Associate Director, RDU IT - Portfolio Performance, Financial Management & Operational Excellence

Introduction to role
As the Associate Director of IT Portfolio Management, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the IT portfolios supporting RDU Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) functions while overseeing the RDU IT SDLC process and governance. In this critical role, you will align IT investments with business strategies, drive the successful delivery of value-focused initiatives, and optimize portfolio performance to advance Alexion’s mission of delivering life-changing medicines to patients. You will lead the planning and management of the Data & AI IT portfolio, collaborating with IT leaders and stakeholders to define a shared vision, align on portfolio goals, and prioritize initiatives. Key responsibilities include overseeing governance processes such as project prioritization, business case approvals, and performance tracking. Additionally, you will manage budgeting and financial oversight while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement. As a thought leader, you will identify and champion opportunities to leverage emerging technologies, enhancing Alexion’s Data & AI capabilities. In addition, you will manage RDU IT SDLC project and program management framework to ensure consistent delivery, alignment with business goals, and compliance. You will drive the adoption of best practices, define success metrics, provide strategic guidance to stakeholders, facilitate governance processes, and foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement across the RDU IT organization.

Accountabilities

RDU IT Data & Artificial Intelligence Portfolio
• Portfolio Governance: Establish and manage governance frameworks to evaluate, prioritize, and oversee Data & AI IT portfolios.
• Strategic Planning: Develop IT priorities and multi-year roadmaps, aligning with organizational goals and driving cross-regional collaboration.
• Portfolio Value Realization: Lead business case creation, approval, and management to support IT investments, ensuring benefits realization and alignment with business outcomes.
• Performance Management: Define and track success metrics, dashboards, KPIs, risks, and dependencies while adhering to IT governance standards.
• Fiscal Planning and Budget Management: Oversee fiscal planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation to maximize portfolio value and align with priorities.
• Innovation Enablement: Act as a catalyst for emerging technologies by driving innovation-focused projects that enhance Alexion’s AI outcomes.
• Portfolio Tools: Leverage tools like ServiceNow for consistent portfolio management, reporting, and operational transparency.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with IT and business leaders to ensure shared accountability and deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Risk and Dependency Management: Proactively manage risks and dependencies to ensure timely and successful delivery of programs and projects.

RDU IT PMO Process and Governance
• Manage a robust RDU IT SDLC governance structure, including policies, processes, and tools to support project and program delivery.
• Define and manage the IT project portfolio processes, including intake, prioritization, and resource allocation activities.
• Assessing the current baseline of project and product management practices and establishing a maturity model to drive continuous improvement and alignment with organizational goals.
• Establish project manager and Agile CoE to evolve RDU IT ways of working, implement standardized processes for demand planning, project management while scaling Agile/Scrum and product management methodologies.
• Responsible for managing RDU IT project runbook, Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM) capabilities in ServiceNow, project manager onboarding
• Conducting regular audits and reviews of project and program governance compliance, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions.
• Developing and delivering training programs to build project/product/agile management capabilities across the IT organization.
• Overseeing risk management activities, ensuring proactive identification, mitigation, and escalation of risks across the IT portfolio.
• Reporting on project/program performance, portfolio health, and governance metrics to senior leadership.

Essential Skills/Experience
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, business administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in portfolio management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role focusing on IT PMO and process improvement.
• Proven track record of implementing and managing governance processes in a complex, matrixed organization.
• Advanced proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, ServiceNow, or other portfolio management applications
• Extensive experience with portfolio management frameworks and methodologies (e.g., SAFe, PMI, or equivalent).
• Strong expertise in project and program management methodologies, such as Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, and hybrid approaches
• Exceptional communication, analytical, critical thinking, and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, financial management, and resource optimization in the context of large, multi-year IT portfolios.
• Proven ability to navigate effectively in a matrix-managed environment at all organizational levels, demonstrating accountability to multiple leaders while fostering collaboration across teams without direct authority.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess business needs, identify priorities while quickly and objectively driving the team towards a path which maximizes value.

Desirable Skills/Experience
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to direct and engage teams to achieve strategic and performance objectives.
• Advanced expertise in facilitation, information gathering, and fostering collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent decision-making and critical thinking skills with a proven ability to analyze and resolve complex escalated issues.
• Certifications or formal training in Project Management Institute (PMI), Agile Methodologies or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of emerging technologies including Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT), ServiceNow, and Project Portfolio Management tools such as Jira.
• Work experience within the biotech or pharmaceutical industry to bring contextual expertise to the role.
• The ability to build strong relationships across diverse styles perspectives backgrounds treating differences fairly equitably while fostering an inclusive environment.

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 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 ambitious world.

At AstraZeneca's Alexion division you will find rare opportunities at the forefront of biomedical science. We push boundaries translating complex biology into transformative medicines. With our global reach we shape the future of rare disease treatment helping people live their best lives. Our entrepreneurial spirit fosters innovation while our commitment to patients drives us forward. Join us in making a difference where it truly counts.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

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.