Executive Director, Cell Therapy CMC Portfolio Strategy

If you have the passion and the drive to accelerate growth and make people’s lives better – then AstraZeneca is the place for you.  In Operations we have a big ambition – to deliver more medicines to patients, quicker and more affordably. Backed by the investment, leadership and a clear plan to get there, we bring personal dedication and out of the box thinking. 

AstraZeneca turns molecules to medicines, bringing our Research & Development pipeline to life through a rigorous process of development, manufacturing, testing and delivery.  Operations is accelerating, fast. We are on track for Our Bold Ambition 2030, delivering 15+ new medicines driving us forward across different modalities including biologics, cell therapy, ADCs and small molecules. 

Position Summary

The Executive Director, Cell Therapy CMC Portfolio Strategy is responsible for the management of overall CMC Portfolio Strategy and input in the global strategy for clinical and commercial programs, technology advancement, automation assessment and implementation for Cell Therapy Development and Operations. Recognized as a thought leader and expert within own area of specialization.

The ideal candidate for this role will be curious, creative, analytical with a natural leadership drive to bring solutions beyond immediate challenges; challenge the status quo and will have outstanding communication and influencing skills. This leader will share frequent interactions with senior leaders across Global Operations, as well as close collaboration with leaders of R&D of multiple therapy areas. Success in this role will result in improved business decision-making, accelerated innovation, and enhanced productivity. A passion for change, combined with relationship-building, leadership, and communication skills will be key to success.

The position will report into the Vice President, Global Cell Therapy Development and Operations.  The position can be based in Gaithersburg, MD or Santa Monica, CA.

Responsibilities

• Accountable for defining and executing CTDO product strategies which will enable implementation of automation, to achieve COGS, effectiveness and efficiency of the programs to achieve the 2030 bold ambition
• Establish and drive CMC roadmap for each program that enable #1 place in Cell Therapy Operations by 2030.  Connect the right technical package with the implementation of the changes across all manufacturing sites.
• Identify high level opportunities for process improvement from operational experience and drive implementation of the key process improvement that will ensure successful management of multiple products and pipeline.
• Actively understand the cell therapy industry space and work toward cell therapy excellence in AstraZeneca.
• Actively collaborate with key networks across AZ and externally to gain awareness of current industry trends to contribute and influence new evolving technologies and practices. Share strategic outcomes of key strategy implementation and Business transformation projects with senior leadership teams, outlining benefits from a cost, speed and quality perspective and demonstrating the return on investment (ROI)
• Establish, manage and implement global footprint program/strategies for CTDO sites in alignment with global cell therapy operations footprint strategy.
• Oversee global implementation and management of projects involving the transformation of organizations, and skills
• Develop a sustainable plan in managing process, projects, and organizational talent in ensuring seamless delivery of new products and pipeline
• Build a trusting relationship with senior leaders and other key stakeholders across the enterprise to advise and influence transformational changes supporting 2030 bold ambition
• Articulate and engage on proactive communication with key stakeholders on strategy implementation

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of applicable experience working with a pharmaceutical or biotechnology company or relevant industry.

Preferred Requirements

• Advanced degree in biological science or engineering
• Superior project management skills with demonstrated experience successfully managing a cross-functional or cross-departmental team on a sophisticated project
• Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to logically structure issues and determine recommended resolutions
• Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities, resources, performance targets and project initiatives in a global environment
• Operational expertise in proactive risk management and contingency planning
• Conceptual, analytical, with demonstrated strategic thinking capability
• Ability to work well under pressure and effectively and professionally navigate tough situations
• Ability to challenge the status quo, take ownership and holds self and others accountable
• Ability to influence strategically and persuade tactfully, to obtain desired outcomes while maintaining effective, positive, organizational relationships
• Passion for Patients and Customers, representing the needs of multiple customers in decision making

Desirable Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• PhD or other advanced degree in appropriate discipline
• CMC project management experience, preferably in clinical and commercial cell therapy products for
• Excellent knowledge of Regulatory requirements
• Experience in defending positions with Regulatory Agencies
• Vast experience in Agile delivery and execution capabilities across global teams
• Strong experience in relationship management and influencing skills
• Effective problem and conflict resolution skills and proven team focus
• Experience in executive presentations

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we fuel 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 Gaithersburg, MD or Santa Monica, CA office. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility. Join us in our unique and ambitious world.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $220,000 to $330,000. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related experience. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and we reserve the right to modify base salary (and any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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 authorisation and employment eligibility verification requirements.