AI Lead: Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Job Title: AI Lead: Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Location: Boston Seaport, USA
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 is purposely designed with collaboration in mind, providing space where teams can come together to strategize, brainstorm and connect on key projects.
As AstraZeneca continues to put patients at the forefront of our mission, we are excited for our move to Kendall Square/Cambridge in 2026. Find out more information here: Kendall Square Press Release
Introduction to Role:
Alexion is seeking a visionaryAI leaderto shape and implement the AI strategy across our manufacturing, quality, and supply chain operations. In this pivotal role, you will partner with global operations teams to turn sophisticated production and quality challenges into intelligent, AI‑powered solutions that drive efficiency, enhance reliability, and ensure patients receive life‑changing therapies safely and on time.
You will lead the design, development, and adoption of sophisticated AI/ML capabilities thatoptimizedrug production, strengthen quality systems, streamline distribution, and enable data‑driven operational excellence. This role blends deep technicalexpertisewith strong product thinking, manufacturing insight, and exceptional partner leadership.
Accountabilities:
AI Strategy & Portfolio:Identifyand prioritizehigh impactAI use cases in manufacturing, quality control, and supply chain optimization.Govern the portfolio fromproof of conceptthrough validation to scaled products, with clear stage gates, success metrics, and value tracking.
Ownership & Delivery: Act as the product owner for AI solutions (e.g., yield optimization, anomaly detection, batch release acceleration, demand and supply forecasting, inventory optimization, network planning, etc.).Set problem statements, adoption thresholds, and benefits realization plans; oversee delivery with internal teams and partners.
Business Interface & Partnerships:Serve as the primary interface betweenmanufacturing, quality and supply chainteams, and external AI partners.Translatebusinessneeds into AIsolutions.Evaluatebuy build partneroptions and manage vendors/consortia.
Workflow Integration & Change:Leadcrossfunctionalintegration of AI intoMES, ERP, LIMS/ELN, QMS, APS, WMS, andlogisticsplatforms,maintaininga strong focus on GMP/GxPcompliance. EnsureAI driveninsights are actionable in daily operations, supporting root cause analysis and continuous process improvement. Motivate change management (stakeholder engagement, training/upskilling, superuser networks, SOP/role updates, communications, feedback loops) to accelerate adoption and scale.
Data & Platforms:Partner with the Head of Dataandtechteamsto ensure data quality and secure integration acrossmanufacturing and supply chaindatasources. Influence platform choices and managebuy build partnerdecisions with clear success criteria and vendor governance.
Governance, GMP/GxP, and Responsible AI:Ensure adherence to GMP/GxP, data integrity (ALCOA+), validation (CSV/CSA), privacy, and audit requirements.Applyresponsible AI practices including model validation, explain-ability, monitoring and drift management, change control,role basedaccess, andinspection readydocumentation.
Impact & Communication:Define goals and achievements/critical metrics tied tobusinessoutcomes (e.g.,uptime, efficiency/yield, batch release cycle time, deviation recurrence, schedule adherence, inventory turns, etc). Track and communicate progress, impact, and value tobusiness teamsand executive leadership with clear narratives and evidence.
Talent & Culture:Drive upskilling, change management, and a culture of AI adoption on the shop floor and in the supply chain. Build acrossfunctionalnetwork of superusers and AI champions; set standards and best practices.
Essential Skills/Experience:
Education:BS in Computer Science, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Information Systems, or a relevant fieldrequired. MS or MBA preferred, with strong exposure to biopharma/biotechmanufacturing, quality, and supply chain, andmeaningful AI familiarity (coursework, certifications, executive programs, or applied initiatives).
Experience:10+ years in biopharma or biotech Manufacturing, Quality, Technical Operations, or Supply Chain; 5+ years leadingcrossfunctional,technology enabledportfolios with measurable outcomes.Demonstrated success sponsoring/advising AI initiatives from concept toscaledadoption; not responsible forhands oncoding or model development.
Business Domain Expertise:Deep understanding of GMP manufacturing, quality systems, tech ops, andend to endsupply chain. Proven track record to translate operational needs intoAI enabledsolutions that improve reliability, cycle time, and cost.
Product and Portfolio Leadership: Proven track record to define roadmaps, prioritize portfolios, manage budgets, and deliver measurable impact.
Stakeholder Management:Credible partner toPlant Ops, Quality/QA, Supply Chain, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, Digital/IT, and Data/Tech; influences without authority and aligns internal and external partners.
Workflow Integration & Change:Track record embedding AI into MES, ERP, LIMS/ELN, QMS, APS, WMS, andlogisticsworkflows;adept at change leadership, training, and benefits realization withhumanin the loop controls.
Data & GovernanceFluency:Familiarity with key data domains (Manufacturing process and equipment,batch records,planning,QCand lab, etc.)and principles for quality, access controls, and lineage/traceability; experienced in vendor management.
Regulatory & Compliance: Solid understanding of GMP/GxP, validation (CSV/CSA), audit requirements, and documentation standards; familiarity with responsible AI and model risk management in GMP contexts.
Technical Fluency (noncoding):Comfortable engaging with AI/ML conceptsrelevant to operations (predictive modeling, anomaly detection, forecasting and optimization, NLP for deviations and CAPA, computer vision for inspection).Able to assess value, risk, and feasibility; understandAIand platform considerations to make informed decisions and ask the right questionswithout needing to code or build models.
Communication & Storytelling:Exceptional ability to simplify AIconceptsbusiness audiences; craftoutcome focusednarratives and adoption cases; report progress, impact, and value tobusinessand executive leadership withclear evidenceand tradeoffs.
Desirable Skills/Experience:
Rare diseaseorbiologicsmanufacturing, including small batch operations, and specializedlogistics.
Experience acting asbusinessproduct owner for AI solutions, driving adoption and measurable outcomes.
Portfolio financial acuity (investment cases,ROI) and partnership governance (buy build partner, success measures, IP/publications stance).
Where can I find out more?
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Learn more about Alexion at www.alexion.com
At Alexion, you will find a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and a diverse environment where your contributions are valued. You will have the opportunity to be at the forefront of rare disease research and make a meaningful difference in patients' lives.
Ready to lead and inspire? Apply now and take the first step towards an exciting career at Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease.
The annual base pay (or hourly rate of compensation) for this position ranges from $186,214 to $279,201. Our positions offer eligibility for various incentives—an opportunity to receive short-term incentive bonuses, equity-based awards for salaried roles and commissions for sales roles. Benefits offered include qualified retirement programs, paid time off (i.e., vacation, holiday, and leaves), as well as health, dental, and vision coverage in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans.
Alexion 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 align with all applicable laws and regulations on inclusivity in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements. Alexion 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.
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Date Posted
12-Feb-2026Closing Date
01-Mar-2026Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.
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