Head of AI Transformation

ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED; Macclesfield; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pharmaceutical company in the UK is seeking a Project Manager to lead its AI Development Agent programme. The ideal candidate will have a PhD in a scientific field and significant experience in project management within the pharmaceutical industry. Responsibilities include developing project plans, managing budgets, and influencing technical functions to ensure the programme's success. Join a company committed to innovation in delivering medicines sustainably.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a core scientific field.
• Experience in leading high performing teams.
• Insight into the CMC drug development process.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development of a $50M AI programme.
• Develop project plans and manage budgets.
• Influence technical functions for implementation.

Skills

Project Management

AI Technology Insight

Collaboration

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Education

PhD or equivalent in a scientific field

Job description

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.,

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 stakeholder 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.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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.

Skills and Capabilities

• 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.

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.

At AstraZeneca, technology is at the heart of delivering medicines quickly, affordably, and sustainably. Our commitment to innovation means creating smart factories and embracing change to improve processes patient outcomes. With a diverse workforce united by curiosity, we share learnings rapidly to make a bigger impact on society and the planet. Experience the support and investment from our leaders as we accelerate our digital journey.