Associate Director, Project Manager, Operational Data Strategy

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.

Introduction to role

The Operational Data Strategy function is a key component within Clinical Data and Insights, part of R&D Biopharmaceutical Clinical Operations. This function manages operational data strategically, bringing to bear advanced database systems and innovative data science methodologies to support data-informed decision-making. Reporting to the Senior Director, Operational Data Strategy, the Project Manager will play a crucial role in managing multiple projects, ensuring their successful delivery and alignment with strategic objectives.

Accountabilities

• Lead and manage multiple projects within an Agile framework, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with the Operational Data Strategy and broader organizational goals.
• Oversee and conduct scrum ceremonies, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives, ensuring effective collaboration and progress tracking.
• Offer strategic updates and presentations to collaborators and senior leadership, using advanced PowerPoint abilities to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
• Apply Atlassian Jira for tracking project progress, managing backlogs, and facilitating transparent communication and collaboration within project teams.
• Manage a portfolio of projects, prioritizing and allocating resources effectively to ensure successful delivery and alignment with operational data strategy and key strategic partners.
• Effectively manage project budgets, secure agreement for prioritization, and negotiate for necessary resources, aligning financial management with project deliverables.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and Agile standard methodologies within project teams, driving efficiency and innovation.
• Effectively liaise with key strategic partners to align project deliverables with broader data strategy initiatives and ensure seamless collaboration.
• Help the team focus on the current Sprint Goal by creating high-value increments that meet an agreed Definition of Done.
• Ensure user stories/tasks are properly refined based on gathered requirements in close collaboration with the Senior Business Analyst, removing any possible impediments from the team.
• Supervise the efficiency of the triage process and internal workflows, being the main contact for the Operational Data Support Specialist in case of critical issues.
• Increase visibility and transparency by organizing internal (Ops Data Team/CDI) and external (engaging relevant AZ stakeholders) demonstrations of relevant increments or team achievements.

Essential Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Proven experience as a Project Manager in an Agile environment, managing complex projects and cross-functional teams within the domain of Operational Data Strategy.
• Expertise in Atlassian tools, particularly Jira, with a deep understanding of Agile project management principles and best practices.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, with the ability to create compelling and informative presentations for various stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage a portfolio of projects simultaneously.

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Certification in Agile methodologies such as Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP).
• Experience in portfolio management and strategic project prioritization within the context of operational data strategy.

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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.

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