Director, SPQ - Portfolio Management
Job Title: Director, SPQ - Portfolio Management
Career Level - F
Introduction to role
The Director, SPQ - Portfolio Management is responsible for managing the IT portfolio for one or more IT Functions. The portfolios are delivered by the specific IT functions potentially supporting multiple AZ business units and/or locations. This role will apply robust knowledge of portfolio management capabilities to improve practices, standards, reporting, and tools, and will leverage change management principles to drive the adoption of changes across the IT organization.
Accountabilities
Serve as a strategic partner for one or more IT functions through in-depth analysis and insight into demand, portfolio and resource management capabilities.
Drive full transparency of the assigned IT Portfolios, support prioritization and investment decision making with the IT Function’s leadership team and business collaborators.
Manage the IT portfolio process including demand management/intake, prioritization through funding approval.
Bring value with their expertise in portfolio capabilities of demand management, resource management, portfolio management and financial competence to support informed business decisions.
Implement changes to portfolio management related processes in their corresponding stakeholder communities.
Lead the development of solutions to problems identified through business performance data or team member feedback.
Communicate performance and trends to IT function leaders and ITLT to identify risks and opportunities at the earliest stage possible.
Oversee the ongoing portfolio financial reporting and advance where decisions/prioritization may need to occur by governance group(s).
Proactively advance and resolve critical issues.
Effectively communicate and build relationships across the organization, advocating for business needs and ensuring timely response.
Measure portfolio health, status, financials and variances against a baseline.
Manage routine quarterly and annual budget submission processes including communicating timelines, collecting and reviewing forecasts with and providing visibility to team members.
Work collaboratively with functional leadership as the key interface and source of management of business performance against key indicators, areas of risk, and actions to mitigate risks.
Identify and implement process improvements based on effective measurement & continuous improvement.
Essential Skills/Experience
Bachelor's degree required
5+ years' experience managing significant project portfolios
4+ years' experience in IT business or financial management
3+ years' experience leading multi-functional teams
Understanding of portfolio management in areas like finance and resources
Familiarity with Waterfall and Agile delivery methodologies
Critical thinking for improving value delivery
Passion for process improvement and enhancing team member experiences
Strong critical thinking and process optimization skills
Ability to identify risks and issues in IT environments
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously
Strong skills in engaging with team members at all levels, building relationships, and effectively communicating the value of the portfolio
Ability to articulate sophisticated information clearly and tailor communication to diverse audiences
Comfortable operating in sophisticated, global matrix organizations
Excellent in collaboration, influencing, and team leadership
Skilled in conflict resolution and change management
Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
Desirable Skills/Experience
MBA or advanced degree in IT or related field
Familiarity with ServiceNow SPM
Experience in the pharmaceutical industry or the specific business area being supported
Experience with Lean Portfolio Management or knowledge of Lean Portfolio Management concepts
Lean and/or Agile certification
Practical experience with Agile and Waterfall delivery
Strong data analytics and PowerBI skills
Knowledge of automation tools like PowerAutomate
Prior project management experience in ADF, ITIL or similar methodologies
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.
At AstraZeneca, we combine pioneering technology with a passion for transforming lives through data, analytics, AI, machine learning, and more. Our work directly impacts patients by developing life-changing medicines. We empower our teams to innovate, take ownership, and explore new solutions in a dynamic environment. With investment backing us, we drive cross-company change to disrupt the industry. Join us at this crucial stage of our journey to become a digital and data-led enterprise.
Ready to make a difference?
Apply today!
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.
