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

Introduction to role

As the Director of IT Portfolio Management, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the IT portfolios supporting RDU IT Research & Development (R&D) and Manufacturing functions. In this critical role, you will align IT investments with business strategies, drive the successful delivery of value-focused projects, and optimize portfolio performance to advance Alexion’s mission of delivering life-changing medicines to patients. You will lead efforts to define, plan, and handle the IT portfolio for R&D and Manufacturing, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and priorities. Collaborating closely with IT leaders in these two functions, and key stakeholders, you will establish a shared vision for portfolio goals and outcomes. Your responsibilities will include driving governance processes such as project prioritization, business case creation and approval, and performance tracking, while maintaining a strong focus on delivering measurable value. In addition, you will partner with IT and business stakeholders to ensure effective budgeting and financial management of the portfolio. By fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the IT organization, you will serve as an inspiring leader, finding opportunities to leverage emerging technologies that enhance R&D and Manufacturing capabilities. This is an outstanding opportunicraft shape the future of Alexion’s IT portfolio and contribute to the development of innovative medicines that make a meaningful difference to patients worldwide.

Accountabilities

• Portfolio Governance: Establish and lead governance frameworks to evaluate, prioritize, and supervise R&D and Manufacturing 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 supervise success metrics, dashboards, KPIs, risks, and dependencies while adhering to IT governance standards.
• Fiscal Planning and Budget Management: Lead all aspects of fiscal planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation to enhance portfolio value and align with priorities.
• Standardization and Agile Practices: Implement standardized processes for demand planning, project management, and reporting while scaling Agile/Scrum and product management methodologies.
• Innovation Enablement: Act as a catalyst for emerging technologies by driving innovation-focused projects that enhance Alexion’s R&D-IT and Manufacturing-IT 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.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive portfolio management maturity and Agile adoption through regular reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Risk and Dependency Management: Proactively lead risks and dependencies to ensure timely and successful delivery of programs and projects.

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 a demonstrated track record of managing complex, cross-functional IT environments and successfully delivering large-scale programs.
• Extensive experience with portfolio management frameworks and methodologies (e.g., SAFe, PMI, or equivalent).
• 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.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to connect IT initiatives to broader business goals and outcomes.
• Shown 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 advise 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 shown ability to analyze and resolve sophisticated escalated issues.
• Certifications or formal training in Project Management Institute (PMI), Agile Methodologies, or equivalent experience.
• Solid understanding 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, and backgrounds, treating differences fairly and 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 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.

Joining Alexion, part of AstraZeneca Group, means embracing an opportunity where work isn’t ordinary. We are a beacon in the global Biopharmaceutical landscape. Our closeness to patients brings us closer to our work and closer to each other. Combined with our brave pioneering spirit – we are truly outstanding in R&D and healthcare. At Alexion, grow and innovate in a business with a rapidly expanding portfolio. Enjoy the vibe, entrepreneurial spirit, and autonomy of a leading biotech. You’ll join an energizing culture where people build connections to explore new ideas. As an important member of our commercial team, you'll be meeting the needs of some of the most under-served patients in the world. You will be empowered with tailored development programs designed not just for skill enhancement but for fostering a deep understanding of our patient's journeys. You’re supported by exceptional leaders ready to lift you in marketing, compliance, and beyond. Make an impact by driving change with integrity in a culture that celebrates diversity.

If this sounds like a team you want to be part of... then we’d love to talk.

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.