Associate Director - External Development and Manufacturing

In Pharmaceutical Technology and Development (PT&D), we transform forward-thinking science into actual medicines that help millions of people around the world. We work across the entire value chain, crafting and delivering active ingredients, formulations, and devices required to support new medicines – from supplies for early toxicology studies and clinical trials to developing the technology to ensure drugs can be scaled up for commercial manufacture.

As part of Clinical Manufacturing and Supply (CM&S), the External Development and Manufacturing (EDM) team plays a lead role in delivering external clinical/pre-clinical development and manufacturing projects in support of the PT&D and PhSci portfolio. Leading a team, the Associate Director (EDM) works with external CDMOs to complete projects efficiently. The focus of the team is Drug Substance development and manufacturing, operating in both the UK and SE. You will be part of the EDM leadership team, partnering with other team members to deliver a consistent approach to project management, as well as directly developing strategy and objectives within the Drug Substance area. You will lead key improvement work while developing strong collaborator relationships and business processes.

Accountabilities

• Lead, manage, and mentor the EDM team responsible for external drug substance development and manufacturing projects, acting as the first point of contact for escalated issues

• Drive team performance through effective use of Lean Leadership including the Tier Pulse and Review structure

• Provide project leadership and drug substance expertise to enable team and individual coaching and support problem-solving

• Business process ownership for the associated EDM processes, driving efficiency and ensuring governance and compliance requirements are met

• Embed LEAN ways of working across the team and champion simplification and continuous improvement

• Collaborate with other members of the EDM leadership team to ensure effective resource management and capability development

• Represent EDM in key cross-functional teams e.g., DS Category Team

• Act as the conduit into the relevant technical functions in PhSci and PT&D to understand and influence outsourcing strategies, demand for outsourcing, and other business changes relevant to outsourcing

• May be accountable for functional contributions to wider network or initiatives

• Ensure SHE standards are adhered to across the team and ensure the work-life balance and wellbeing of team members is maintained

Essential Skills/Experience

• Strong experience of Drug Substance development and manufacturing

• Experience of team leadership and/or line management in cross-functional and cross-cultural teams

• Knowledge and experience of the PhSci and PT&D Project Operating Models

• Effective Portfolio Management

• Graduate status, with significant pharmaceutical experience

• Experience of working with global external suppliers

• Significant experience of working with project management

• Ability to work on enterprise-wide projects

• Business, financial, and supply chain understanding/awareness

• SHE, GMP, and regulatory management knowledge

• Track record in identifying and driving continuous improvement and experience of the application of Lean

• Good influencing, negotiating, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills

• Partnership management

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.

Be welcomed into our inclusive network of diverse and high-performing teams. Have the support, trust, and respect to thrive here. Fair leadership, great workplaces, and energised teams who always have each other's back. For those with a shared drive and passion for impacting people's lives, experience a sense of belonging like no other.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now!

Date Posted

08-Apr-2025

Closing Date

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. ]]>