Senior Director Business Planning and Operations

This key role reports to the VP Immunology Cell Therapy (ICT) and partners with the wider Cell Therapy functions to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of the teams’ objectives and vision, by establishing a strategy and roadmap that translates goals into tactical plans, strengthening the culture of the organization while driving growth through digital excellence and data-driven innovation. The Senior Director Business Planning and Operations must be able to effectively navigate multiple diverse stakeholders, think strategically about key issues affecting R&D Operations, as well as demonstrate organizational savvy in dealing with senior executives and understanding how to get things done. Critically, this role requires a high degree of influencing skills and independent thinking. The Senior Director, Business Planning and Operations (BPO) will coordinate the budget activities for the department ensuring MTP/LTP timelines are met.

What you will do:

• Partner with the wider cell therapy functions (including Discovery, Clinical and Technical Operations) to develop vision, 3-to-5 years Strategy, and scorecard goals. Track delivery, performance updates and ensuring scorecard reporting is accurate and timely, and department is on track to meet or exceed performance targets.
• Foster close collaboration and cross functional partnerships to monitor projects they perform and identify any potential areas for improvement.
• Coordination and facilitation of ICT LT calendar to ensure effective meetings and tracking of required actions to ensure overall delivery of departmental goals. Prepare presentations and content.
• Strategically partner with the Communication Lead to identify & deliver key functional engagements and information sharing toshare key achievements, new hires, key events, etc through appropriate channels.
• Budgeting and Financial Management for ICT, monitor expenditure against agreed budgets, identifying variances and implementing corrective action if necessary.
• Liaise with Finance in compilation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, collect financial and operational data. Engage and lead strategic discussions focused on Financial Planning, Budgeting, Resource Planning, and other business operations. Work closely with partners in Procurement, Legal, Finance and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure budget targets and cost-reduction goals are achieved.
• Plan, develop, and adjust work methods and procedures to optimize use of Coupa, SAP, ePay, and Contracts applications.
• Resource Planning: ensure open roles are tracked and actioned in a timely manner. Working with hiring manager, TA and HR. Coordinate on boarding activities to ensure new hire is orientated efficiently. New Talent Training is correctly built, assigned.
• Lead Transformational change, translates project vision into practical project plans that ensure impactful solutions in a timely and efficient manner. Identifies and engages with key stakeholders, providing project status as appropriate ensuring timelines, deliverables, risks  and dependencies, budgets requirements and other success criteria are met.
• Investigate current and future Operation’s needs, communicating them appropriately and translating them into specific requirements.
• Manage and monitor the performance of each functional area in Operations, pro-actively identifying any barriers to delivery or performance issues and taking action to address these challenges with the ICT LT.
• Demonstrate a Continuous Improvement mindset, influencing and guiding peer leadership and teams to adopt lean principles, and problem-solving methodologies.
• Provide support at governance such as Cell Therapy LT, Review Board and Protocol Review committee as need
• Provide support around academic alliance management/tracking in collaboration with dedicated functions

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Essential

• Minimum working experience: 10 yrs
• University Degree in a scientific subject (eg MSc in biology, biotechnology, pharmacy)
• Good understanding of pharmaceutical drug development process
• Experience in either biotech or pharma, and in general in a matrix environment
• Experience in governance, resource planning, monitoring and reporting
• Experience supporting delivery of team’s goals and influencing Senior Leaders both internally and externally
• Strong collaborative communications skills including the ability to engage with a diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Proven ability in problem solving and issues management that is solution focused

Desirable

• Desirable working experience: 15 yrs or more
• Governance experience and track record in senior stakeholder management
• Project and portfolio management experience
• Direct experience in Operations across multiple processes, organizations and functional areas
• Relevant experience in change management

At AstraZeneca, we are at the cutting-edge of science, rethinking the future of medicine. We work on ground-breaking medicine discovery and development from early to late stage, answering some of the most complex unmet patient needs. We are never complacent about scientific discovery and development. Here we are always pushing our efficiency, searching for knowledge and the next breakthrough. We fully embrace a safe space, exercising our freedom to discover and share. You're supported by the team where setbacks are seen as learning opportunities.

Take the lead to make a bigger impact! Here we need leadership at every level. Physicians who not only have expertise but also the ability to build a business case, engage with partners, and communicate effectively with different audiences. With that kind of remit comes great responsibility and the opportunity to make a big impact. Join us and be a part of our journey in transforming lives with science!

Date Posted

11-Sep-2025

Closing Date

Our mission is to build an inclusive environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. In furtherance of that mission, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their protected characteristics. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please complete the corresponding section in the application form.

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.