Associate Director, AI Product Owner

Associate Director, AI Product Owner
Location: Cambridge UK (Hybrid - 3 days on-site weekly)

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. At AstraZeneca, we are pioneering new frontiers by identifying and treating patients earlier, working towards the aim of eliminating cancer as a cause of death.

Come and join our AZ team where you will play a pivotal role in this exciting period of development!

We are seeking a highly skilled Product Owner to lead the development, validation, and deployment of AI/ML-based software, with a primary focus on internally developed AI products / applications. A critical aspect of this role is ensuring that all software development and deployment activities align with our internal AI Governance procedures. The product owner will lead the lifecycle of the project from inception to delivery, acting as a liaison between the business collaborators (internal customers) and the technical teams in our Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science and Advanced Analytics departments. These products are mainly geared towards driving our science capabilities in R&D.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Ownership & Strategy

• Lead the AI/ML product roadmap, ensuring it aligns with business goals, regulatory requirements, and AstraZeneca market needs.

• Define and prioritise the product backlog, ensuring the highest-value features are delivered in an agile or incremental development environment.

• Coordinate efforts alongside AI/ML Scientist and Engineers, Software Developers, QA teams, and UX designers to ensure high-quality software development and validation.

Regulatory Compliance & Validation

• Lead all aspects of the Development Life Cycle, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, driving the successful delivery of solutions to a validated and packaged component state, suitable for third-party engagement and utilisation.

• Define and support risk management activities, including hazard analysis, failure mode effects analysis and cybersecurity risk assessments, in alignment with the different teams and SMEs.

• Coordinate with Quality Assurance and Regulatory teams to ensure accurate documentation and submission for regulatory approvals, where are required.

Stakeholder & Third-Party Management

• Act as the key liaison between business owners, scientists (both AI scientists and chemists/biologists), development groups, and outside collaborators.

Agile & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead agile ceremonies (e.g., sprint planning, backlog grooming, retrospectives) and drive continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with AstraZeneca TA and Functions sponsors and stakeholder to define product positioning, market strategy, and value proposition.

• Support the development of go-to-market strategies and partner with marketing and sales units to achieve a successful product launch.

• Use strong communication, careful planning, and organisational skills to lead deadlines, resources, and project priorities effectively.

• Work closely with software development and management teams to integrate standards in software development processes.

Key competencies

• Proficiency in AI and machine learning technologies, with experience in developing and validating AI/ML-based software products. Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and ensure timely and efficient delivery of product development achievements.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills – ability to balance technical feasibility with business and regulatory requirements.

• Excellent stakeholder management – ability to engage with internal teams, external vendors, and regulatory bodies.

• Regulatory outlook with a strategic approach – ensuring compliance while driving product innovation and commercial success.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills – demonstrating proficiency in engaging with senior executives, technical teams, and external partners.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, computer science, or a related quantitative field.

• 5+ years of experience in a Product Owner, Product Manager, or similar role within AI/ML-driven medical technologies.

• Experience of working in R&D and/or science-led environments.

• Experience in AI/ML-based medical software development, including data-driven algorithms and validation approaches.

• Hands-on experience with Agile or Incremental development methodologies (Scrum, Kanban).

• Ability to translate business needs into technical requirements and communicate effectively across cross-functional teams.

• Capacity to connect effectively with interested parties across multiple subject areas.

• Demonstrated experience operating within a matrix organisational structure.

• Strong compliance orientation, with a focus on carefully reviewing details.

• Excellent communication, planning, and organisational skills.

Desirables:

• Familiarity with software development and management processes

• Track record of collaborating successfully with AI research/engineering teams to deliver complex AI solutions.

• Experience leading third-party legal manufacturers and external development vendors.

• Background in software engineering, AI/ML development, or digital health product management.

• Experience working in cross-functional teams spanning R&D, Regulatory, Clinical, and Commercial functions.

In Office Requirement:

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.

Competitive salary and benefits package on offer!

The successful candidate will have access to a flexible employee benefits fund, including holiday purchase and flexible time off, pension contributions, Share Save Plans, A performance recognition scheme and a competitive, generous remuneration package.

Date Posted

19-Dec-2025

Closing Date

04-Jan-2026

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.