Senior Manager - Enterprise Risk, Business Resilience and Non-Financial Control

Senior Manager - Enterprise Risk, Business Resilience and Non-Financial Control

At AstraZeneca when we see an opportunity for change, we seize it and make it happen, because any opportunity no matter how small, can be the start of something big. Delivering life-changing medicines is about being entrepreneurial - finding those moments and recognizing their potential. Join us on our journey of building a new kind of organization to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening new ways to work, pioneering ground-breaking methods and bringing unexpected teams together. Interested? Come and join our journey.

This role is a pivotal member of AstraZeneca’s Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)  team, driving the identification, assessment, management, and assurance of enterprise-level risks across the Group. The role also actively supports AstraZeneca’s Business Resilience agenda, including Business Continuity Planning, Crisis Management, and Non-Financial Internal Control management.

Working closely with the Functional Head  and the ERM Director, you will deliver core elements of the quarterly Group Risk cycle ensuring robust, consistent risk management and alignment with our strategic objectives, while also helping to champion business continuity and crisis management.

This is an exciting Group-level opportunity to shape the way risk is managed and embedded at AstraZeneca, building a culture of resilience and readiness. Key accountabilities include:

• Group Risk Process Execution

Supporting the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of AstraZeneca’s quarterly ERM cycle, including the identification and assessment of enduring, principal, key activeand emerging risks. Support discussions with senior leaders to ensure constructive challenge, effective risk mitigation, and ensure the diligent recording of outcomes for reporting to the Audit Committee and Board.

• ERM Technology and Process Development

Lead the evolution of risk management platforms and digital tools (e.g., risk registers, dashboards and visualisation), streamlining automation, insights, and reporting. Obtain and analyse risk data to connect trends and highlight key exposures at Group level, making results actionable and transparent.

• Non-Financial Controls Assurance

Support preparation, execution, and ongoing monitoring of the Material Controls framework as part of enhanced UK Corporate Governance ("Provision 29"). Collaborate with internal audit, compliance, and other assurance partners to deliver integrated assurance and drive timely resolution of follow-up actions.

• Business Resilience

Support the evolution of Business Continuity and Crisis Management including participating in assurance activities to confirm the effectiveness of existing plans, participate in exercises and support the implementation of technology to collate plans, drive consistency and standardisation and support reporting.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Influence

Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders globally, supporting the Risk Network and delivering guidance to functions and markets. Champion risk culture through training and engagement across the business.

• Continuous Improvement and Best Practice

Benchmark AstraZeneca’s risk processes and controls against peer companies, contributing insights and recommendations. Monitor regulatory, external, and emerging risk trends relevant to the life sciences sector and identify, propose, and implement process improvements and innovation in risk management methodologies.

This role provides the unique opportunity to build your career in a purpose-driven company, strengthening AstraZeneca’s ability to deliver life-changing medicines to patients with confidence and resilience.

Typical Accountabilities

• Support the planning and coordination of the quarterly enterprise risk assessment process, gathering and analysing risk information from business units and functions.

• Facilitate risk workshops and meetings with functional or regional leaders to identify, discuss, and assess enduring, principal and emerging risks.

• Maintain and update the Group risk registers, ensuring the quality, accuracy, and clarity of risk descriptions and mitigation plans.

• Develop and enhance technologies for the collection of risk information, risk reporting dashboards and digital tools, automating data collection and visualisation where possible.

• Support the preparation of risk analysis, commentary, and summary materials for Board, Audit Committee, and senior management audiences.

• Collate, analyse, and interpret risk data to identify trends, interdependencies, and exposures that inform risk strategy and reporting.

• Perform a programme of work to review and test AstraZeneca’s suite of Material Controls in line with UK Corporate Governance requirements, documenting outcomes and follow-up actions working closely with control owners. Coordinate with Internal Audit, Compliance, and other functions to deliver integrated risk and assurance activities.

• Track and follow up on risk mitigation actions, ensuring timely progress updates and clear accountability across the business.

• Support business continuity and crisis management activities where required, including reviewing plan documentation, supporting exercises, and promoting good practice. Help standardise and embed business continuity and crisis management processes across the organisation, including supporting the roll-out of technologies to support and enhance existing processes and to drive engagement.

• Deliver risk management training and awareness sessions where required to strengthen risk culture and capabilities throughout the business.

• Monitor industry developments, regulatory changes, and emerging risks, bringing relevant insights to risk forums and reporting.

• Benchmark risk management practices against peers, identifying and recommending opportunities for improvement.

• Engage and build effective working relationships with all members of the Risk Network including global risk leads, risk owners, and stakeholders to promote alignment and best practice.

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (e.g., business, finance, science, engineering, risk management)

• Experience (typically 5+ years) in enterprise risk management, internal controls assurance, internal audit, or related roles in large, complex organisations; experience in life sciences or FTSE100 / global matrix environments is advantageous

• Track record of involvement in corporate risk processes, including facilitating workshops and engaging management teams  

• Familiarity with risk management frameworks (e.g., COSO, other international risk management and assurance standards)

• Familiarity with digital risk tools/platforms

• Analytical mindset, strong attention to detail, and confidence dealing with complex information

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to influence effectively across levels and cultures

• Proactive problem-solver with high integrity, resilience, and a continuous improvement mindset

Desirable

• Professional risk, audit, or assurance qualifications 

• Experience implementing or administering risk management technology platforms

• Experience with data analytics, dashboarding, or process automation relevant to risk

• Experience working directly with Board/Audit Committee-level reporting

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!

Date Posted

12-Aug-2025

Closing Date

04-Sept-2025

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the 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.