Senior Specialist, Capability and Operations

Are you looking for a career in strategy enablement and operations? Does impacting healthcare on a global scale through science-led innovation excite you? Then, we want to hear from you!

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:

We are in search of a meticulous and organized Senior Specialist to join our Capability & Operations (C&O) team. The C&O team is an essential component of the Portfolio and Enabling Function that assists in planning and implementing strategies throughout BioPharma Clinical Operations. The C&O team administers and manages key business processes and tools to support the annual planning cycle, strategic project execution, and day to day workflow of Clinical Operations.

This role will report into the Senior Director of C&O and will support the Associate Directors on the team by managing processes and administrative tasks to enable effective and strategic business planning and operations. The Senior Specialist will be a key contributor in ensuring seamless operations within the team, providing vital support to facilitate effective strategy implementation. This entry-level role is similar to a strategy associate position in related areas. You will have the opportunity to improve your collaboration and project planning skills, while working towards more senior strategy positions.

Typical Accountabilities:

Business Planning Support

• Aid in the preparation and coordination of our annual and multi-year planning processes
• Assemble, evaluate, and consolidate data to provide insights that facilitate planning and decision-making processes
• Update functional scorecards and quarterly reporting, produce visuals and assets as required
• Support financial planning and analysis including carbon tracking

Strategic Project Support

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the execution of strategic projects, tracking progress and facilitating timely completion with detailed project plans
• May at times lead independent projects as project lead or support ongoing projects as a team member and project manager
• Assist in the development and maintenance of key processes to support project execution and ensure alignment with strategic priorities
• Assist in managing resources and budgets for projects
• Promote effective communication among team members and customers

Operations Support

• Provide ongoing support for administrative and operational activities, optimizing workflows and ensuring effective resource allocation
• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Associate Director, including schedule management, meeting coordination, and preparation of materials for presentations and reports
• Maintain clear and organized documentation of strategic processes, decisions, and outcomes
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and contribute to the development and implementation of innovative solutions

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field
• Previous experience in a strategy or administrative role, preferably within a clinical or biopharma environment
• Strong analytical and organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Planner)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to work with multiple customers and on multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent collaboration required – needs the energy to work across global & functional boundaries both internally and externally

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with project management tools and methodologies.
• Familiarity with strategic planning processes in a healthcare or clinical operations setting.
• Experience working in a confidential environment with senior leaders
• Experience in stakeholder facilitation

Great People want to Work with us! Find out why:

• GTAA Top Employer Award for 10 years
• Top 100 Employers Award
• Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Culture
• Learn more about working with us in Canada
• View our YouTube channel

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 emailingAZCHumanResources@astrazeneca.com.

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