Senior Director, Cell Therapy Business Systems

In AstraZeneca's Cell Therapy division, we follow the science to explore and innovate. We are working towards treating, preventing, modifying, and even curing some of the world's most complex diseases. We have the potential to grow our pipeline and positively impact the lives of patients around the world. We are committed to making a difference and have built our business around our passion for science. Now we are fusing data and technology with the latest scientific innovations to achieve the next wave of breakthroughs. This role is part of the Operations team tasked with supporting Clinical and Commercial production across multiple sites.

We are looking for a Senior Director to lead the business in digital transformation efforts within Cell Therapy Development & Operations (CTDO). You will lead projects to enhance our business processes, customer interactions, and operational strategies, driving productivity, scalability, and an exceptional customer experience according to our Cell Therapy Ambition. You will be based in Gaithersburg, MD and report to the Head of Cell Therapy Global Supply Chain.

You will provide:

Strategic Leadership -

• Business Process Vision:  Collaborate with CTDO and Supply Chain departments to establish a vision, strategic goals, and transformative business processes using digital solutions to enhance productivity and scalability in line with AstraZeneca’s Cell Therapy Ambition.

• Customer Experience Enhancement:  Design strategies to enhance the cell therapy customer experience on the cell orchestration digital platforms, minimizing friction throughout the patient and customer journey in partnership with Commercial and Clinical teams.

• Digital Strategy and Roadmap:  Work closely with IT to convert visions and strategies into a comprehensive digital capability roadmap that meets Clinical and Commercial business needs using an agile approach.

• Data Strategy:  Create a data strategy for effective collection, storage, management, and analysis across operational teams.

Implementation -

• Project Leadership:  Act as the CTDO representative in planning, execution, and delivery phases of digital transformation projects, in collaboration with IT. Set project goals, resources, schedules, and budgets.

• Requirements Definition:  Define business process requirements for implementing foundational and advanced systems throughout the cell therapy value chain, including Strategy, Planning, Scheduling, Slot Management, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Vein-to-Vein Logistics. Ensure technology decisions are informed by cell therapy-specific workflows and criteria.

• AI Integration:  Collaborate with teams to identify operational use cases and assist IT in deploying AI technologies that improve the cell therapy supply chain, manufacturing, and development processes.

• Change Management:  Lead business change management and conduct process maturity assessments. Advise partners on strategic plans and decisions.

• Data Management and Privacy:  Implement data management strategies with IT, overseeing data privacy processes.

You Have:

• A minimum of 14 years' experience with BS/BA, or 12 years with MS/MA/MBA.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Supply Chain, Information Systems, or related field.

• Experience with end-to-end supply, manufacturing, and quality processes in cell therapy required. 

• Experience applying AI to improve processes.

• Experience as business lead for enterprise system implementations, including SAP, cell orchestration systems, Advanced Planning Systems, MES, and/or LIMS. 

• Ability to think strategically, influence, and drive change across the organization. 

• Experience managing a team of direct reports.

#CellTherapy #LI-hybrid

The annual base pay for this position ranges from $174,756 to $262,134. 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. 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. 

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.