Head of AI Transformation

AstraZeneca: Project Manager, AI Development Agent (AIDA) Programme - A Career Defining Opportunity

AstraZeneca, a globally recognized, science-led pharmaceutical powerhouse, is on a transformative journey to revolutionize its product development function through innovation and cutting-edge technology. This pivotal role of Project Manager for the AI Development Agent (AIDA) programme represents an exceptional opportunity for a driven and strategic leader to make a significant impact.

The AIDA programme is designed to fundamentally enhance productivity within product development, aiming to double efficiency by empowering colleagues with a "first digital mindset" and enabling sophisticated simulations of business processes. As the primary driving force, you will be instrumental in orchestrating this change and inspiring the organization to embrace this digital future.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Pioneering Impact: Lead a substantial, multi-year ($50M) digital and AI initiative that is at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation. This is a chance to shape the future of drug development.
• Strategic Leadership: Take ownership of developing comprehensive project plans, including yearly business cases, defining goals, managing budgets, and reporting progress to senior stakeholders. Your strategic vision will be key to success.
• Change Agent Role: Act as a powerful advocate for the AIDA project, engaging stakeholders across R&D and Manufacturing, and championing digital adoption through various communication channels.
• Process Optimization: Drive efficiency by streamlining processes, minimizing waste, and proactively identifying and mitigating risks, directly contributing to operational excellence.
• Network Cultivation: Build and nurture a vital network of internal and external AI experts, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and problem-solving.
• Influence and Collaboration: Leverage your ability to influence diverse technical and non-technical functions, ensuring the rapid and effective implementation of program-delivered technologies.
• Intellectual Property Focus: Play a crucial role in securing Intellectual Property strategies and maintaining freedom to operate, demonstrating a keen business acumen.
• Team Leadership: Lead and coordinate a multidisciplinary program team, reporting to and participating in a Steering Committee, honing your leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Career Development: Gain invaluable experience in managing large-scale digital transformation programs within the pharmaceutical industry, enhancing your resume and future career prospects.
• Commitment to Innovation: Be part of an organization that places technology at the heart of its mission, dedicated to delivering medicines quickly, affordably, and sustainably.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Advanced Scientific Foundation: A strong academic background with an advanced degree (PhD or equivalent) in a core scientific field like computer science, physics, mathematics, or chemistry is essential, providing a solid base for understanding the technical nuances of AI.
• Proven Team Leadership: Demonstrate a track record of creating and leading high-performing, engaged teams, ideally with experience across multiple pharmaceutical disciplines and scientific leadership.
• Deep Pharmaceutical Insight: Significant experience within a CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls) organization is highly valued, offering critical understanding of the drug development lifecycle.
• Exceptional Influencing Skills: The ability to influence across various disease, therapy, and functional areas is paramount. You will need to inspire and guide diverse groups towards a common goal.
• Strategic and Entrepreneurial Mindset: Success requires the ability to interpret complex situations, provide strategic clarity, and identify new opportunities, showing a proactive and innovative approach.
• AI Technology Acumen: A deep understanding of the AI technology landscape and its application to disease areas, therapy strategies, and operational challenges is critical for effective implementation.
• Agile and Adaptable: The dynamic nature of AI development means you must be comfortable with evolving landscapes, capable of making effective decisions, and acting courageously while maintaining strong communication.
• Ethical and Sustainable Focus: A demonstrated commitment to ethical behavior and an understanding of sustainability within business operations are important considerations for this role and AstraZeneca's values.

This role offers a unique chance to be at the vanguard of digital transformation within a leading pharmaceutical company. If you are a visionary leader with a passion for AI and a drive to make a difference, this opportunity at AstraZeneca could be the perfect catalyst for your next career advancement.