Head of AI Transformation

AstraZeneca • Gaithersburg, MD

86d

About The Position

AstraZeneca, a global, science-led pharmaceutical company, is seeking a highly motivated, innovative, and strategic Project Manager to lead the development and implementation of our industry-leading AI Development Agent (AIDA) programme. This role is critical in driving business results, with the expectation of doubling productivity within the product development function. The AIDA will be used to support our people to adopt a first digital mindset and allow simulation of business processes at different levels in the organisation. The role holder will be the main driving force to organise the work and inspire our people in this change journey. We have flexibility on the location of this role, and it can be based in the US, UK or Sweden.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent experience) in a core scientific field such as computer science, physics, mathematics, chemistry.
• Experience of creating and leading engaged, high performing teams, ideally across multiple pharmaceutical disciplines, demonstrating scientific leadership.
• Significant experience of working within a CMC organisation, and insight into how CMC contributes to the wider drug development process in all stages of development including commercialisation.
• Proven ability to influence across disease, therapy, and functional areas.
• Strong strategic and entrepreneurial thinking. Able to interpret complex situations and information in order to provide strategic clarity and opportunity.
• Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively internally and externally.

Nice To Haves

• Proven skills of managing projects or large change programmes, with a track record of delivering complex projects successfully by influencing change and driving performance.
• Excellent business acumen with a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry landscape.
• Demonstrates a high level of understanding of the AI technology landscape and can relate this to disease & therapy area and operations strategies and the implication for Pharmaceutical and Technology for their effective implementation.
• Proven experience from advanced AI training.
• Superior collaboration and networking skills, with a proven ability to build strong relationships both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethical behavior and understanding of sustainability in the context of business operations.
• Capable of making effective decisions, acts courageously and communicates with conviction and inspiration at all levels.
• Demands excellence (sets high bar) and delivers.
• Able to demonstrate the drive and energy to establish a high performing team and make a difference to the business.
• Demonstrate a high degree of personal credibility.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development of a $50M total, now 4-year digital/AI programme, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and within scope and emerging AI Governance.
• Be accountable for developing project plans including yearly business cases, goals, managing a budget, holding others accountable for timely deliveries and reporting progress on a regular basis to stakeholders in the wider organisation.
• Act as a change agent, advocating for the AIDA project across various stages and platforms, such as town halls and broadcasts, and ensure stakeholders across R&D and Manufacturing are engaged and aligned across early and late development.
• Implement and practice streamlining of processes, minimize waste, increase efficiency, identify risks and implement mitigations.
• Build and maintain a network of internal and external AI experts to foster knowledge sharing and collaborative problem solving.
• Influence across all technical and non-technical functions for their rapid and efficient implementation of technologies delivered by the program.
• Facilitate securing Intellectual Property strategies and maintaining freedom to operate as a business.
• Lead and coordinate a program team consisting of business representatives, IT representatives and sub-project leaders. Report progress to and be part of a steering Committee.
• Ensure that all developments are delivered in compliance with appropriate standards and guidelines.

Benefits

• Flexible working location (US, UK, or Sweden).
• In-person working with a minimum of three days per week from the office while respecting individual flexibility.
• Support and investment from leaders in the digital journey.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees