Associate Director, IT Business Partner Manufacturing

This is what you will do:

• The Associate Director – IT Business Partner Manufacturing Operations will be responsible for assisting in the definition, management, leadership, and direction of the IT – Manufacturing Operations Team aligned to Strategic Operational Goals. Responsible for the development, implementation, and management of IT Enterprise Manufacturing Systems/Teams to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Provide Leadership and management of one of the departments within the overall IT Operations Team, set the strategic direction for the team and input into the wider Digital Operations strategy.
• This individual will appreciate the fine points of managing a diverse business portfolio of systems with an ERP core. Equally critical to success is the ability to build strategic relationships across the Manufacturing Operations/Quality and IT functions seeking ways to support their objectives while pursuing the corporate needs for standardization, security, innovation, and efficiency.
• Provide & exhibit leadership, interpersonal and communication skills, and is expected to develop and maintain technical knowledge in their respective area(s) of expertise and provide guidance to their IT colleagues plus imaginative and innovative approaches to new and diverse problems. 

You will be responsible for:

Business Partnership and Development

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional teams, including IT Quality,IT Global Supply Chain and IT Manufacturing & Support Teams.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and technological advancements and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in the Manufacturing Operations technology landscape
• Play a proactive role in proposing strategic technologies, tools & approaches; may have been or worked closely with Solution Architects or Capability/Delivery leads or in an IT Business Partnering capacity in previous or current role.
• Builds social networks that enable knowledge and information flow. Shares knowledge regarding strategy, market and industry trends, developments, experience and good practice
• Suggest innovative solutions to business problems/processes that leverage technology to provide efficiency improvements, and better user experiences.
• Drive end to end Delivery Management covering the full project initiation and life cycle (SDLC) : lead management, qualification for bid/financing, staffing, client management, delivery/execution and governance
• Be accountable for solution provided, that will include delivery, detailed financial, sourcing, development and business perspectives.
• Investigate complex issues of Manufacturing Systems Management, run root cause analysis, establish a solution and push it through required steps necessary in order to support business deliverables.
• Identify and implement technology solutions to enhance Manufacturing Operations performance, such data analytics, and AI/ML Technologies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external technology vendors and partners to ensure optimal performance and service delivery.
• Work closely with multi-disciplined teams of project managers, product owners, architects, capability leads, IT leadership & quality assurance to drive estimates, delivery plans and retrospectives.
• Identify and run engagement risks and flag major issues early.
• Be lead communicator for project teams, communicating to business stakeholders and IT colleagues on the goals, benefits and progress of initiatives.

Leadership

• Liaise with Senior Business and IT leaders to build and gain consensus for a multi-year implementation road map for IT Manufacturing Operations Systems. Ensure appropriate escalation through Governance structure and subsequent resolution for unforeseen demand that could majorly impact agreed upon implementation plan (ongoing/upcoming projects).
• Support & drive core strategic objectives for both the IT and Business Organizations.
• Adept at risk management implementation. Considers internal and external factors that could adversely affect project execution – within and outside of Manufacturing & IT Functional Teams control.
• Creates strategic alignment between cross-functional teams to help solve customer problems.
• Executes the strategic plan in a coherent and consistent manner, in which teams deliver to a standard of excellence.
• Proactively identifies challenges whilst meeting deliverables, adjusting project plan throughout the project lifecycle. Serves as a point of escalation in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Lead & drive integrated (both IT and Business) teams to deliver solid technology solutions in support of key client initiatives.
• Co-ordinate the preparation of customer proposals and statements of work
• Run high-level client expectations and relationships, looking for opportunities to up/cross-deliver products and services through relationship management.
• Support the business to maximize utilization of current implemented business solutions.
• Participation in key global IT projects to ensure the Manufacturing Operations IT Team are represented
• Must maintain company quality and quantity standards across the IT Organisation.

You will need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Manufacturing Operations Management, or a related field; MBA or Master's degree preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in IT Manufacturing Operations management, with a consistent track record of success
• Strong understanding of Manufacturing Operations processes, including IBP (Integrated Business Planning) , logistics, and inventory management
• Extensive knowledge of Manufacturing Operations technology systems, including ERP, WMS, & integration of such systems utilizing ML & AI Adoption.
• Strong analytical skills and experience in data analysis and reporting
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Ability to run multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously and deliver results 
• Strategic mindset and experience with supporting a manufacturing operations environment
• Ability to act significantly in an uncertain environment

We would prefer for you to have:

• Demonstrate Leadership qualities to lead muti initiatives involving systems & data.
• Ability to display a high degree of professionalism in dealing with business managers and users.
• Driven to process improvement and solution identification.
• Consistent track record of implementing, running and delivering successful systems projects.
• Commercially focused, high levels of enthusiasm and energy.
• Excellent communication, analytical and decision skills.
• Ability to work on your own initiative.
• Flexibility to undertake international travel where required.
• Service oriented
• Adaptability to a multicultural environment, valuing diversity within a virtual global team environment

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.