Director, Operations IT - Business Partner, Manufacturing Execution Systems

AstraZeneca; Macclesfield; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global healthcare leader based in the United Kingdom seeks a Director of Operations IT to lead the transformation of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). This pivotal role aims to align technological advancements with operational goals, optimize compliance, and improve performance across manufacturing sites. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in IT within manufacturing, solid leadership experience, and proficiency in MES platforms such as Werum PAS-X and Tulip. A collaborative and strategic mindset is essential to drive impactful solutions for patient outcomes.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Previous experience in IT within manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of GMP practices and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead global teams and manage large-scale projects.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the global MES strategy.
• Build and maintain the MES technology roadmap.
• Plan and prioritize multi-site MES programs.

Skills

Leadership in IT within manufacturing

Understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing

Proficiency in MES platforms

Strong analytical mindset

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering

Tools

Werum PAS-X

Tulip

Job description

Are you ready to set the global direction for digital manufacturing and turn MES into a strategic lever for speed, quality, and compliance that gets medicines to patients sooner? This role leads the vision and delivery of modern execution platforms across our manufacturing network, transforming how we operate with data and technology.

As Director, Operations IT - Business Partner, Manufacturing Execution Systems, you will convert bold enterprise goals into a pragmatic roadmap, aligning solutions such as Werum PAS-X and Tulip with ERP and automation to standardize processes, assure data integrity, and elevate performance. You will bring clarity to complex requirements, prioritizing investments that improve throughput, reduce risk, and strengthen compliance.

You will partner with Manufacturing business process owners, site leaders, global IT teams, and vendors to build capabilities at scale and sustain outcomes. Suitable applicants from other AZ hub/Operations sites will be considered. Can you see yourself turning intricate manufacturing needs into resilient, scalable systems that make production safer and smarter?

Accountabilities

• Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the global MES strategy aligned to AstraZeneca’s 2030 ambition, translating business goals into measurable operational outcomes.
• Technology Roadmap: Build and maintain a forward-looking MES roadmap that leverages technology advancements to enhance execution, quality, and compliance across sites.
• Global Program Planning: Proactively plan and prioritize multi-site MES programs and projects with regions and sites to drive consistent adoption and demonstrable value.
• Design and Standardization: Govern end-to-end design, configuration, integration, and deployment to deliver standardized templates and enterprise efficiencies.
• Regulatory and Quality Alignment: Ensure solutions meet GMP, FDA, and company standards, embedding best practices that protect product quality and patient safety.
• Performance Optimization: Continuously assess system performance and drive improvements in usability, reliability, and throughput.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Partner with Manufacturing BPOs, site teams, IT, ERP teams, and external providers to co-create solutions and sustain outcomes.
• IT Delivery Leadership: Coordinate Business Analysts, Architects, and Service Delivery teams to plan, deliver, and operate MES globally with robust SLAs.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure cybersecurity‑by‑design and validation rigor; manage risks across the MES lifecycle.
• SOPs and Validation: Establish and maintain SOPs governing MES usage, data integrity, and system validation.
• Budget Ownership: Own MES program budgets, maximize ROI, and maintain transparency on cost, value, and risk.
• Vendor Management: Evaluate, select, and manage MES vendors and partners to ensure performance and alignment with strategy.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field
• Previous experience in IT within manufacturing, with demonstrable experience in a leadership role focusing on MES.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical manufacturing, GMP practices, and regulatory frameworks.
• Proficiency in MES platforms (Werum PAS‑X and/or Tulip) and their integration with ERP and automation systems.
• Proven ability to lead global teams and manage complex, large‑scale projects.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to troubleshoot technical challenges and deliver solutions.
• Proven ability to work with external vendors.
• Proven ability to work with global teams in relation to MES platforms.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life‑changing medicines. In‑person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Why AstraZeneca

This is a pivotal moment to shape how digital and data fuel our enterprise and unlock the potential of science. You will collaborate with diverse experts who experiment, learn, and build at pace—bringing together unexpected teams to create practical solutions with real patient impact. With strong investment and a spirit of curiosity, you will explore leading technologies, drive cross‑company change, and design scalable systems that make manufacturing simpler and faster. We value kindness alongside ambition, and we back bold ideas with the support to turn them into outcomes that matter.

Step into the role that builds the digital backbone of manufacturing—put yourself forward today and lead the MES transformation that accelerates impact for patients.

Date Posted: 11-Dec-2025

Closing Date: 25-Dec-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.