in place and gets delivered The Business Operations Lead will partner with manufacturing sites, technical operations, quality, supply chain, finance, and enterprise functions to deliver a future-ready biologics operations network. The person in this role is a key member of the Bio Ops Leadership Team and is responsible for ensuring that the organisation delivers on all relevant metrics and KPI’s associated with our manufacturing & supply activities. This role reports into the Senior VP, Biologics Operations and will be expected to represent the Senior VP in multiple senior cross functional governance and decision-making forums. The role will be based on one of our major Biologics Operations locations, with 15-25% global travel expected.

Requirements

• 15+ years’ experience in a senior leadership role within the biopharmaceutical or related industry, experience in leading cross-functional transformations is an advantage.
• Track record delivering measurable improvements in safety, quality, service, cost, and productivity using structured methodologies.
• Practical experience implementing digital solutions in GMP environments (e.g., MES, data platforms/ETL, analytics, AI/ML, visualization).
• Excellent executive presence; ability to simplify complexity, influence without authority, and drive alignment across senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data and make strategic decisions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage both tactically and strategically, to prepare contingency plans and ensure execution of plans
• Sound judgment and comfortable operating in a challenging, fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in developing, motivating, and organizing high performing work groups in the biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry.
• Excellent communication skills—both upwards and downwards and outside the company.
• Ability to lead and communicate orally, in written documents, and in formal presentations is required

Nice To Haves

• Undergraduate degree in a Science or Engineering discipline.
• Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) is an advantage.
• Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent is an advantage.
• Good understanding of biologics manufacturing, GMP requirements, and tech ops.
• Experience with manufacturing data models, KPI frameworks, and advanced analytics use cases in operations.
• Experience leading a manufacturing Site or large PET Lead or sponsored large and complex capital programs
• Experience in establishing and running PMO governance, benefits tracking, and risk/issue management for complex, multi-site programs.

Responsibilities

• ADC Virginia: Responsible for ensuring all Bio Ops requirements are included in overall facility & campus design. Build a team capable of supporting commissioning, start up and regulatory approval of ADC facility.
• Singapore Operations, FMC West, SBC Expansion, NMF expansion – Support the local client leads, ensure cross program learning and strong governance to ensure early escalation of potential issues.
• Flu Franchise Governance: Lead the Flu Franchise governance to ensure we have an aligned approach across Operations & Process Development, driving the franchise strategy and translating it into actionable deliverables.
• Stakeholder Partnership: Collaborate with Site Heads, Quality, Technical, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, and Enterprise Digital/SHE to ensure alignment, resource optimization, and value delivery. Represent the SVP Biologics and Global Biologics in Senior Leader Decision Making forums.
• SHE Leadership: Champion a proactive safety culture; ensure compliance with internal standards and external regulations; drive risk management, incident learning, and continuous improvement in safety and environmental performance.
• Lean/Operational Excellence: Own the Lean strategy and deployment; embed standard work, visual management, problem-solving and daily performance management; deliver productivity, flow, and quality improvements through Kaizen and value-stream transformations.
• AI, Digital & Data Enablement: Shape and execute the digital roadmap for Biologics Operations; partner with IT/Data teams to scale MES, eBatch, advanced analytics, AI/ML use cases, digital twins etc; improve decision-making with trusted data, dashboards, and KPIs. Drive the Bio Ops AI agenda ensuring that AI is fully exploited and the value maximized to support the productivity and COGm reduction ambitions
• PMO Leadership: Lead the Biologics Operations PMO, establishing governance, prioritization, and delivery discipline across strategic programs and site initiatives; manage portfolio health, risks, dependencies, and benefits realization.
• Strategy Development & Deployment: In close collaboration with GSC&S and Finance facilitate annual and multi-year strategy cycles; translate strategy into executable roadmaps and budgets; align goals (AOP/LRPs) and cascade objectives through Hoshin/OKRs; track performance and course-correct.
• Performance Management: Define and maintain a balanced scorecard for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people; benchmark internally and externally to set stretch ambition.
• Change & Communications: Lead change management for transformations; create clear narratives and engagement plans; ensure consistent communications to leadership, sites, and functional partners.
• Leadership & Talent: Build and lead a high-performing Business Operations team across SHE, Lean, Digital, PMO, and Strategy; coach leaders and develop capability across the network.
• Productivity, Budget & Resources: Supporting the development of improvement plans, budget and resource plans to ensure that Bio Ops objectives are met.

Benefits

• Benefits offered included a qualified retirement program [401(k) plan]; paid vacation and holidays; paid leaves; and, health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.
• Additional details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive