Associate Director, RDU IT Performance and Operation Excellence

The Associate Director of Performance and Operational Excellence will oversee IT operations, enhancing performance and efficiency. Key responsibilities include managing IT Operational health, collaborating with the Talent Acquisition team, managing the MTP process (Mid-Term Planning), IT onboarding, and Business Continuity Planning. This role will work closely with Alexion IT senior leaders and portfolio managers to ensure alignment of IT initiatives with strategic outcomes. Additionally, it will involve budget management and contract oversight. The candidate will foster collaboration, break down silos, and create a streamlined planning and execution process to ensure IT performance meets targets.

Accountabilities

• Managing IT performance, data governance and benchmarking to ensure best-in-class practices
• Developing and overseeing IT performance reporting, including scorecards, dashboards, and functional/product deliverables on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis
• Promoting a shift towards more predictive reporting and trend analysis
• Overseeing the MTP process and preparing the IT annual budget
• Maintaining oversight by reviewing financials, monitoring actuals against budgets, accruals, and forecasts
• Collaborating with the Talent Acquisition team to optimize headcount management and align staffing strategies with organizational requirements
• Working with stakeholders to regularly review and identify opportunities for enhancing Alexion IT operations and implementing process improvements
• Managing travel performance and overall productivity to enhance operational efficiency and support business objectives
• Collaborate closely with the Enterprise Technology Services (ETS) team to support the organization's technology infrastructure, which includes cybersecurity, cloud platforms, and enterprise systems
• Ensuring operational resilience and business continuity planning (BCP) within IT operations
• Participating in cross-functional projects, defining performance metrics, and fostering a culture of operational excellence
• Manage governance for Outside Service Providers and contingent workers to ensure compliance and operational effectiveness
• Lead and organize the Leadership meeting to operate IT as a business by driving operational excellence, managing risks, ensuring quality, and safeguarding cybersecurity, all aimed at delivering value
• Drive innovation to implement efficient ways of working in the organization
• Oversee review of pending SOW’s and contracts to ensure proper fit within budgets and/or projections

Essential Skills/Experience

• A demonstrated ability and a proven track record of success in IT portfolio operational management
• 5 to 7 years of experience in overseeing IT performance and driving operational excellence
• Proven experience in managing organizational change, developing strategic initiatives, and/or implementing process improvement programs
• Strong leadership and influencing capabilities, with the ability to direct and engage teams to meet performance and reporting objectives
• Familiarity with performance measurement tools, techniques, industry best practices, and internal methodologies
• Advanced communication, analytical, critical thinking, and presentation skills

Desirable Skills/Experience

• A Bachelor's degree, MBA, or equivalent professional experience
• Certifications from the Project Management Institute (PMI), Agile Methodologies, or similar formal training
• Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent training in Operational Excellence is highly desirable
• Strong attention to detail with the capability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Intermediate knowledge of IT applications, including Microsoft tools, ServiceNow, Project Portfolio Management, and reporting tools such as Power BI
• Proficient in facilitation and information gathering
• Exceptional decision-making and problem-solving abilities to effectively analyze and address complex escalated issues
• A proactive self-starter with a proven track record of success, capable of managing multiple projects and teams while meeting deadlines

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.

Join us at AstraZeneca where our work has a direct impact on patients' lives. We empower our business to perform at its peak by combining cutting-edge science with leading digital technology platforms. Here you can innovate with purpose, explore new technologies like AI and machine learning, and help shape the future of digital healthcare. Our dynamic environment offers countless opportunities for growth and learning.

Ready to make a difference? 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.