Regional Assurance Lead - RDU & Japan

This role can be based in either Boston, MA or Gaithersburg, MD.

The Regional Assurance Lead - RDU & Japan is the primary strategic compliance risk assurance executive to the global RDU & Japan business team on design of second line compliance assurance monitoring strategy and preventive & detective risk management. The role manages a team of 5+ Compliance Assurance Partners to deliver efficient and consistent support across the region at the global assurance standard. This position reports to the Head of Global Assurance and serves as a key member of the Global Assurance Leadership Team and RDU Compliance Leadership Team, dot line reports to RDU VP of Ethics and compliance.

As the Regional Assurance Lead, your key responsibility will be to drive the development, implementation, and management of an effective compliance monitoring program (including monitoring, auditing, investigations, assurance reporting etc.). In this role, you will partner with senior RDU leaders to set the strategic assurance program and align the tactical direction for the organization in line with applicable local regulations and industry codes.

You will:

• Partner with global RDU & Japan leadership to identify, evaluate, and mitigate healthcare compliance-related legal and reputational risks.
• Develop, implement, and manage of an effective compliance monitoring program (including monitoring, auditing, investigations, assurance reporting etc.)
• Lead and supervise an efficient and effective Global RDU & Japan assurance team. Manage performance of direct reports, ensure development and succession planning. Provide coaching and feedback to foster professional development while also supporting business goals
• Development of responsive data programs by using internal data and technology tools to address compliance-related risks, deliver compliance program key messages, and build a culture of ethics and integrity
• Coordinate and lead the quarterly RDU & Japan Compliance Committee meeting
• Lead and/or serve as a major contributor to key strategic compliance projects implemented across the extended AstraZeneca Ethics & Compliance team
• Provide change management and cultural leadership through the continued implementation and maturation of the compliance program
• Analyze internal and external ethics and compliance developments and implement responses to these developments as appropriate
• Manage local/area oversight of all aspects of governance, including working with counterparts in other SET areas in areas of overlapping accountability
• Serve as a subject matter expert for compliance training programs of development of formal and informal training programs and other internal communications to address compliance-related risks, deliver compliance program key messages, and build a culture of ethics and integrity

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher and/or professional licensure in a relevant field, such as a post-graduate legal, business, or scientific degree, or professional licensure as an accountant or certified privacy officer
• 7+ years of relevant pharmaceutical industry experience (compliance, law, accountancy or own specialist profession), with the majority of that experience in healthcare compliance- related roles
• Significant leadership experience, whether from managing high profile projects, serving as a matrix manager, or leading a team of direct reports
• Substantial experience applying healthcare compliance principles to pharmaceutical industry practices and interpreting relevant industry codes
• The highest ethical standards, as well as an ability to operate with absolute discretion and objectivity
• Excellent analytical skill and storytelling skill
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High learning agility and adaptability
• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of influencing at all levels and comfortable challenging management when necessary
• A demonstrated track record of driving results as an effective a team member and leader in a highly matrixed organization
• The ability to operate independently with limited management oversight
• The duties of this role are generally conducted in an office environment. As is typical of an office-based role, employees must be able, with or without an accommodation to use a computer; engage in communications via phone, video, and electronic messaging; engage in problem solving and non-linear thought, analysis, and dialogue; collaborate with others; maintain general availability during standard business hours in adherence with applicable in-office work policies

Desired Qualifications:

• 4+ years of prior in-house experience in a compliance, legal, finance, risk management or regulatory function at a pharmaceutical company
• 2+ years of prior experience managing a team
• A Juris Doctor (JD) and/or professional licensure in a relevant field—such as a post-graduate legal, business, or scientific degree, or credentials such as licensure as an accountant or certified privacy officer—is a plus.
• Primary fluency in English, business proficient in Japanese, French, Spanish is plus

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we ignite 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's Alexion division, we push boundaries in rare disease biopharma by translating complex biology into transformative medicines. Our commitment to transparency, objectivity, and ethics drives us to meet unmet medical needs. With our global reach and resources, we are shaping the future of rare disease treatment, helping people live their best lives. Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $146,360.80 - $219,541.20 USD. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours. Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  In addition, our positions offer a short-term incentive bonus opportunity; eligibility to participate in our equity-based long-term incentive program (salaried roles), to receive a retirement contribution (hourly roles), and commission payment eligibility (sales roles). 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. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. 

Date Posted

Closing Date

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.