Pipeline Strategy & Management, Head of Systems & Processes, GMD Transformation(AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP), Gaithersburg, MD, US, 20877

Posted On: April 2nd, 2017    Job Type: Pipeline Jobs    Job Location:
Location:Gothenburg, Västra Götaland, SwedenGaithersburg, Maryland, United StatesJob reference: R-004584Posted date: Mar. 28, 2017 As Head of Systems & Processes (S&P) you will be responsible for leading the S&P group within Pipeline Strategy & Management (PS&M). The group will maintain and evolve the core tools & systems used for project and portfolio planning (i.e. Planisware, capacity & resource tools, portfolio management system) and ensure that customer needs are addressed. You will be accountable for establishing, directing and providing strategic leadership on a global basis to the team as they support drug development project teams, key functions and senior leaders within late stage pharma drug development to deliver upon their project and financial targets through excellence in resource management and timely intervention in project planning. You will also work closely with peers in the portfolio team and Operational Excellence to align and integrate so as to drive efficient pipeline delivery. This role can be at different levels deepening on seniority of the candidate. At AstraZeneca, we’re not afraid to do things differently. We’re building a new kind of organisation to reset expectations of what a bio-pharmaceutical company can be. This means we’re opening up new ways to work, pioneering cutting edge methods and bringing unexpected teams together. If you’re inspired by the possibilities of science to make a difference and ready to discover what you can do – join us. Main Duties and Responsibilities Leading the development of a global vision, objectives and strategy for the project & portfolio systems environment which supports GMD objectives and driving activities to deliver on these as appropriate. Maintaining strong regular communication links within the GMD organisation; giving clarity on upcoming system enhancements, tips to improve the user experience and driven continuous improvement etc. Ensuring the provision of expertise in late stage development project planning process (critical path identification, resource management, budget management) and the Planisware tool set to drug development teams. Ensuring continuous improvement of the systems & processes that drive project and portfolio management including sharing of best practice and standardization across project teams and functions. Effecting system changes through a robust change management approach Ensuring the robustness of data captured within the systems such that project teams, Function Leaders, GMD LT trust the data and use it as a primary project data source Collaborating with the Analytics & Reporting group in generating analyses of timeline, resource, and budget information that facilitates scenario planning, contingency planning, risk assessment and management, problem-solving, and decision-making across the GMD portfolio. Providing quality coaching and training of the global project teams and relevant functions in program and project management techniques available within the tool set to facilitate the delivery of project objectives. This will include "hands-on" support as needed —for example during re-planning, scenario planning or preparation for upcoming milestones and/or investment decisions. Collaborating with R&DIT to secure sufficient, timely, IT resources to maintain systems Ensuring effective utilization and prioritization of the S&P team's resources and capabilities to deliver agreed critical business objectives and activities within annual financial budget. Accountable for individual performance management and personal development of the S&P team including high quality coaching, differentiated recognition and rewards Essential Requirements Education & Experience BA/BS in science or engineering discipline or equivalent technical work experience Leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry Track record of delivery and raising performance and capability across a team Experience of leading and managing teams of people and projects Ability to influence broadly within and outside the organisation Product Development Process High level knowledge/awareness of the overall pharmaceutical product development process, including stages of development and role of different functional areas. Project Management Expertise in use of enterprise-wide pharmaceutical project management software solutions, including skills in critical path analysis. MS Project experience is required in a Pharmaceutical/Biotech environment. Understanding financial and resource planning systems and processes and ability to coordinate project-level budget/resource estimates and manage actuals vs. plan Other Experience/Abilities Excellent communication, negotiation, collaboration and interpersonal skills Strong organizational skills required, including good time management skills. Highly organized and able to work independently on multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Clear understanding of external business environment and business challenges Desirable Requirements Education & Experience Masters degree Experience in a therapy area in which AZ works: RIA, Oncology, CVMD, NS or ID Product Development Process Experience in working on a cross functional team in a matrix organization. Project Management Experience with the Planisware project management tool In depth knowledge of project management as a discipline including the ability to create, coordinate, and maintain an integrated product plan and to control or respond to changes in strategy and scope. Other Experience/Abilities Proven ability to lead change with a positive approach to the challenges of change for self and team If you are interested, apply now! Welcome with your application no later than April 10, 2017. AstraZeneca is an equal opportunity employer. AstraZeneca will consider all qualified applicants for employment without discrimination on grounds of disability, sex or sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity leave status, race or national or ethnic origin, age, religion or belief, gender identity or re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, protected veteran status (if applicable) or any other characteristic protected by law. AstraZeneca only employs individuals with the right to work in the country/ies where the role is advertised.

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