Director, Sustainability & Health Equity Canada
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.
About the role:
The Director, Sustainability will play a key role in building and advancing our company’s Sustainability plan, including key partnerships and engagement, demonstrating AstraZeneca’s commitment to addressing major societal issues through cross-sector and public-private collaboration. At AstraZeneca, our sustainability agenda spans Access to Healthcare and Health Equity, Environmental Protection and Ethics & Transparency. By connecting and maximising our flagship Canadian and Global programs, we have the opportunity to progress the delivery of more equitable and sustainable net zero health systems, drive our Ambition Zero Carbon initiative, and advance inclusion and diversity.
This role will steward the Sustainability strategy and plan for AstraZeneca Canada. This will include the strategic development and delivery of key sustainability partnerships for AstraZeneca Canada, leverage major sustainability achievements, chair our Canadian Sustainability Council and efforts to further embed sustainable practices throughout our business, and be responsible for measurement and reporting of key ESG metrics. It will also design and deliver compelling corporate affairs strategies and campaigns to raise awareness of our partnerships, commitments and actions, drive thought leadership and strengthen corporate reputation, in collaboration with the VP, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability. This role will partner closely with the Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Leadership Team. Key thematic areas of focus for the role will include net zero health systems and the climate impact on health, health equity, and inclusion and diversity.
The Director, Sustainability will identify, build and manage external relationships with Canadian partners and organizations in support of our core program and priorities. Collaborators will include, but are not limited to: non-governmental organizations (NGOs), patient groups, government and policymakers. The role will also manage external agency and partner relationships with whom we collaborate. The role will partner with senior leaders within the business to support the delivery of core programs, and find opportunities for engagement as well as best practice sharing internally and externally to drive sustainable action across the healthcare sector. The monitoring, reporting and evaluation of progress of our flagship sustainability partnerships and platforms for senior partners, both external and internal, is also a key element of the role, to enable continuous improvement and impact, and ensure transparency of approach.
There is the chance to create a huge difference in this role, shaping and showcasing important collaborations and sustainability initiatives we are driving to ensure a healthy future for people, society and the planet.
What will you do?
Working directly with the Corporate Affairs Leadership Team, lead the strategic development and delivery of our AstraZeneca Canada sustainability plan, including advancing and creating new external partnerships aligned to our core areas of sustainability focus.
Identify and build relationships with key external partners to drive awareness and recognition, and shape policy and advocacy in line with our sustainability priorities.
Identify proactive engagement opportunities to drive thought leadership around our flagship sustainability programs, partnering with Corporate Communications, Global Sustainability and Global Policy.
Chair the cross-enterprise Sustainability Council, translating the passion and ideas of employees into integrated sustainability action plans.
In collaboration with the Head of Communications, co-create a compelling internal and external Sustainability narrative, including internal and external communications plans to build employee engagement and external awareness of our sustainability efforts and progress.
Develop and gain key sustainability measures and indicators in order to supervise our sustainability performance, deliver on our sustainability commitments, and communicate our impacts for people, society and the planet.
Lead external partner (private and public sector) and external agency relationships
Lead a review of the current sustainability practises across the enterprise with a goal to elevate impact through clear governance, education opportunities, investments and key decision-making processes.
What will you need to succeed?
This role requires a dynamic leader, strategic thinker and expert communicator. You will be able to define strategies, while navigating complexity and ambiguity – all the while bringing an enterprise along in service of our ambitious goals. (organizational change expertise).
10+ years of leadership experiences, with a good amount of time in sustainability / ESG / Health Equity at a large organization
Experience leading multi-sectoral partnerships, with demonstrated results within a leading agency, life sciences, government or NGO.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Sustainability impact strategies – with focus on healthcare sustainability, the environment and equity - and experiences of implementing these bold goals in large organizations
Strategic and creative thinker able to see and leverage connections and improve the value of opportunities in unique and engaging ways.
“Self-starter” with evidence of capability for matrix and cross-functional working. Ability to prioritise multiple priorities and tight deadlines, both independently and as part of a team.
Strong project management, communication and facilitation skills.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Outstanding program management experience, incl. monitoring, evaluating, tracking, reporting.
Demonstrated ability to build rapport with colleagues and achieve outcomes through influence.
Solid understanding of key Canadian issues such as climate change, health equity in Canada, inclusion and diversity.
Bonus: MBA, Masters in sustainability or equivalent an asset.
Bonus: Bilingualism
Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:
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.
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.
De nouvelles offres d'emploi sont disponibles.
