Location Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Job ID R-233623
Date posted 17/08/2025
Are you ready to lead the charge in transforming the future of cell therapy? AstraZeneca’s Cell Therapy Clinical Operations is on a mission to scale the delivery of groundbreaking treatments. We are seeking a Senior Director, Innovation & Strategic Projects to join our leadership team and play a crucial role in driving business simplification, fostering effective ways of working, and supporting digital innovation for our Cell Therapy pipeline. This is your chance to be at the forefront of a rapidly evolving field!

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the VP, Clinical Operations Cell Therapy, and act as a key member of the Cell Therapy Clinical Operations Leadership Team.
• Work cross-functionally and across all 3 TAs (Oncology, Biopharma & Rare Disease) to identify and shape opportunities for innovation and operational excellence in support of clinical operations portfolio delivery, proactively engaging with stakeholders.
• Drive performance on Cell Therapy Portfolio delivery, across SET areas.
• Lead the optimization of strategic planning, providing critical input to business planning activities, such as strategic workforce planning and AI adoption.
• Design, manage, and report on a range of high-priority, cross-functional projects and initiatives that drive operational efficiency and delivery.
• Track progress of goals and deliverables, ensuring alignment with overall project objectives and reporting regularly to senior leadership.
• Establish clear, fit-for-purpose project reporting mechanisms with relevant cadence and collaborative messaging.
• Partner with the Clinical Operations LT to build a high-performing Clinical Operations community, championing a collaborative team ethos and developing talent.
• Support or develop organizational structural design where required in partnership with relevant business partners.
• The role may be required to have line management responsibility.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• Proven experience working in a pharmaceutical / drug development organization within a matrix, cross-functional environment.
• Knowledge of clinical operations.
• Significant experience in strategic project, program, or change management, ideally leading multiple high-impact initiatives.
• Demonstrated success managing non-drug project delivery in large, complex, and preferably international organizations.
• Proven leadership, with strong problem-solving ability involving multiple team members and competing priorities.
• Advanced networking and influencing skills, with the ability to interact and build rapport both within and outside the function.
• Ability to influence strategically and persuade tactfully to achieve desired results while maintaining positive relationships.
• Demonstrated passion for serving patients and customers, and a track record of representing the needs of multiple partners.

DESIRABLE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Advanced degree in business or a related field.
• Experience managing budgets in complex, matrixed organizations.
  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.
  AstraZeneca is where curiosity meets courage! We are committed to making a difference by fusing data and technology with scientific innovation to tackle some of the world’s most complex diseases. Our inclusive environment encourages exploration and collaboration across diverse teams. With opportunities for lifelong learning and growth, you can be part of a team that is dedicated to improving patient access to healthcare globally. Join us as we push the boundaries of science to deliver life-changing medicines.
  Ready to make an impact? Apply now and be part of our journey!

Please refer the Job description for details