Director, Information Technology

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led, patient-focused biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines for some of the world’s most serious diseases. But we’re more than one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies. We’re also a Great Place to Work.

This is a collaborative environment where people are empowered to push the boundaries of science and unleash their entrepreneurial spirit. Welcome to an inclusive culture that champions diversity and collaboration. Experience the benefits of lifelong learning, growth and development. There’s no better place to make a difference to medicine, patients and society – and there’s no better time to join our exciting journey to pioneer the future of healthcare.

At AstraZeneca, Information Technology empowers our business partners to perform at peak productivity and lead new ways of working to discover and deliver medicine, combining pioneering science with leading digital technology platforms and information. Make the impossible possible by through creativity, collaboration, standardization, automation, artificial intelligence, and exceptional service.

Focused, committed, and backed with the investment to succeed, we’re driving cross-company change to disrupt the entire industry. AstraZeneca is a place to work with industry leaders to innovate in technology and science. You’re trusted to explore solutions, experiment with groundbreaking technology, and grapple with challenges in a modern technology environment that may never have been considered previously. It’s a dynamic environment to work in and that’s why we love what we do. 

Position Overview:

We are looking for a Director of IT for our new Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) Facility in Singapore, a ~$1.5 billion investment to support our broad and rapidly advancing portfolio of ADC’s .

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving digital transformation, ensuring the alignment of IT systems with business objectives, and maintaining compliance with global and local regulatory requirements. This role will oversee the implementation and maintenance of cutting-edge IT systems, cybersecurity measures, and manufacturing-specific technologies, ensuring the facility operates at maximum efficiency and scalability. She/He will be responsible for engaging with various stakeholders across many parts of the organization, to ensure effective communication and collaboration.

The position will foster effective cross-functional working relationships with Global Engineering, Global Tech Ops, Quality, Finance, HR, other Global IT teams, Global Supply Chain.

The person in this role is a key member of the Singapore Operations Leadership Team and will report directly to the Sr Director, Operations IT Biologics. This role will be Singapore based with a degree of travel to Europe required during facility design.

Scope and Deliverables:

Strategic Leadership

• Help to develop and execute the IT strategy for the Singapore manufacturing site, aligning with AstraZeneca’s global IT and business goals.
• Lead the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, ensuring the integration of smart manufacturing capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, quality, and supply chain, to identify and implement technology solutions that enhance operational excellence.
• Single point of contact supporting key business areas at the Singapore site, representing Global IT functions.  Accountable for all IT services delivered on the site. This includes BAU and / or project services, delivered through local IT resources or global AZ IT teams.

IT Operations and Support

• Ensure the seamless integration of ERP systems (e.g., SAP), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Provide leadership and direction to the IT team to deliver high-quality technical support.

Digital Transformation and Innovation

• Drive digital innovation initiatives to optimize production, reduce downtime, and enhance data-driven decision-making.
• Implement advanced analytics, IoT, and automation technologies to maximize the facility’s operational efficiency.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement through the adoption of emerging technologies.

Cybersecurity and Compliance

• Ensure IT systems comply with global regulatory requirements (e.g., GxP, FDA, and EMA standards) and local data protection laws.
• Adhere to and implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and ensure business continuity.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits to maintain compliance and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Team Leadership and Development

• Build and lead a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Act as a key liaison between the Singapore site and AstraZeneca’s global IT organization.

General

• Budget & Resources: Supporting the development of budget and resource plans to ensure that program objectives are met.
• Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating risks that could impact the successful delivery of the program, and developing contingency plans as needed.
• Compliance: Monitoring and ensuring the quality of deliverables and outcomes, ensuring the appropriate governance is in place to comply with relevant internal and external standards.
• Reporting: Providing regular progress reports to key stakeholders and maintaining comprehensive program documentation.

Essential Requirements:

• 8-10 years’ experience in a biopharmaceutical or pharmaceutical company having held accountability for the implementation of high-profile projects requiring cross-functional collaboration, with strong knowledge and background in Enterprise, Manufacturing and Supply Chain systems
• Strong communicator with experience in leading, influencing and mentoring cross functional and matrix teams
• Demonstrated ability to manage both tactically and strategically, to prepare contingency plans and ensure execution of plans
• Sound judgment and comfortable operating in a challenging, fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment.
• Innovative, with strong focus and proven experience in delivering continuous improvement through the use of the latest process excellence tools.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in developing, motivating, and organizing high performing work groups in the biotechnology / pharmaceutical industry.

We would like you to have:

• Undergraduate degree or relevant business qualification.
• Advanced degree (Masters, PhD, MBA) is an advantage.
  

This role presents a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of AstraZeneca's ADC ambitions in a dynamic and evolving environment. If you possess the requisite expertise and are eager to take on this challenge, we invite you to apply and join our innovative and ambitious team at AstraZeneca.