Axial Deployment – Change, Communications and Training Lead (Data and Analytics) - 12 Month Secondment / FTC

Axial Deployment – Change, Communications and Training Lead (Data and Analytics)

Luton

The Axial Programme (Global S/4HANA implementation)

Join AstraZeneca, a purpose-led organisation, as we embark on the Axial transformation programme powered by S/4HANA, our new ERP system that will redefine standardised processes, financial management, and real-time reporting across the enterprise and supply chain.

This once-in-a-generation programme will shape our ways of working globally for years ahead. We seek proven change leaders who have successfully driven enterprise-wide data and analytics transformation, championed data literacy, and delivered measurable outcomes in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Introduction to the Role

As Change, Communications, and Training Lead for Data and Analytics in the Axial Programme, you will lead the end-to-end change management approach for embedding data-driven ways of working. You will facilitate global data governance, master data management, and analytics adoption, collaborating with diverse technical and business teams. You will design and launch targeted training programmes and communication campaigns to empower more than 20,000 employees, ensuring rapid, sustainable adoption of new data capabilities and frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Lead impactful change management for data and analytics: Drive adoption of global data governance frameworks, master data management processes, and advanced analytics capabilities, ensuring seamless transition across multiple business units and countries.

Build and scale data literacy: Design and implement global data literacy programmes that enable employees to move toward self-service analytics and data ownership, embedding a data-driven culture at scale.

Deliver strategic communications and training: Develop and execute communication and training strategies that engage and support stakeholders throughout enterprise change. Serve as a leading interface between data teams and business functions, from technical groups to C-suite executives.

Embed and sustain cross-functional collaboration: Partner with data, IT, operations, and finance teams globally to ensure high-value integration of data policies, tools, and ways of working. Drive stakeholder engagement and buy-in for process and system change.

Champion advanced process transformation: Implement strategies for data quality improvement and rapid issue resolution, supporting business continuity in interim states and throughout rollouts.

Govern emerging technologies: Lead change management and rollout for AI governance, data privacy compliance, and evolving analytics capabilities, proactively training and engaging global teams as new solutions are piloted and launched.

Coordinate global and local deployment: Manage phased change adoption across enterprise functions, ensuring business continuity and operational efficiency as new data models and platforms are deployed.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Enterprise Data Leadership: Proven experience building and scaling high-performing data management functions and leading enterprise-wide data transformation in global organisations 

• Change Management Expertise:Demonstrated success in orchestrating complex organisational change, embedding data governance and analytics strategies, and managing adoption at scale across diverse markets.

• Data Literacy and Analytics Programme Development: Successful design and rollout of data literacy initiatives moving large groups to self-service analytics and new data ownership models.

• Strategic Communication and Training: Track record developing and executing communications and training programmes that support business process improvements and change adoption across thousands of employees.

• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in partnership and coordination with technical teams, business leaders, and executives to deliver critical business process improvements and data-driven culture.

• Process Transformation & Impact: Ability to drive measurable improvements in data quality, operational efficiency, and issue reduction through standardisation of data contracts and governance frameworks.

• Project and Portfolio Coordination: Managed simultaneous high-priority change programmes, overseeing complex deployments and business continuity risk mitigation.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA) and data model change impacts within large enterprise frameworks. 

• Familiarity coordinating with data repository teams (SAP, enterprise data offices, analytics hubs). 

• Proficiency with analytics and reporting platforms such as PowerBI, JIRA, and data cataloguing tools. 

• Awareness of emerging AI and advanced analytics technologies and their adoption in data governance programmes. 

• Degree in Data Science, Analytics, Business, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on leadership experience in global data transformation roles.