Head of AI Transformation

Role Summary

AstraZeneca is seeking a highly motivated, innovative, and strategic Project Manager to lead the development and implementation of the AI Development Agent (AIDA) programme. This role is critical in driving business results, with the expectation of doubling productivity within the product development function. The AIDA will support a first digital mindset and allow simulation of business processes at different levels in the organisation. The role holder will drive the work and inspire teams through this change journey. Location flexible: US, UK, or Sweden.

Responsibilities

• Drive the development of a $50M total, 4-year digital/AI programme, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and within scope with emerging AI governance.
• Develop project plans including yearly business cases and goals, manage a budget, hold others accountable for timely deliveries, and report progress regularly to stakeholders across the organisation.
• Act as a change agent, advocating for the AIDA project across stages and platforms, and ensure R&D and Manufacturing stakeholders are engaged and aligned across early and late development.
• Streamline processes, minimize waste, increase efficiency, identify risks, and implement mitigations.
• Build and maintain a network of internal and external AI experts to foster knowledge sharing and collaborative problem solving.
• Influence across technical and non-technical functions for rapid and efficient implementation of technologies delivered by the program.
• Facilitate securing Intellectual Property strategies and maintaining freedom to operate as a business.
• Lead and coordinate a program team consisting of business representatives, IT representatives and sub-project leaders; report progress to and be part of a steering Committee.
• Ensure that all developments are delivered in compliance with appropriate standards and guidelines.

Qualifications

• Required: Experience of creating and leading engaged, high performing teams, ideally across multiple pharmaceutical disciplines, demonstrating scientific leadership.
• Required: Significant experience of working within a CMC organisation, and insight into how CMC contributes to the wider drug development process in all stages of development including commercialisation.
• Required: Proven ability to influence across disease, therapy, and functional areas.
• Required: Strong strategic and entrepreneurial thinking. Able to interpret complex situations and information in order to provide strategic clarity and opportunity.
• Required: Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively internally and externally.

Education

• Required: Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent experience) in a core scientific field such as computer science, physics, mathematics, or chemistry.

Skills

• Required: Proven skills in managing projects or large change programmes, with a track record of delivering complex projects by influencing change and driving performance.
• Required: Excellent business acumen with a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry landscape.
• Required: Deep understanding of the AI technology landscape and its application to disease, therapy areas, and operational strategies in pharmaceutical and technology contexts.
• Required: Proven experience with advanced AI training.
• Required: Superior collaboration and networking skills, with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally.
• Required: Demonstrated commitment to ethical behavior and sustainability in business operations.
• Required: Ability to make effective decisions, communicate with conviction at all levels, and maintain high standards of excellence.
• Required: Drive and energy to establish a high-performing team and make a measurable difference to the business.
• Required: High degree of personal credibility.