Associate Director, Automation & Innovation

At AstraZeneca, we pride ourselves on crafting a collaborative culture that champions knowledge-sharing, ambitious thinking and innovation – ultimately providing employees with the opportunity to work across teams, functions and even the globe.

Recognizing the importance of individualized flexibility, our ways of working allow employees to balance personal and work commitments while ensuring we continue to create a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork by engaging face-to-face in our offices 3 days a week. Our head office and BlueSky Hub in downtown Toronto are purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.

Our dedication to sustainability is also central to our culture and part of what makes AstraZeneca a great place to work. We know the health of people, the planet and our business are interconnected which is why we’re taking ambitious action to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change to access to healthcare and disease prevention.

Introduction to role

Are you ready to drive innovation and automation in a leading pharmaceutical company? At AstraZeneca, we are committed to transforming patient outcomes through scientific innovation. As part of our Global Portfolio and Project Management (GPPM) function, we are seeking a highly skilled Associate Director, Automation and Innovation to lead the strategic direction and enterprise-wide adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. With a focus on innovation, regulatory compliance, and improved patient outcomes, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare.

Accountabilities

As Associate Director, Automation & Innovation, you will be a key point of contact for the business, advancing Automation and Innovation strategy by delivering excellence through the latest technology advances like AI, Machine Learning, and NLP. You will be joining a high-performing team, driving central initiatives across the platform to improve portfolio delivery. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and communicating a comprehensive AI strategy that aligns with the organization’s vision, mission, and business objectives.

• Evaluating emerging AI technologies and advising leadership on their application within healthcare and pharmaceutical operations.

• Finding opportunities to apply AI across key business areas such as Project Management, Portfolio Analytics, and Decision Support.

• Leading the prioritization, design, and execution of high-impact AI initiatives.

• Building partnerships internally and externally to champion innovation.

• Ensuring adherence to data security, privacy, ethical, and regulatory requirements specific to AI systems.

• Tracking and reporting on the performance and value realization of AI initiatives.

• Encouraging a culture of innovation and continuous learning around AI.

• Representing the organization in external forums and staying abreast of industry trends.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

• Extensive experience working in the pharmaceutical industry and knowledge of the pharmaceutical drug development process

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, troubleshooting and data management skills with the ability to identify trends and patterns from sophisticated datasets

• Experience in working in PPM in Lifesciences

• Proficient in analyzing complex data to identify key issues and messages, with the ability to communicate these effectively to senior management in both written and verbal formats

• Agile and adaptable to varying customer needs for data/information and strategic advice

• Demonstrable experience in leading cross-functional and multi-cultural teams

• Shown ability to work effectively in global, cross-functional teams.

• Customer-centered, well-organized, and with a shown history of successful outcomes achieved through collaborating across functions.

• Self-starter requiring little oversight or prioritization support. Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Educational background in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, or a related quantitative subject area. For roles within pharmaceuticals or biopharma, a background or proven understanding in Life Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy, or Healthcare Informatics is highly advantageous.

• Possess extensive hands-on experience with AI and machine learning technologies, including practical knowledge of data analytics, model development, deployment, and lifecycle management.

• Consistent record in designing and implementing AI strategies and solutions at scale, preferably within the pharmaceutical, healthcare, or other highly regulated sectors.

• Direct experience with AI, machine learning, NLP and data analytics technologies, as well as understanding of modern data architecture and governance.

• Experience in leading cross-functional teams and running sophisticated projects is essential, as is a strong record of translating emerging digital and AI technologies into real-world business impact, ideally within a regulated industry.

• A deep understanding of data governance, privacy, and ethics—especially as they apply to AI and machine learning in healthcare—is imperative. Familiarity with relevant regulations (such as GDPR, HIPAA, or EMA guidelines) and industry standards will be important for success.

• Strong business insight, excellent communication and partner management skills, and the capability to present AI strategy and initiatives to both technical and non-technical audiences are also crucial. The candidate should demonstrate a clear track record of thought leadership in AI, innovation, or digital transformation.

• Certifications in AI, data science, or project management (such as Certified Data Professional, PMP, or equivalent) would be a plus.

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.

AstraZeneca offers an environment where you can make a significant impact on patients' lives through meaningful work. As part of our global team, you'll have the opportunity to shape our journey towards becoming a tech-enabled enterprise. We encourage strategic thinking and innovation to drive progress today. With investment in automated processes and disruptive technologies, we aim to accelerate our growth while maintaining our commitment to doing the right thing.

Ready to take on this exciting challenge? Apply now to join AstraZeneca's dynamic team!

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:

• GTAA Top Employer Award for 11 years
• Top 100 Employers Award
• Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture
• Learn more about working with us in Canada
• View our YouTube channel

Are you interested in working at AZ, apply today!

AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion and providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. AstraZeneca is committed to accommodating persons with disabilities. Such accommodation is available on request in respect of all aspects of the recruitment, assessment and selection process and may be requested by emailing AZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.

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AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity.  We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills.  We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.  We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics.  We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.