Senior Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Strategy, TOSI

Job Title: Senior Director, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Strategy, TOSI

Reporting to: VP Technical Operations, Science & Innovation

Location: Macclesfield, UK

Hybrid working model - 3 days per week onsite

At AstraZeneca, science compels us to push the boundaries of what is possible to turn science into life-changing medicines for patients who need them most. We deliver breakthrough science by creating thriving, vibrant and open science centres where our scientists are free to pursue their ideas and collaborate both with colleagues and our academic and industry partners.   

Introduction to role:

Are you ready to harness AI and data to reshape how life-changing medicines are sustained at scale?

In this role, you will set the vision and lead the execution of a bold AI and digital strategy that connects development to large-scale technical operations, accelerating productivity, compliance, and problem solving across the commercial product lifecycle. Imagine turning complex CMC processes, product transfers, and regulatory documentation into streamlined, data-driven workflows that free teams to focus on the science that matters to patients!

You will lead a small, high-performing team of AI and digital experts to deliver measurable impact—reducing cycle times, improving first-time-right outcomes, and embedding sophisticated analytics into daily decision-making.

If you can bring senior leaders together behind a clear and compelling roadmap, implement solutions that deliver lasting value, and build the capabilities that embed transformation for the long term, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Vision and Strategy: Define and own the AI, data, and digital strategy for on-market technical functions, aligned to business objectives and patient impact.

Value Realisation: Drive measurable productivity gains and cost efficiencies; set benefit targets and ensure solutions translate to outcomes in the business.

Portfolio Leadership: Build and manage a balanced portfolio of initiatives that redefine day-to-day operations, from pilot to scale.

Indicators and Governance: Establish metrics, tracking mechanisms, and governance to ensure benefits are realised and sustained.

Solution Delivery and Adoption: Lead the development, delivery, implementation, and adoption of digital and AI solutions that enhance efficiency and innovation across teams.

Platform Integration: Partner with platform owners to integrate ERP, MES, QMS, and content/regulatory systems into end-to-end digital solutions.

Data Architecture and Compliance: Shape robust data architectures and governance that enable AI at scale in regulated environments.

Investment and Stakeholder Alignment: Create compelling business cases, align senior leaders, secure funding, and track the value delivered.

Workforce Capability Uplift: Build a strategic capability program that raises digital fluency and prepares the organization for the future.

Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a small team of AI/digital experts; foster a culture of innovation, delivery, and continuous improvement.

Portfolio and Resource Management: Manage budgets, resources, and multi-functional collaborations to meet commitments and influence outcomes.

Safety, Quality and Standards: Champion SHE and cGMP principles while advancing digital transformation.

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience or higher in a relevant science or engineering field.
• Technical expertise, including knowledge in the language of AI, data engineering, e.g., Python, R, cloud platforms (AWS/GCP).
• Solid understanding of data architecture, data governance, and AI deployment at scale in regulated environments.
• Experience working with enterprise platforms (e.g., ERP, MES, QMS, content/regulatory systems) and integrating them into digital solutions.
• Strong CMC knowledge with experience in Pharmaceutical Product Development and Manufacture, along with extensive knowledge of CMC processes across all product stages.
• Strategic leadership with a proven track record of developing, leading and delivering multi-functional digital strategies and transformative programs within a pharmaceutical CMC context.
• An innovative outlook that employs a digital-first approach to streamline processes, enhance compliance, and foster efficiency.
• Outstanding business insight, proficiency in developing a strong argument for projects, organisational skills and lean tool deployment.
• Managing transitions and agility with ability to drive digital transformation and adapt strategy based on internal constraints or evolving tech/regulatory landscapes.
• Experienced in managing collaborators, good communication skills, capable of leading and collaborating effectively at senior levels. Ability to build consensus and navigate conflicts.
• A problem-solving approach that delivers critical thinking and substantial business value.
• Thorough understanding of principles, applications and management of SHE and cGMP.

• PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific, engineering, or data field.
• Demonstrated experience operationalizing MLOps, model lifecycle management, and validation in GxP contexts.
• Familiarity with generative AI, knowledge graphs, semantic layers, and digital twins for manufacturing and CMC.
• Experience leading global, multi-functional teams and vendor ecosystems across multiple time zones.
• Knowledge of ICH guidelines (e.g., Q8–Q12) and regulatory interactions related to digital/AI-enabled submissions.
• Track record of thought leadership (e.g., publications, conference talks, patents) on AI and data in CMC.
• Certification in Lean Six Sigma or portfolio/program management.
• Experience spanning both small-molecule and biologics would be advantageous.

Why AstraZeneca: Here you will join a community that pairs scientific rigor with digital ambition to deliver medicines faster, more reliably, and more sustainably. You will work shoulder to shoulder with scientists, engineers, data experts, and manufacturing leaders—unexpected teams in the same room unleashing bold thinking—using pioneering platforms and modern ways of working to solve real problems for patients. With meaningful investment, global reach, and leaders who open doors, you will shape high-impact solutions and see them scaled across the enterprise. We balance pace with support, and ambition with humanity, so you can stretch your capabilities while helping others do the same.

Call to Action: Take the lead in defining how AI and data accelerate the journey from molecule to medicine—step forward and shape what comes next!

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