Director – Development Business Partner - RDU R&D IT

Introduction to role

We are seeking an experienced IT professional with 10-15 years of biopharmaceutical experience and a focus on senior business partnering to lead in the RDU R&D IT function as Director, Development Business Partner. In this role, you will be a key thought leader and Business Partner within the RDU R&D IT function to identify high-value opportunities for R&D, set strategy, prioritize our portfolio, and ensure execution of differentiating projects to realize significant benefits for development activities. You must have excellent communication and customer service skills and must be prepared to regularly use these skills in presentations to colleagues. Constructive communication will be expected down to the most junior staff members as well as up the leadership ladder up to and including the CIO. In all endeavors, you must maintain a professional level of preparation and performance. Additionally, you must stay abreast of new technologies and be willing to present and/or train fellow team members on the technologies. You should have a continuous improvement mindset and strive to make one thing better every day. You must also adopt corporate leader competencies; attract and develop top talent, get results, possess a strategic approach, manage ambiguity and complexity, optimize work processes, and drive engagement. You will lead strategic programs and projects planned and prioritized with our Senior R&D stakeholders.

Accountabilities

- Thought Leadership: Collaborate with business leaders across the Development function to understand their needs and provide IT solutions that support business goals and deliver value. Act as a leader between the IT department and other business units to foster cooperation and bring new insights (external/internal) for analysis.
- Budgeting: Develop and lead the IT budget, ensuring cost-effective use of resources. Supervise and report on budget performance, making adjustments as necessary.
- Prioritization: Evaluate and prioritize IT projects based on business needs, resource availability, and potential impact. Ensure that critical projects receive the necessary attention and resources.
- Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks associated with IT projects and operations. Develop and implement risk management strategies to ensure the security and reliability of IT systems.
- Driving Strategy: Develop and execute IT strategies that align with the company's overall business strategy. Stay informed about industry trends and new technologies to drive innovation and continuous improvement.
- Leading Projects: Lead and manage IT development projects from inception to completion. Ensure that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives.
- People: Attract necessary talent (Business Architects, Business Analysts, Project Managers, Architects, and other Business Partners with specific domain knowledge) and manage vendors and vendor relationships as needed. Embrace the AZ Culture and be a mentor to junior staff and business stakeholders.

Essential Skills/Experience

- A minimum of 10 years working either in or near a biopharmaceutical Research role either within IT and/or in the Research or Process Development function itself, the ideal candidate has done both.
- Undergraduate degree in computer science, information technology, business or related field.
- Strong R&D business background with experience partnering with senior executives.
- Proven track record of innovation utilizing technology, partners, and teams tied to business outcomes.
- Detail-oriented, self-starter, able to work both independently and in a team environment.
- Experience leading technical resources and project teams.
- Experience with Development systems and processes.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Strong architectural and application development background.
- Strong understanding of data models and architecture.
- Ability to lead multiple projects under timelines.
- Understanding of PMI methodologies and project management experience
- Shown track-record of delivering projects using agile SDLC.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Experience with formalized change management processes.
- Familiarity with both regulatory (GxP) and corporate compliance domains.
- Ability to take direction and work independently to complete tasks and solve problems.

- Influence and persuasion expertise.

As an IT Business Partner leader, you will be expected to have proficiency in:

- Demand Management - Effectively managing and forecasting the organization's demand for products and services to ensure alignment with supply capabilities and strategic objectives.
- Portfolio Management - Optimizing the organization's investment portfolio to maximize value, optimize resource allocation, and balance risk and return.
- Value Realization - Identifying and realizing the full potential value of the organization's products, services, and capabilities to drive profitability and growth.
- Innovation - Fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to develop new products, services, and business models that meet evolving customer needs.
- Governance - Establishing clear decision-making processes, accountability, and oversight to ensure the alignment of business activities with strategic objectives and risk management practices.

Desirable Skills/Experience

- Advanced degree in information technology or information sciences, or specific sciences.
- Prior experience in leading-edge technologies, such as Gen AI and advanced data modeling.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace, and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

Joining Alexion means embracing an opportunity where work isn’t ordinary. We are a beacon in the global Biopharmaceutical landscape. Our closeness to patients brings us closer to our work and each other. Combined with our brave, pioneering spirit – we are truly outstanding in R&D and healthcare. Grow and innovate in a business with a rapidly expanding portfolio. Enjoy the entrepreneurial spirit of a leading biotech while meeting the needs of some of the most under-served patients in the world. You will be empowered with tailored development programs designed for skill enhancement while fostering a deep understanding of our patient's journeys. Supported by exceptional leaders ready to lift you in marketing, compliance, and beyond.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now!

AstraZeneca embraces diversity and equality of opportunity. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse team representing all backgrounds, with as wide a range of perspectives as possible, and harnessing industry-leading skills. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. We welcome and consider applications to join our team from all qualified candidates, regardless of their characteristics. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations on non-discrimination in employment (and recruitment), as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements.