Director, Operations Excellence

The Medical Evidence Delivery Operations within the Oncology Business Unit (OBU) drives the effective delivery of observational and interventional AstraZeneca-sponsored studies, externally sponsored research, and early access programs. The primary objective is to generate critical evidence to bolster confidence in AstraZeneca therapies and provide vital access to patients in need.

The Director, Operations Excellence provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure the Evidence Delivery Team (EDT) within the Oncology Business Unit operates at peak efficiency. This role is critical in aligning resources and capacity to AstraZeneca's strategic goals and, when necessary, extending support to higher-level entities such as EGP2. The DOX is tasked with driving strategic initiatives that enhance performance and efficiency on a global scale.
In this role, you will optimize resource allocation and streamline operational processes while contributing to continuous improvement through leadership and support of EDT initiatives, including process improvement efforts. Your leadership will foster an environment where teams are inspired to excel and achieve outcomes that have a profound impact across the organization. As a catalyst for change, you will ensure that operations not only meet current needs but are positioned for future strategic opportunities, ensuring AstraZeneca maintains its competitive edge and commitment to excellence.

Responsibilities:

•Resource Optimization:
•Lead resource and capacity planning activities to deliver efficiently the existing and future portfolio of interventional and observational studies, ESRs, and EAPs and ensure transparency of data.
•Ensure alignment of resources and capacity with AstraZeneca's strategic imperatives, optimizing resource allocation to support global initiatives; identify and communicate problems and concerns.
•Monitor FTE capacity and develop operational plans and short-term/long-term forecasts based on future plans for demand, identify constraints and provide analysis.
•Identify and mitigate risks related to resource allocation and capacity constraints.
•Validate & maintain the resources algorithm for each activity types to better predict various resource needs and financial impact to OBU Evidence Delivery.
•Maintain accurate and comprehensive resource tracking to ensure up-to-date visibility of resource allocation and capacity across all projects.
•Partner with functional resource managers and finance directors outside EDT to share book of work and capacity implications to secure necessary FTE allocations in support of EDT deliverables, ensuring that projects are equipped with the required expertise and personnel.
•Optimizing Operational Efficiency: Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies across the Evidence Delivery Team (EDT) to ensure optimal operational performance.
•Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and adaptability within operational practices.
•Change Management: Act as a change agent by leading teams through organizational changes, ensuring they are well-equipped and motivated to embrace new directions that support strategic goals.
•Resource Utilization Monitoring: Establish metrics and benchmarks to monitor resource utilization, ensuring that the team meets and exceeds productivity targets.
•Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to drive initiatives that enhance operational capabilities and deliver impactful results.
•Risk Management: Identify potential EDT portfolio risks in operations and develop strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring consistency and reliability in outcomes

Requirements:

Essntial

▪ Solid experience in resource management, including capacity planning and allocation.
▪ Proven track record of developing and implementing operational strategies and initiatives that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
▪ Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams through change management and continuous improvement initiatives.
▪ Experience in utilizing data analytics to drive decision-making and measure operational success.
▪ Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience collaborating across multiple functions and regions.
▪ University degree (or equivalent)
▪ High cultural sensitivity, negotiation, and collaboration skills, coupled with extensive networking capabilities

Desirable

▪Exposure to or experience of Portfolio analysis and management
▪Several years’ experience working within a pharmaceutical organisation
▪Knowledge of the different types of medical activities, including evidence study delivery