Global Head of Early Careers and Learning, BioPharma R&D

Role Summary

AstraZeneca is seeking a senior leader to lead Early Careers and Learning in BioPharma R&D. This role will shape our global strategy for early careers and learning, building on AZ’s existing programs in the UK, USA and Sweden to deliver a pipeline of early talent and drive future-focused learning in R&D. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer in BioPharma R&D, the Head of Early Careers and Learning will lead, develop and implement AstraZeneca’s Research & Development strategy for attracting, nurturing, and retaining early career talent, with a focus on growing programs in Boston and other growth sites. The role also serves as a point of contact for academic institutions, fostering partnerships and growing AstraZeneca’s reputation to create a robust pipeline of apprentices, graduates, postgraduates and interns. It also leads AstraZeneca’s technical learning approach for R&D globally, with emphasis on future-focused learning.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the global early careers and learning strategy and team for BioPharma R&D. Develop and implement a comprehensive early careers strategy for R&D in North America, aligned with AZ’s broader objectives, including accelerating scientific AI skills and capabilities within R&D.
• Program Development: Partner with key R&D stakeholders to build on established early talent programs and design, launch, and oversee new complementary programs in North America and at other growth sites.
• Leadership Program and Line Management: Lead and manage the global Early Careers and Learning Team in BioPharma R&D, with staff based in multiple locations. Ensure effective local delivery of existing R&D early talent programs, partnering with HR Talent Acquisition, Academic Alliances, and senior leadership to support hiring, supervision, and a high-quality experience for candidates and line managers.
• Academic Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with universities, colleges, and professional bodies in target areas, coordinating joint initiatives and collaborations involving early talent. Oversee academic relationships managed by the wider team.
• Talent Attraction: Work with Global Early Talent Acquisition teams to promote AstraZeneca as an employer of choice, including career fairs, campus presentations, and digital outreach.
• Learning Strategy and Delivery: Lead learning to ensure a clear strategy for R&D’s future learning is in place and delivered, aligned with 2030 goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify business needs and ensure alignment of early careers initiatives.
• Compliance and Best Practice: Ensure programs adhere to legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, incorporating best practices from US and international contexts.
• Performance Measurement: Monitor, evaluate, and report on program effectiveness, using data and feedback to drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or higher degree in a scientific, technical, Human Resources or Business Administration-focused discipline (advanced qualifications highly desirable).
• Experience: Substantial experience leading early careers and learning in a scientific R&D environment, preferably within a large or complex organization. Experience in large pharma is highly preferable and experience working across multiple strategic countries and hubs would be highly desirable.
• Knowledge of the US academic landscape, especially in the Boston area, is essential.
• Knowledge of US employment law, and/or academic contracting requirements, is desirable.

Skills

• Senior stakeholder influence with a proven ability to operate at executive levels in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Network building internally and externally with scientists and academics.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to program delivery.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• Leadership with a focus on AI, digital and technology.
• Financial acumen and experience managing large global budgets.
• Data-driven decision-making with strong analytical and quantitative skills; experience defining and using learning/talent analytics.

Education

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in a scientific, technical, Human Resources or Business Administration-focused discipline (advanced qualifications highly desirable).

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed for stakeholder engagement and program delivery.