Director, Digital Business Partner

AstraZeneca; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 153,000 - 229,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Short-term incentives

Equity-based awards

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Job summary

AstraZeneca in Gaithersburg is seeking a visionary technology leader to drive the digital transformation of the Cell Therapy Technical Operations organization. As Director - Digital Business Partner, you will champion advanced digital platforms, intelligent automation, and enterprise systems to enable scalable, data-driven operations and improved patient and partner experiences.

You will report to the Executive Director, Head of Operation Cell Therapy IT, and lead a cross-functional team across

Qualifications

• 14+ years of related engineering or IT leadership experience.
• Experience designing and architecting enterprise platforms like MES, LIMS, SAP.
• Strong familiarity with AI tech in regulated biopharma or manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead digital transformation across cell therapy value chain.
• Oversee system integration of SAP, MES, LIMS, and digital orchestration.
• Define data governance and AI strategy for operations.
• Drive transformation programs with cross-functional teams.

Skills

AI strategy

Leadership

Life sciences

Enterprise platforms

Education

BS/BA or MS/MA/MBA

Tools

SAP

MES

LIMS

Salesforce

Job description

AstraZeneca is seeking an innovative technology leader to drive the digital transformation of the Cell Therapy Technical Operation organization.
As Director - Digital Business Partner, you will champion the adoption of advanced digital platforms, intelligent automation, and enterprise systems to enable scalable, data-driven operations, delivering measurable value across the cell therapy value chain and transforming the patient and customer journey into alignment with AstraZeneca’s Cell Therapy Ambition. You will report to the Executive Director, Head of Operation Cell Therapy IT and will be based in Gaithersburg or Rockville, MD.

Responsibilities

• Innovation in Business Systems
• System Integration: Serve as the IT partner lead with deep technical expertise for strategic enterprise platforms including SAP, MES, LIMS, Advanced Planning Systems, and Digital Cell orchestration systems, ensuring seamless interoperability and AI-readiness.
• Process Digitization: Collaborate with Cell Therapy business leads to define requirements and deliver foundational to advanced digital solutions across the cell therapy value chain Strategy, Planning, Scheduling, Slot Management, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Vein-to-Vein Logistics.
• Data Management & Governance: Collaborate with IT to implement modern data infrastructure, ensuring robust data privacy, integrity, and accessibility across digital platforms and AI models.
• Digital & IT Strategy Leadership
• Enterprise IT Alignment: Lead a talented team and partner closely with global IT, digital, and data teams to define and execute a cohesive digital transformation roadmap aligned with business and technology strategies across clinical and commercial operations.
• AI Strategy & Use Case Development: Lead the identification and operationalization of AI and digital applications that drive predictive analytics, intelligent planning, supply chain optimization, manufacturing insights, and personalized therapy orchestration. the identification and operationalization of AI/ML applications that drive predictive analytics, intelligent planning, supply chain optimization, manufacturing insights, and personalized therapy orchestration.
• Technology Vision: Establish a future-ready vision for digitally enabled business processes— leveraging AI, cloud platforms, and advanced data architectures to unlock productivity and scalability across manufacturing, supply chain and Quality Organization.
• Program Execution & Change Leadership
• Transformation Leadership: Drive cross-functional digital transformation initiatives, managing scope, budgets, schedules, and outcomes while delivering measurable business value
• Customer Experience: Redesign digital touchpoints to enhance the experience for patients, physicians, and commercial partners through intelligent orchestration platforms and automation.

Skills & Experience

• 14+ years of professional experience with a BS/BA (or 12+ with MS/MA/MBA) in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain, or a related technical field.
• Proven practical experience designing and architecting enterprise platforms, and leading technical teams to implement systems such as MES, LIMS, SAP, and Salesforce-based workflow platforms.
• Solid understanding of modern AI technologies and practical application of these technologies in biopharma or manufacturing environments; experience in the pharmaceutical industry is a plus.
• Strong hands-on understanding of Cell therapy operations, including manufacturing, supply chain, and quality systems within regulated environments.
• Hands-on experience applying Generative AI and Agentic AI to accelerate the product and software lifecycle (e.g., requirements generation, user story development, automated test creation, anomaly detection, and release risk insights) is highly desirable.
• Track record of leading high-caliber technical teams, shaping IT strategy, and delivering enterprise systems and AI-driven capabilities within life sciences or other highly regulated industries.
• Strategic and execution-focused leader who can translate operational needs into scalable technical solutions while collaborating effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and business teams.

#CellTherapy

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $153K to $229K. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.

Date Posted

03-Aug-2026

Closing Date

17-Aug-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees.

In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.